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1
Malatji, Masike, Annlizé L. Marnewick, and Suné von Solms. "Cybersecurity Policy and the Legislative Context of the Water and Wastewater Sector in South Africa." Sustainability 13, no. 1 (December 30, 2020): 291. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su13010291.
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The water and wastewater sector is an important lifeline upon which other economic sectors depend. Securing the sector’s critical infrastructure is therefore important for any country’s economy. Like many other nations, South Africa has an overarching national cybersecurity strategy aimed at addressing cyber terrorism, cybercriminal activities, cyber vandalism, and cyber sabotage. The aim of this study is to contextualise the water and wastewater sector’s cybersecurity responsibilities within the national cybersecurity legislative and policy environment. This is achieved by conducting a detailed analysis of the international, national and sector cybersecurity stakeholders; legislation and policies; and challenges pertaining to the protection of the water and wastewater sector. The study found some concerning challenges and improvement gaps regarding the complex manner in which the national government is implementing the cybersecurity strategy. The study also found that, along with the National Cybersecurity Policy Framework (the national cybersecurity strategy of South Africa), the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, Critical Infrastructure Protection Act, and other supporting legislation and policies make provision for the water and wastewater sector’s computer security incidents response team to be established without the need to propose any new laws or amend existing ones. This is conducive for the immediate development of the sector-specific cybersecurity governance framework and resilience strategy to protect the water and wastewater assets.
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Tyler, Emily, Michelle Du Toit, and Zelda Burchell. "Emissions trading as a policy option for greenhouse gas mitigation in South Africa." Journal of Energy in Southern Africa 22, no. 1 (February 1, 2011): 26–41. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2413-3051/2011/v22i1a3207.
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Emissions trading is fast becoming one of the most popular policy instruments for reducing greenhouse gas emissions internationally. This hybrid instrument combines the certainty of mitigation volume delivered by regulation, whilst also harnessing the power of the market through an economic approach to deliver migitation price discovery and least cost mitigation opportunities. Theoretically, this is a powerful combination.However, the realities of uncertainty and lack of information result in international emissions trading experience deviating substantially from the instrument’s theoretical potential. This is of particular relevance in a developing country context. Scheme design is therefore very important to counter these market failures, and policymakers are required to strike a balance between this and introducing distortions. Given that the instrument is in its infancy, performance of the various schemes up and running internationally is inconclusive. Emissions trading proponents argue that the benefits will be realised over time, once the initial teething problems are overcome. The paper is the result of research conducted in 2008 and presented at the South African Climate Policy Summit in 2009. It considers theory and international experience in application to the potential establishment of an emissions trading scheme in South Africa. Lack of data, capacity and experience with markets in the energy sector present complications in the use of the instrument as a central part of the nation’s mitigation policy suite, as do market concentration issues. Should an emissions trading be proposed, the paper argues for ways in which its design could address these complications, and align with the current energy security imperative resulting from the electricity crisis in the country, the twin political objectives of poverty reduction and employment creation of the recently elected government, and the timeframes proposed by the Long Term Mitigation Scenarios.
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Tinto, E. M., and K. G. Banda. "The Integrated National Electrification Programme and political democracy." Journal of Energy in Southern Africa 16, no. 4 (November 1, 2005): 26–33. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2413-3051/2005/v16i4a3077.
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Since the coming of democracy in South Africa, the last decade has been marked by extraordinary, yet positive changes in policy development. Democratic organisation, both as a system of government and as a value system commanding the support of ordinary people, is of key importance in these developments and the implications for South Africa are still being analysed. Noticeable are the fundamental changes in the energy sector where there has been a shift from energy self-reliance and energy security to a more sustainable policy approach driven by economic efficiency, social equity and environment protection. Institutes of Democracy like IDEA (2004) concur with this trend that a strong democratic system must support poverty reduction for meaningful democratic change and, in practice; this is clearly the trend being defined. It is now a sustainable development issue, and voter’s confidence that is fast becoming the defining principle and drives for rapid policy change and service delivery in the form of an Integrated National Electrification Programme (INEP) in the energy sector. Policy makers in energy policy acknowledge this phenomenon as defining what is now seen as a ‘post-apartheid energy paradigm shift’. In this paper, it is suggested that the National Electrification Programme (NEP) has performed beyond expectation in increasing access to electricity for the poor in the country. It is also argued that, there is now an electrification and political democracy nexus exhibited in social and political development of this country. In this line of thought, the argument given is that one of the reasons why people voted for the ruling party in 1999 and 2000 was the NEP. Furthermore this identified linkage provides policy recommendations that suggest that the government should deliver other basic services in a similar manner in order to gain people’s confidence. In South Africa, because of the country’s unique social, economic and political history, a trade-off between basic social service delivery and linkage with democracy then becomes very crucial. Keywords
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Obagbuwa, Ibidun Christiana, and Ademola P. Abidoye. "South Africa Crime Visualization, Trends Analysis, and Prediction Using Machine Learning Linear Regression Technique." Applied Computational Intelligence and Soft Computing 2021 (June 8, 2021): 1–14. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2021/5537902.
