Browsing by Subject "Northern Cape"

Now showing 1 - 6 of 6
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    Open Access
    A case study on the experiences of persons with disabilities of the disability grant processes occurring at SASSA Springbok in the Northern Cape
    (2021) Bock, Stacey Louisa; Sonday, Amshuda; Buchanan, Helen
    Introduction: Persons with disabilities (PWDs) living in rural areas are known to have a higher risk of living in poverty as they have the lowest levels of employment. To assist persons with disabilities to overcome these challenges, the South African government has developed interventions such as social assistance programmes which aim to prevent poverty and assure the basic minimum standard of living. Over the past five years minimal research has been published which focused on the disability grant in the South African context. More specifically, no research has been conducted in the Northern Cape, home to a high proportion of persons with disabilities. Of the research conducted in other parts of South Africa, no studies have sought to understand the experiences of persons with disabilities while engaging in the disability grant process. The research question for this study was, “How are PWDs experiencing the disability grant processes occurring at the SASSA Springbok branch in the NC?” This study therefore aimed to describe the experiences of disabled persons with the disability grant processes as they occurred at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in Springbok, Northern Cape. Method: A single instrumental case study research design was utilised. Five participants were purposively sampled. Data were collected through document review of pertinent SASSA documents, non-participant observation, and semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed inductively, taking a thematic approach. Findings: The theme that emerged was Respecting differences is part of humanity. The main findings reveal that engaging with persons with disabilities as humans and not disregarding their humanity because of their disability are imperative to how they experience the disability grant process. Two categories, For us, human dignity matters, and the Impact of context on occupational rights, encapsulate two specific areas that relate to the theme. Conclusion: The experience of the disability grant process in this case study was influenced by stakeholder engagement with participants, mandatory protocols implemented due to the novel coronavirus, and the administrative aspects of the process. Recommendations for an improved overall experience of the disability grant process include streamlining the disability grant application process, the implementation of consistent Batho Pele principles by all stakeholders, suitably accommodating the disability grant application process for all types of disabilities, as well as maintaining the logistical structures put in place (albeit unintentionally) from the year 2020.
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    Open Access
    Agricultural commercialisation through innovation platforms: a case for goat production
    (2020) Modiba, Mothupi; Hall, Martin
    Empirical evidence has shown that goats are of significance in marginalised, poor, and rural economies and this information has been well documented in scholarly research. Despite its importance and potential contribution, goat farming remains underutilised and undeveloped in the rural economy - particularly in South Africa. Developmental intervention has focused on improving productivity with minimal effort aimed at the integration of key role players in the value chain, and even less emphasis on improving farmers' attitudes. The largest goat population in South Africa is found in the Northern Cape where there is great potential to be realised for goat farming. The main objective of this study was to identify supply side (production) factors constraining subsistence goat production in South Africa, with the view of identifying key actors to establish an innovation platform through vertical integration. By transforming the subsistence farming orientation of goat farmers into a commercial (market) orientation, the welfare of communities can be improved through the commercialisation of smallscale goat farmers. Studies highlight the need to enhance goat production beyond subsistence goat rearing and towards commercialisation through access to markets, veterinary services, credit facilities, and government support. Furthermore, a focus on market development, value chain integration and innovation platforms can improve the efficiency of the goat farming sector. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on goat farming in South Africa and offers an innovation platform to foster partnerships among the actors along the value chain, creating an enabling environment for the easy flow of market information and infrastructure development. A praxis model is incorporated into this research. This takes the form of a business model and is provided in Appendix B as a practical way of applying the knowledge gathered in this research.
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    An investigation of the tufa deposits at Ga-Mohana Hill in the Northern Cape, South Africa: palaeoenvironmental context for Late pleistocene and holocene human occupation in the Southern Kalahari
    (2025) von der Meden, Jessica Johanna; Harris, Chris; Tostevin, Rosalie; Pickering, Pickering
    There is a rich record of human occupation in the southern Kalahari, but the palaeoclimatic backdrop to early human activity in this area is poorly understood. Secondary calcium carbonates, including tufa, are common in the Kalahari, yet their palaeoclimate potential remains relatively unexploited. Tufa deposits at Ga-Mohana Hill, an archaeological site in the southern Kalahari, represent past water availability in a presently semi-arid region. Tufa are useful palaeoclimate proxies that form from freshwater springs and streams. They are amenable to radiometric dating, and conditions during their formation can be investigated through geochemical proxies, such as carbon and oxygen isotopes. In this study, I use the tufa deposits at Ga-Mohana Hill, and their association with the archaeological record of Late Pleistocene and Holocene human occupation, to investigate the interplay between environmental changes and human evolution in this previously understudied region. I show that the Ga-Mohana tufa deposits comprise cascade, barrage, terrace breccia and dome morphologies that formed from a presently inactive perched-springline system, and that these represent past streams, waterfalls, and shallow pools. Based on petrographic observations, bulk X-ray diffraction, and in situ laser ablation analysis, calcite is identified as the main crystalline phase, along with variable inclusions of quartz and other non-carbonate phases rich in Mn, Fe and Al. Element distribution maps constructed from laser ablation analysis were used to identify portions of the tufa samples suitable for uranium-thorium dating. Episodic tufa formation over the last ~114 ka is inferred from thirty-three U-Th ages obtained from twelve tufa samples. These episodes are interpreted to indicate water availability during MIS 5d (~114 - 100 ka), MIS 4 (~73-57 ka), two stages during MIS 3 (~57-48 ka, and ~44-32 ka), and two stages during the Holocene (~15 - 6 ka, and ~4-2 ka). This timing supports the notion that conditions for tufa formation are not restricted to warm and wet interglacial periods. The tufa carbon (-8.83 to +3 .55‰) and oxygen (-6.14 to -0.05‰) isotope values indicate some kinetic fractionation effects, likely driven by evaporation. The carbon isotopes indicate a combined input of soil-derived CO2 and heavier bedrock CO2, along with a high proportion of C4 vegetation, except during MIS 4, during which lower d13C values indicate a higher input of soil-derived CO2 and/or a greater proportion of C3 vegetation. Overall, the carbon and oxygen isotope values indicate a gradual increase in aridity over the last ~70 ka, i.e., warmer temperatures, increased evaporation, and a higher proportion of C4 vegetation, albeit wet enough to sustain tufa formation. Three of the tufa episodes coincide with archaeological units at Ga-Mohana Hill, dated to ~105 ka, ~31 ka, and ~15 ka. I propose that prior to ~70 ka, human occupation in the region coincided with water availability, whereas by ~30 ka, water availability was much reduced, yet human occupation persisted. Following the last glacial maximum (LGM) there is evidence of human occupation despite variable water availability at Ga-Mohana Hill, and in the region. This may point to early human development of arid-adaptive behaviours in the southern Kalahari.