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South Africa has been classified as one of the most homicidal, violent, and dangerous places across the globe. However, the two elements that pushed South Africa high in the crime rank are the rates of social violence and homicide. It was reported by Business Insider that South Africa is among the most top 15 ferocious nations on earth. By 1995, South Africa was rated the second highest in terms of murder. However, the crime rate has reduced for some years and suddenly rose again in recent years. Due to social violence and crime rates in South Africa, foreign investors are no longer interested in continuing or starting a business with the nation, and hence, its economy is declining. South Africa’s government is looking for solutions to the crime issue and to redeem the image of the country in terms of high crime ranking and boost the confidence of the investors. Many traditional approaches to data analysis in crime-related studies have been done in South Africa, but the machine learning approach has not been adequately considered. The police station and many other agencies that deal with crime hold a lot of databases that can be used to predict or analyze criminal happenings across the provinces of South Africa. This research work aimed at offering a solution to the problem by building a model that can predict crime. The machine learning approach shall be used to extract useful information from South Africa's nine provinces' crime data. A crime prediction system that can analyze and predict crime is proposed. To accomplish this, South Africa crime data on 27 crime categories were obtained from the popular data repository “Kaggle.” Diverse data analytics steps were applied to preprocess the datasets, and a machine learning algorithm (linear regression) was used to build a predictive model to analyze data and predict future crime. The appropriate authorities and security agencies in South Africa can have insight into the crime trends and alleviate them to encourage the foreign stakeholders to continue their businesses.
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Motjoadi, Vinny, Pitshou N. Bokoro, and Moses O. Onibonoje. "A Review of Microgrid-Based Approach to Rural Electrification in South Africa: Architecture and Policy Framework." Energies 13, no. 9 (May 2, 2020): 2193. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/en13092193.
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Access to electricity for every South African citizen, including rural dwellers, is a human right issue guaranteed by the government’s laws and policies. However, many remote rural areas still suffer from a lack of this very important amenity, due to the expensive prospect of connecting them to the central national grid. The feasible approach to connecting the rural communities to electricity supply is suggestively through the use of microgrid solutions. The microgrid technology is a very recent and viable option for the energy revolution. Microgrids result from the incorporation of energy storage systems, distributed generators, and localized loads. The application of this technology requires deliberate and extensive work on the operational architecture and the policy framework to be adopted. The energy storage devices form an integral part of the microgrid configuration or architecture to make sure more maintainable and constant operation is attained. This paper presents a review of the architectures of the existing microgrid systems, as well as the policy framework for implementable solutions. The various architectures display the peculiarity of the systems based on the increased grid performance, stability, quality of electricity, and other comparative advantages. The microgrid architectures are fundamentally recognized according to their AC, DC, or hybrid distribution buses and the complexity inherent to them. In the Policy And Development Section, the problems are treated as ‘a search for the truth’—a truth being revealed by close and objective examination. The core of the problem to be solved is revealed clearly, thereby giving the basis for simplifying and solving it. The policies encourage the accomplishment of a zero-carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions, energy security attainment, the meeting of the electricity demand, and, lastly, the promotion of access to electricity in rural areas. It is established that the returns through charges of the consumers are very insignificant. Although returns on investment always come in conflict with the human right demands of the local indigenes, the policy framework would be explicit on the mode of returns for the government, private partners, and the communities—a return that can be short, medium, or long term. Policymakers would be keen on the exhaustive analysis of issues, leading to optimal decision making.
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Jansen van Vuuren, Joey, Louise Leenen, Jackie Phahlamohlaka, and Jannie Zaaiman. "An Approach to Governance of CyberSecurity in South Africa." International Journal of Cyber Warfare and Terrorism 2, no. 4 (October 2012): 13–27. http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/ijcwt.2012100102.
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A government has the responsibility to provide, regulate and maintain national security, which includes human security for its citizens. Recent declarations from the UK and USA governments about setting up cybersecurity organisations and the appointment of cyber czars reflect a global recognition that the Internet is part of the national critical infrastructure that needs to be safeguarded and protected. Although the South African government approved a draft National Cyber Security Policy Framework in March 2012, the country still needs a national cybersecurity governance structure in order to effectively control and protect its cyber infrastructure. Whilst various structures have been established to deal with cybersecurity in South Africa, they are inadequate and implementation of the policy is still in the very early stages. Structures need to be in place to set the security controls and policies and also to govern their implementation. It is important to have a holistic approach to cybersecurity, with partnerships between business, government and civil society put in place to achieve this goal. This paper investigates different government organisational structures created for the control of national cybersecurity in selected countries of the world. The main contribution is a proposed approach that South Africa could follow in implementing its proposed cybersecurity policy framework, taking into account the challenges of legislation and control of cybersecurity in Africa, and in particular, in South Africa.
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Maumbe, Blessing Mukabeta. "Mobile Agriculture in South Africa." International Journal of ICT Research and Development in Africa 1, no. 2 (April 2010): 35–59. http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/jictrda.2010040103.
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The rapid diffusion of mobile and wireless technologies is transforming agricultural development globally. In South Africa, rural e-government service delivery has been hampered by low Internet penetration. Mobile government offers a promising alternative to deliver public services to remote rural communities. In this regard, the author examines the potential of mobile and wireless technologies to deliver value-added services to rural communities in South Africa. An implementation framework comprising a multi-functional agro-portal and mobile agriculture services is proposed. The benefits and barriers of using mobile and wireless technologies in rural areas are examined, while key considerations and policy implications for mobile agriculture are discussed. The author advocates the development of “value-based” and “demand-driven” mobile agriculture services for the future growth and survival of mobile agriculture, which requires greater competition among service providers, use of multi-lingual e-content, integration of indigenous knowledge, mobile agriculture curriculum, mobile cyber-security, and customized value-added services for rural communities.
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Harris, HC, and DLW Krueger. "Implementing energy efficiency policy in housing in South Africa." Journal of Energy in Southern Africa 16, no. 3 (August 1, 2005): 38–44. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2413-3051/2005/v16i3a3114.
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The Thermal Insulation Association of South Africa (TIASA) is supporting government measures to promote energy efficiency in South African buildings. The research document titled: ‘New standards of thermal design to provide comfort and energy efficiency in South African housing’, has been adopted by TIASA, and details an objective basis for a standard. The S.A.N.S. 283 titled: ‘Energy efficiency for naturally ventilated buildings’ has as its premise, the same assumptions and methodologies as the research document. The provision of comfort in all housing in South Africa, including the problematic 30/36 m2 subsidy house – can be a reality with the proposals.
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GARIDZIRAI, Rufaro, and Rufaro Emily CHIKURUWO. "An Economic Analysis of the Social Grant Policy in South Africa." Journal of Advanced Research in Law and Economics 11, no. 2 (March 31, 2020): 362. http://dx.doi.org/10.14505/jarle.v11.2(48).09.
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South Africa`s economy is largely influenced by socio-economic challenges that need attention. These challenges include poverty, stagnant economic growth, unemployment and crime. In a bid to address these challenges, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa established the social grant system as one of the solutions to the above entrenched challenges. Section 27 (1) (c) of the Constitution affords everyone the right to social security, including, appropriate social support for themselves and those that depend on them. The critical question is whether the social grant system can solve all the above-mentioned challenges? This question remains as one of the unanswered questions in South Africa’s policy space. Extensive examination of this conundrum is therefore necessary. Thus, the objective of this study is to investigate whether the social grants are economically sustainable in South Africa. The study utilized a combination of the doctrinal research methodology and literature review approach in achieving the objective of the study. The results of the study suggest that the social grant system is a short-term policy that presents long-run challenges, especially if the economic outlook of the country is not favorable. Therefore, although the social grant system is legally supported by the Constitution, it is nonetheless economically unsustainable considering the economic metrics of South Africa. Based on the results of the study, the paper proposes that the government introduces a new system of social grants that promotes small businesses for citizens so that they do not rely on the government for survival.
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Adom, Richard Kwame, and Mulala Danny Simatele. "Analysis of public policies and programmes towards water security in post-apartheid South Africa." Water Policy 23, no. 3 (March 25, 2021): 503–20. http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/wp.2021.017.
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Abstract Many countries in the world, including South Africa, are water-stressed with increasing pressure on their water resources due to population growth, climate change, and inadequate funding. Post-independence in 1994, many policies and programmes were introduced by the government with the aim of promoting water management. While these policies and strategies achieved much in terms of water provision to communities and households, they failed to establish a water-conscious country with sufficient knowledge and expertise in water management. In addition, these policies and programmes are outdated, compartmentalised, complex, and lack robust water governance with resilient stakeholder partnerships that advance the more explicit second phase of the National Development Plan (NDP) to achieve water security under the threat of climate change. Using data collection tools inspired by the traditional method of participatory research, this paper analyses the structural and systematic factors hindering the implementation of comprehensive policies to achieve water security in South Africa. There is, therefore, an urgent need for South Africa to establish an independent water regulator to ensure coordination between different government departments, including the National Treasury, to strengthen weak governance capacity and to make it independent to attract private equity into the sector and to recover fiscal deficits in the water sector.
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Chisasa, Joseph, and Daniel Makina. "Trends In Credit To Smallholder Farmers In South Africa." International Business & Economics Research Journal (IBER) 11, no. 7 (July 5, 2012): 771. http://dx.doi.org/10.19030/iber.v11i7.7064.
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Access to credit for smallholder farmers remains a challenge in most developing countries. This paper examines the trend and pattern of bank credit to smallholder farmers in South Africa, both before and after the attainment of democratic government. The analysis of the trend and pattern of bank credit to smallholder farmers was conducted within the confines of the same agricultural sector, across all economy sectors and in relation to GDP. Our analyses show that bank credit to smallholder farmers is (and continues to be) a small fraction of total credit to the private sector and is a very small proportion of GDP. The smallholder farmer sector is observed to face the same constraints to credit as SMEs, a category of enterprises to which they also belong. In light of the importance of agriculture, in general, and smallholder farmers, in particular, to South Africas poverty alleviation and food security drive, our results have important policy implications.
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Ngema, Primrose, Melusi Sibanda, and Lovemore Musemwa. "Household Food Security Status and Its Determinants in Maphumulo Local Municipality, South Africa." Sustainability 10, no. 9 (September 16, 2018): 3307. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su10093307.
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Food security at the household level remains a major issue in South Africa and for many other developing countries, particularly those in Africa. As a means of ensuring food security in KwaZulu-Natal province, various food security intervention programmes were launched. Nonetheless, food security remains an issue among households in the province. This paper estimates the household food security status of the “One Home One Garden” (OHOG) beneficiaries against that of non-beneficiaries and assesses the determinants of household food security status in Maphumulo. A stratified random sampling technique was used to sample 495 households (including 330 OHOG beneficiaries and 165 non-beneficiaries). The status of household food security was estimated by means of a “Household Dietary Diversity Score” (HDDS). Additionally, a Household Food Consumption Score” (HFCS) tool was employed to supplement the HDDS. The results showed that food consumption patterns were characterized by medium (4.89) and average (4.22) HDDS for the OHOG beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries, respectively. Taking HDDS as a proxy for household food security, an independent samples t-test (Levene’s test—equal variances assumed) reveals a significant (p < 0.001) relationship between the sample means of the two groups. A greater proportion (65%) of the OHOG beneficiaries had an acceptable (≥35) HFCS level, whereas just over half (54%) of the non-beneficiaries fell in the borderline (21.5 to 35) HFCS level. The determinants of household food security status were elicited by means of a binary logistic regression model. The results revealed that education (p = 0.036), receiving infrastructural support (irrigation) (p = 0.001), and participation in the OHOG programme (p = 0.000) positively influenced the food security status of households, yet household income (p = 0.000) and access to credit (p = 0.002) showed a negative correlation. This paper proposes that government and developmental agencies, in their efforts to enhance food security through food security intervention programmes, should support households by investing in education and agricultural infrastructure, as well as giving priority to smallholder infrastructural irrigation support for households that largely rely on rain-fed systems.