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    Open Access
    DFI funding and infrastructure development In South Africa: A case of under resourced schools in Northern Cape
    (2025) Jack, Jonita Phatheka; Alhassan, Abdul Latif
    This study investigated the role of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) in addressing infrastructure deficits in under-resourced schools in the Northern Cape, South Africa, and their impact on educational performance. The research problem is centred on the persistent lack of adequate infrastructure in schools, which hinders access to quality education and exacerbates educational inequalities. The study sought to explore how DFI-funded infrastructure projects contribute to improving the physical learning environment, access to educational materials, and the long-term sustainability of educational development in disadvantaged areas. The research employed a qualitative approach, utilizing in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, including school administrators, government officials, and DFI representatives. Additionally, a qualitative analysis of financial data was conducted to assess the allocation and impact of DFI funding. This methodological approach provided a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms through which DFIs influence educational infrastructure and the factors that affect the effectiveness of their interventions. The findings of the study revealed that DFIs have made significant contributions to enhancing the physical infrastructure of under-resourced schools. Key outcomes included the construction of new classrooms, libraries, and laboratories, as well as the renovation of existing facilities. DFI funding also improved access to essential educational materials, such as textbooks, digital tools, and e-learning platforms, thereby enriching the learning environment. The study also highlighted the importance of future-oriented strategies to ensure sustainable infrastructure development, particularly considering technological advancements and the need for inclusive education that caters to diverse learner needs. The conclusions of the study underscored the need for improved accountability, streamlined procedures, and stronger collaboration among DFIs, government bodies, and local communities to ensure long-term sustainability of infrastructure projects in South Africa's education sector. It offers policy recommendations and suggests future research on learner outcomes and community engagement. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and development practitioners seeking to address infrastructure challenges in South Africa's education sector.
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    Shell middens in Namaqualand: Two Later Stone Age sites at Rooiwalbaai, Northern Cape Province, South Africa
    (South African Archaeological Society, 2005) Orton, J; Hart, T J; Halkett, D J
    This paper contributes to the very limited body of archaeological knowledge from the Northern Cape Namaqualand coastline. Excavations at two Later Stone Age open shell middens from this area are described and discussed. Both sites have finely crafted lithic assemblages and, although one contains possible cow bones, their faunal remains indicate a subsistence strategy consistent with a foraging economy. Although the bead and pottery samples are small, provisionally they may indicate a different interpretation to that offered for similar materials from the Western Cape. The spatial patterning among the shellfish at one of the sites supports our suggestion that the archaeological content of deflation hollows generally represents palimpsests of occupation. It is clear that further research will be required before significant patterns can be described for the Later Stone Age of Namaqualand
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    Technology assessment of green hydrogen in South Africa
    (2025) Bwanya, Rick; Musango, Josephine Kaviti; Alhassan, Latif
    This study investigated the sustainability indicators for green hydrogen in South Africa's Northern Cape Province to inform investment and policy decisions. Using an exploratory sequential mixed-method approach, the study first conducted a systematic literature review to identify relevant sustainability indicators. This was followed by a stakeholder survey of 16 individuals representing 11 stakeholder groups to validate and rank these indicators in the context of the Northern Cape. The stakeholders' responses on the relative importance of each of the identified sustainability indicators were registered using a 5-point Likert scale, and a weighted mean score was computed to rank each indicator. This study identified 28 sustainability indicators across environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Environmental indicators were ranked highest in importance, with water use, biodiversity impact, and human toxicity potential as the top concerns. Social indicators were ranked second, with employment and skills development emerging as critical factors. Economic indicators were ranked third, with energy efficiency, local procurement, energy supply security, and economic development as the primary considerations. The study also revealed differences in priorities between public and private sector stakeholders, with the former placing more importance on social indicators and the latter on environmental indicators, thus highlighting the need for a balanced energy technology sustainability assessment approach. Based on the findings, this study recommended a comprehensive energy technology sustainability assessment for green hydrogen be conducted that considers the diverging stakeholder views of and incorporates the key sustainability indicators established in this study. The assessment may provide results relevant to policymakers and investors alike in decision-making, thus ensuring that capital is mobilised and aligned with sustainable energy technologies, such as green hydrogen. This study contributed to the broader fields of energy technology assessment and sustainable investment and provided sustainability indicators that researchers, policymakers and investors can consider in South Africa's emerging green hydrogen economy, with a specific focus on the Northern Cape. These findings can inform sustainable development strategies and guide future research in this field.