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Cheteni, Priviledge, Yohane Khamfula, and Gisele Mah. "Exploring Food Security and Household Dietary Diversity in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa." Sustainability 12, no. 5 (March 1, 2020): 1851. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su12051851.
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Food security is one of the most severe challenges facing the majority of African countries. The objective of this study was to explore household food dietary diversity and food security in a rural area in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. A total of 296 household heads were randomly sampled to participate in the study. The Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) and Household Food Consumption Score (HFCS) were used to identify the consumption patterns of the households and their food security status. Meanwhile, a binary model was used to identify the variables that had an impact on household food security. Findings from the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) revealed that 61 percent of the households had lower dietary diversity and were consuming at least three food groups, which mainly include pulses, milk, and cereals. The results from the Household Food Consumption Score (HFCS), however, showed that the majority of the households had adequate levels of food consumption. The binary model revealed that age, household income, access to credit, and gender are statistically significant in influencing household food security status in the study area. It can be concluded that household dietary diversity is not guaranteed by food security, as proven by the regression model. Therefore, the government should consider the impact of low income on food security and it should intensify efforts directed at helping rural households to reduce incidences of food insecurity.
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Mlambo, Victor H., and Toyin Cotties Adetiba. "Effects of Brain Drain on the South African Health Sector; Analysis of the Dynamics of its Push Factors." Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies 9, no. 4 (September 4, 2017): 62. http://dx.doi.org/10.22610/jebs.v9i4.1822.
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While there has been a plethora of studies that addresses migration in Africa, many have yet to successfully unpack the effects of brain drain on the South African health sector. Using textual analysis of the available literature relevant to the topic under consideration; this work seeks to identify the major structural and socio-economic push factors that drive the migration of health professionals in South Africa, relying on Revestain’s laws of migration and Lee’s push/pull theory of migration. The study also looks at explaining other factors that contribute to the migration of health professionals in South Africa. We argue that for South Africa to retain health professionals, the government needs to increase the training of health workers, improve their working conditions and security, upgrade infrastructure and ensure availability of resources as well as develop a more open immigration policy prioritizing skilled immigration.
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Turton, Anthony. "South Africa and the drought that exposed a young democracy." Water Policy 18, S2 (December 1, 2016): 210–27. http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/wp.2016.020.
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South Africa is a young democracy currently going through a crisis of leadership. The worst drought in recorded history has played out at regional level but against the backdrop of complex political dynamics. The government has lost significant capacity at the technical level, largely the result of political priorities driven by the need to decolonise society and the institutions of higher learning. This has manifest in the water sector as systemic failures of key instrumentation systems, rendering the El Niño event invisible until it hit. This case study of the El Niño event shows that drought management is embedded within a broader political process and is not simply a technical management issue. The Vaal River system sustains 60% of the national economy and 45% of the total population of the country, but water security in this system has been placed at risk because of political dynamics.
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Arko-Achemfuor, Akwasi. "Addressing the challenges of food security and youth unemployment in South Africa through land reform policies." Environmental Economics 7, no. 3 (October 21, 2016): 52–59. http://dx.doi.org/10.21511/ee.07(3).2016.06.
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South Africa’s past policy of apartheid has contributed to some of the socio-economic challenges the country faces today. Some of the challenges include grinding poverty levels, increasing inequality and unemployment among large sections of the population. The constitution of the country makes provision for property and land rights as strategies for addressing some of the past injustices, ensuring food insecurity and sustainable livelihoods. A number of polices have been drafted in this regard, but it is acknowledged that some of the policies that have been adopted by the government have not yielded the desired result leading to the fear that if the situation is not radically addressed may lead to unintended consequences. This paper assesses a number of polices, programs, approaches and strategies regarding land reform policies have that been put into place, most of which have not worked as expected including the fact that the youth have not been factored into most of these programs and policies. This article advocates for the youth to be factored into all land reform and food security policies and programs as a way of capacitating them and getting the youth to see agriculture as a career choice to ensure future food security for the nation, while at the same time addressing youth unemployment and rural poverty. Keywords: land reform, youth, food security, livelihoods, development, policy. JEL Classification: Q15, Q18, O2
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Mlambo, Victor H., and Toyin Cotties Adetiba. "Effects of Brain Drain on the South African Health Sector; Analysis of the Dynamics of its Push Factors." Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies 9, no. 4(J) (September 4, 2017): 62–72. http://dx.doi.org/10.22610/jebs.v9i4(j).1822.
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While there has been a plethora of studies that addresses migration in Africa, many have yet to successfully unpack the effects of brain drain on the South African health sector. Using textual analysis of the available literature relevant to the topic under consideration; this work seeks to identify the major structural and socio-economic push factors that drive the migration of health professionals in South Africa, relying on Revestain’s laws of migration and Lee’s push/pull theory of migration. The study also looks at explaining other factors that contribute to the migration of health professionals in South Africa. We argue that for South Africa to retain health professionals, the government needs to increase the training of health workers, improve their working conditions and security, upgrade infrastructure and ensure availability of resources as well as develop a more open immigration policy prioritizing skilled immigration.
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Wlokas, Holle L., Peter Westoby, and Sue Soal. "Learning from the literature on community development for the implementation of community renewables in South Africa." Journal of Energy in Southern Africa 28, no. 1 (March 23, 2017): 35. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2413-3051/2017/v28i1a1592.
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Implementation of large-scale wind, solar and hydro projects in South African communities is intended to contribute to local economic development. Government policy, through the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Prog-ramme (REIPPPP), obliges energy companies to share revenue and ownership with local communities, thus providing renewable energy companies with a significant opportunity to position the industry as a significant contributor to community development and thus to the country’s transformation and development agenda. This investigation draws on policy documents and interview data to establish that the policy’s lack of appreciation for existing community development tradition and frameworks, commonly applied in South African development policy and programmes, has weakened its potential. Furthermore, it theoretically positions the emerging practice employed by the renewables industry in the implementation of the REIPPPP requirements, and outlines how existing academic and practical knowledge about community development and company-community relations can provide guidance and support in building an impactful practice.Keywords: community relations and development, REIPPPP, community benefit, project implementation, social performanceHighlights• South Africa is implementing a unique version of pro-poor renewable energy policy. • Industry and local communities and government need to build quality relationships to successfully implement the policy requirements.• The policy and practice ignores established community development traditions and frameworks.• Existing knowledge grounded in South African practice and policy experience can guide the sector’s understanding of and vision for development.
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Rosenberg, Shirene A., and Harald Winkler. "Policy review and analysis: Energy efficiency strategy for the Republic of South Africa." Journal of Energy in Southern Africa 22, no. 4 (November 1, 2011): 67–79. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2413-3051/2011/v22i4a3230.
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This paper aims to draw attention to the complex landscape of translating policy into implementation actions. It underscores the disjuncture between a broad global response to climate change mitigation measures and the requirements for national action in this regard. Individual countries face this challenge of interpreting and translating the cross-cutting response measures into local action. Climate change mitigation and energy security are two themes that are growing in importance in terms of its contribution towards South Africa’s developmental agenda, thereby requiring an understanding of how policies and strategies are geared towards supporting this developmental agenda, in a way that does not compromise existing or future growth and progress. An assessment of the implementation of the South African energy efficiency strategy, demonstrates that the translation of policy intent into implementation is not self evident and associated with a number of prerequisites. These do not merely relate to the competence or capacity of an institution to implement the policy, but to a complex interrelationship of a number of factors. This includes supporting legislation, institutional arrangements, sources of finance and the need for co-operative governance.
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Nkonki-Mandleni, Busisiwe, Abiodun Olusola Omotayo, David Ikponmwosa Ighodaro, and Samuel Babatunde Agbola. "Analysis of the Living Conditions at eZakheleni Informal Settlement of Durban: Implications for Community Revitalization in South Africa." Sustainability 13, no. 4 (February 23, 2021): 2371. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su13042371.
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This study investigated the living conditions of the eZakheleni informal settlement, Durban metropolis of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. The utilized data were collected with the use of a well-structured questionnaire through a multistage sampling of 255 households. The descriptive results indicated low levels of educational attainment, large number of female headed households, high unemployment rates, inadequate sources of income, poor security and low government intervention programmes. The results of inferential analysis indicate that factors such as water accessibility, toilet accessibility, years of working experience, food security status, educational status and access to good health were the significant factors that were key to improving the living conditions of the residents in the study area. The study therefore concluded that education, basic housing services (water accessibility, toilet accessibility), food security, working experience, social connectivity and health are key contributors to households’ living condition in the study area and recommended several future research and policy directions which could improve the living conditions of the informal settlement.
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Patrick, Hosea Olayiwola. "Climate change and water insecurity in rural uMkhanyakude District Municipality: an assessment of coping strategies for rural South Africa." H2Open Journal 4, no. 1 (January 1, 2021): 29–46. http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/h2oj.2021.009.
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Abstract The vulnerability of Africa to climate change extremes and eventual impacts is extremely high due to the weak coping strategies prevalent in the continent. The peculiarity of South Africa to these vulnerabilities, especially for water security, is an issue of socioeconomic and policy issue. Based on the premises of human security, the study assesses the coping strategies of rural communities in South Africa, focusing on uMkhanyakude District Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal province, given the effects of climate change-induced water scarcity on the area. The study employed a multilayered descriptive mixed method triangulation approach. It focused specifically on the connection between water and climate change and the adopted everyday vertical and horizontal coping strategies. The findings revealed a strong correlation between the behavioral and traditional coping strategies in the study area, water depletion/scarcity, and climate change. It also showed that government institutions are reactionary in their response to climate change-induced impacts. The study, therefore, recommends a pre-resilience mechanism that makes institutions and individuals proactive rather than adopting a reactionary post-resilience strategy in response to the effects of climate change-induced water security.
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Onyiriuba, Leonard, E. U. Okoro Okoro, and Godwin Imo Ibe. "Strategic government policies on agricultural financing in African emerging markets." Agricultural Finance Review 80, no. 4 (April 25, 2020): 563–88. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/afr-01-2020-0013.
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PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify and review strategic government policies on agricultural financing in Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa. Four factors dictated the choice of these countries. In the first place, the study is set in African emerging markets – and the four countries are the widely acknowledged emerging markets in Africa (Onyiriuba, 2015). Secondly, the spread of the countries, to a large extent, mirrors Africa in general – Egypt and Morocco are in North Africa; Nigeria is a West African country; and, of course, South Africa. Thirdly, other countries in Africa tend to look up to the four countries, apparently as the largest economies in their respective regions. Needless to say, Nigeria alternates with South Africa as the largest economy in Africa. In this capacity, the two countries influence – indeed, mirror – continental Africa's emerging economic progress. Fourthly, lessons from agricultural policy and financing experiences of the four countries will certainly be useful to the other African countries. The specific objective of this paper is to determine how the government seeks to address the financing issues attendant on the risk-laden nature of agriculture through policy interventions. With this end in view, the paper analyses the strategic goals, objectives and beneficiaries of the agriculture financing policies of the government, as well as the constraints on access to finance by the farmers and the policy response.Design/methodology/approachThe study involves a review of empirical literature and government policies on agricultural financing in Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa. The high risks in agriculture (Onyiriuba, 2015; Mordi, 1988), risk aversion behaviour of banks towards agricultural financing (Onyiriuba, 2015, 1990), and the reluctance of insurers to take on agricultural risks (World Bank, 2018; Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2016; Onyiriuba, 1990; Mordi, 1988) underpin this methodology. There are two other considerations: the needs to find out how government seeks to address the financing issues in agriculture through policy intervention, and to avoid unwieldy research, one that combines government and institutional policy perspectives on agriculture financing. Thus the study is not approached from the perspective of banks and other lending institutions; neither does it combine government and institutional policy perspectives. It rather focuses on government policy in order to properly situate implications of the findings.FindingsThe authorities seek to get rid of bottlenecks, ease participation and redress constraints on access to finance in agriculture through policy interventions as a means of sustainable economic growth. The findings are characteristic of emerging markets, rooted in the transitional challenge of opening economies, economic reforms and the March of progress. However, with agriculture and natural resources – rather than industrialisation – as the main stay of their economies, the African emerging markets face an uphill task in their development efforts. This is evident in the divergent and gloomy pictures in which the literature paints their agricultural economies.Practical implicationsGovernment should gear financing policies to boost output as a means of ensuring food security. It should address risk aversion tendencies among the lenders and feeble credit guarantee, subsidies and budgetary allocations to agriculture. This will ensure effective commitment of the lenders to agriculture and underpin agricultural insurance. However, it demands strengthening links in the chain of access to, and monitoring of, credit for agricultural production. A realistic policy response should target the rural economy – with youth, women and smallholder farmers as ultimate beneficiaries. These actions should be intensified as measures to boost farming and the rural economy.Originality/valueCurrent literature fails to situate the empirical findings in emerging markets context, reflecting economies in transition. Besides, in its current state, the literature does not explicitly clarify that agriculture, like most other sectors in such economies, is bound to experience the observed financing constraints. Neither does it clearly reflect how and why the findings should be seen as fleeting realities of the March of progress in transitional economies. This study will help to fill the gap.
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Terblanche, Anél, and Gerrit Pienaar. "Raamwerkwetgewing ter Verwesenliking van die Reg op Toegang tot Voldoende Voedsel." Potchefstroom Electronic Law Journal/Potchefstroomse Elektroniese Regsblad 15, no. 5 (June 1, 2017): 228. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/1727-3781/2012/v15i5a2524.
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Various South African government reports list food security as a development priority. Despite this prioritisation and despite the fact that South Africa is currently food self-sufficient, ongoing food shortages remain a daily reality for approximately 35 percent of the South African population. The government's commitment to food security to date of writing this contribution manifests in related policies, strategies, programmes and sectoral legislation with the focus on food production, distribution, safety and assistance. A paradigm shift in the international food security debate was encouraged during 2009, namely to base food security initiatives on the right to sufficient food. During a 2011 visit to South Africa, the Special Rapporteur for the Right to Food of the United Nations, accordingly confirmed that a human rights-based approach to food security is necessary in the South African legal and policy framework in order to address the huge disparities in terms of food security (especially concerning geography, gender and race). A human rights-based approach to food security will add dimensions of dignity, transparency, accountability, participation and empowerment to food security initiatives. The achievement of food security is further seen as the realisation of existing rights, notably the right of access to sufficient food. The right of access to sufficient food, as entrenched in section 27(1)(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 will accordingly play a central role within a human rights-based approach to food security. Section 27(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 qualifies section 27(1)(b) by requiring the state to take reasonable legislative and other measures, within its available resources, to achieve the progressive realisation of each of the section 27(1) rights. The South African government's commitment to food security, as already mentioned, currently manifests in related policies, strategies and programmes, which initiatives will qualify as other measures as referred to in section 27(2) mentioned above. This contribution, however, aims to elucidate the constitutional duty to take reasonable legislative measures as required by section 27(2) within the wider context of food security. This contribution is more specifically confined to the ways in which a human rights-based approach to food security can be accommodated in a proposed framework law as a national legislative measures. Several underlying and foundational themes are addressed in this contribution, amongst others: (a) the relationship between food security and the right of access to sufficient food; (b) food security as a developmental goal; and (c) the increasing trend to apply a human rights-based approach to development initiatives in general, but also to food security.
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Hove, Jennifer, Lucia D'Ambruoso, Denny Mabetha, Maria van der Merwe, Peter Byass, Kathleen Kahn, Sonto Khosa, Sophie Witter, and Rhian Twine. "‘Water is life’: developing community participation for clean water in rural South Africa." BMJ Global Health 4, no. 3 (June 2019): e001377. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2018-001377.
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BackgroundSouth Africa is a semiarid country where 5 million people, mainly in rural areas, lack access to water. Despite legislative and policy commitments to the right to water, cooperative governance and public participation, many authorities lack the means to engage with and respond to community needs. The objectives were to develop local knowledge on health priorities in a rural province as part of a programme developing community evidence for policy and planning.MethodsWe engaged 24 participants across three villages in the Agincourt Health and Socio-Demographic Surveillance System and codesigned the study. This paper reports on lack of clean, safe water, which was nominated in one village (n=8 participants) and in which women of reproductive age were nominated as a group whose voices are excluded from attention to the issue. On this basis, additional participants were recruited (n=8). We then held a series of consensus-building workshops to develop accounts of the problem and actions to address it using Photovoice to document lived realities. Thematic analysis of narrative and visual data was performed.ResultsRepeated and prolonged periods when piped water is unavailable were reported, as was unreliable infrastructure, inadequate service delivery, empty reservoirs and poor supply exacerbated by droughts. Interconnected social, behavioural and health impacts were documented combined with lack of understanding, cooperation and trust between communities and authorities. There was unanimity among participants for taps in houses as an overarching goal and strategies to build an evidence base for planning and advocacy were developed.ConclusionIn this setting, there is willingness among community stakeholders to improve water security and there are existing community assemblies to support this. Health and Socio-Demographic Surveillance Systems provide important opportunities to routinely connect communities to resource management and service delivery. Developing learning platforms with government and non-government organisations may offer a means to enable more effective public participation in decentralised water governance.
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Rambauli, M., A. M. Antwi, and F. N. Mudau. "Investigating the strength of linkages of plant health institutional and legislative framework in South Africa." South African Journal of Agricultural Extension (SAJAE) 49, no. 1 (April 19, 2021): 13–29. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2413-3221/2021/v49n1a10774.
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This paper presents existing linkages within the spheres of government on plant health institutional and legislative framework and further identifies the existing limitations and risks on the current existing framework on the plant health system. A survey was conducted in South Africa with the relevant scientists from the National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) formerly known as the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) formerly known as Department of Environmental Affair (DEA) as well as extensionist and agricultural advisors from 7 Provincial Departments of Agriculture (PDAs). The sample size of the study was 60 government officials from both the national and provincial departments of agriculture. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data were analysed statistically using the one-way frequency and Spearman’s Rank correlation coefficients. This paper revealed that there were no formal linkages between the relevant national government and PDAs in terms of legislative and policy prescripts on plant health issues. The study further revealed that there is a need to establish a plant health unit to coordinate plant health matters from the National Plant Protection Organisation of South Africa. On the aspect of biosecurity legislative framework affecting food production and security as well as trade, the study found that there is no cross-referencing amongst relevant legislation; therefore, there is a need for harmonisation of relevant legislation.
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Foster-Pedley, J., and H. Hertzog. "Financing strategies for growth in the renewable energy industry in South Africa." Journal of Energy in Southern Africa 17, no. 4 (November 1, 2006): 57–64. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2413-3051/2006/v17i4a3209.
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This study analyses empirical qualitative data collected from key stakeholders in the renewable energy industry in South Africa. As a step on the path towards developing better success in financing for renewable energy entrepreneurs, a financing framework is proposed and used to create a holistic view of the financing process in the renewable energy sector. It allows stakeholders to get an understanding of all the motives, barriers, sources of capital and possible destinations of capital in one system. Many good reasons exist for South Africa to invest in renewable energy with motives dominated by environmental concerns, diversity of supply, job creation and economic development. Internationally, investment in renewable energy projects has been growing despite a significant slump in overall global investment trends. In a decentralised business model, smaller renewable energy based businesses will continue to have difficulty in raising finance in South Africa. Key barriers include the high price of energy and equipment resulting in poor profitability, the reliability and quality of government policy, a lack of awareness and experience and a lack of innovative financing solutions. The study finds there are many expectations for government to address the needs of the industry within the context of its current regulated status. There appears to be a preference for demand side interventions, which rely on levies, subsidies and tax incentives. This paper strives to offer new ways of looking at the financing problems currently being experienced in the industry and proposes an innovative framework to assist the stakeholders in the industry in structuring financing for renewable energy ventures.
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Myeni, Lindumusa, Mokhele Edmond Moeletsi, Isaiah Nyagumbo, Salome Modiselle, Lebohang Mokoena, and Ikalafeng Ben Kgakatsi. "Improving the Food and Nutritional Security of Smallholder Farmers in South Africa: Evidence from the InnovAfrica Project." Sustainability 13, no. 17 (September 3, 2021): 9902. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su13179902.
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This article highlights evidence and lessons learned from the InnovAfrica project conducted by the Agricultural Research Council in collaboration with other international organizations between 2017 and 2021. This project aimed to test and upscale best-bet Sustainable Agricultural Intensification (SAI) practices through Multi-Actor Platforms (MAPs) and improved dissemination strategies across six African countries (viz. Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa and Tanzania). The goal of the project was to improve the food and nutritional security of smallholder farmers in Africa. The article briefly discusses some of the key challenges that smallholder agriculture is facing, results from the agricultural interventions brought in by the InnovAfrica project, evidence-based actions and policy recommendations to improve the sustainable agricultural productivity of smallholder farmers in the South African case study. The study showed that SAI practices increased crop yields and build climate-resilient farming communities. It is recommended that the promotion of SAI practices should be supported by enabling institutions and conducive policies that will enhance access to inputs, market linkages, improved access to credit and good agricultural lands, the establishment of functional farmer groups and participatory learning models. These recommendations can be used by the government and other agencies to develop effective interventions to improve food and nutrition security.
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Brent, Alan, and Marthinus Pretorius. "Industrial and commercial opportunities to utilise concentrating solar thermal systems in South Africa." Journal of Energy in Southern Africa 22, no. 4 (November 1, 2011): 15–30. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2413-3051/2011/v22i4a3226.
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A solar energy technology roadmap has been developed for South Africa. The roadmap lists a number of technological systems that fulfil three requirements from a South African perspective. First, they have clearly been demonstrated or commercialised. Second, a local industry could be stimulated including the potential to export, with associate socio-economic growth; and the other requirements of government can be met in terms of improving energy security and access, and addressing climate change. Third, they have a medium to high R&D intensity, in terms of available capacity and associate resources needed to support the further development of the technological systems. Concentrated Solar Thermal systems feature prominently in the list of technologies. These systems can generate electrical power, then referred to as Concentrating Solar Power systems, typically in the 1 to 100 MW range for on- and off-grid applications. They can also simply produce heat, typically in the 100 to 1000ºC range, primarily for commercial and industrial process applications. This paper discusses the international trends and drivers for these systems to generate power and heat, and then focuses on the specific potential in the South African context. A number of barriers to realizing the potential are discussed and recommendations are made accordingly to stimulate the growth of this industry sector in South Africa.
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Adetiba, Toyin Cotties. "South Africa’s Military and Peacekeeping Efforts: A new paradigm shift in its foreign policy since 1994." Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies 9, no. 5 (October 21, 2017): 157–68. http://dx.doi.org/10.22610/jebs.v9i5.1920.
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One of the South Africa's great soft power attributes has been the attraction and power of its transition to inclusive democratic governance after a long period of apartheid rule. This gave South Africa a certain moral authority and prestige to play very significant roles in conflict resolution and mediation through peacekeeping operations. Every government in an ever-changing and dynamic geopolitical environment ensure that its defence force cum foreign policy conform to the international environment while aiming at the defence and protection of its national interests. Using interpretive approach; this work argues that; fundamentally, there are three basic factors that reinforce South Africa’s participation in peacekeeping which are politics, economy and security. By extension these three elements is considered a transformational agent of South Africa’s economy. SANDF is, therefore, considered a dynamic and exceptional foreign policy tool that complements and at same time enhances South Africa’s diplomatic manoeuvrings and influence within the wider international developments. It is concluded that South Africa’s multilateral and foreign policy agendas have been driven by the pursuit of its national interest while trying to ensure peace in other African states.
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Tawiah, Sampson, and Itumeleng I. Setlhodi. "Introducing Information and Communication Technology Training for Rural Women in South Africa." International Journal of Adult Education and Technology 11, no. 1 (January 2020): 45–59. http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/ijaet.2020010103.
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In a contemporary world, ICT training is vital for socio-economic advancement, which is why it should be included in the curriculum that seeks to empower rural women with computer skills to enhance their livelihoods. Rural women lack access to ICTs and they do not know how to use them. A lack of knowledge and skills in ICTs can result in unemployment, poverty and societal discrimination. Through the lens of the human capital theory, this article investigates and reports on the strategies for introducing ICT in the teaching and learning of rural women. Document analysis approach was used to investigate journals, government policy documents and reports from studies to arrive at the findings which include, among others, the employment of computer experts to teach rural women in disadvantaged communities. The study concludes that the introduction of ICT in the curriculum of rural women especially can ensure their socio-economic transformation.
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Sparks, Debbie, Amos Madhlopa, Samantha Keen, Mascha Moorlach, Anthony Dane, Pieter Krog, and Thuli Dlamini. "Renewable energy choices and their water requirements in South Africa." Journal of Energy in Southern Africa 25, no. 4 (December 19, 2014): 80–92. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2413-3051/2014/v25i4a2241.
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South Africa is an arid country, where water supply is often obtained from a distant source. There is increasing pressure on the limited water resources due to economic and population growth, with a concomitant increase in the energy requirement for water production. This problem will be exacerbated by the onset of climate change. Recently, there have been concerns about negative impacts arising from the exploitation of energy resources. In particular, the burning of fossil fuels is significantly contributing to climate change through the emission of carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas. In addition, fossil fuels are being depleted, and contributing to decreased energy security. As a result of this, the international community has initiated various interventions, including the transformation of policy and regulatory instruments, to promote sustainable energy. With this in mind, South Africa is making policy and regulatory shifts in line with international developments. Renewable energy is being promoted as one way of achieving sustainable energy provision in the country. However, some issues require scrutiny in order to understand the water footprint of renewable energy production. Due to the large gap that exists between water supply and demand, trade-offs in water allocation amongst different users are critical. In this vein, the main objective of this study was to investigate and review renewable energy choices and water requirements in South Africa. Data were acquired through a combination of a desktop study and expert interviews. Water withdrawal and consumption levels at a given stage of energy production were investigated. Most of the data was collected from secondary sources. Results show that there is limited data on all aspects of water usage in the production chain of energy, accounting in part for the significant variations in the values of water intensity that are reported in the literature. It is vital to take into account all aspects of the energy life cycle to enable isolation of stages where significant amounts of water are used. It is found that conventional fuels (nuclear and fossil fuels) withdraw significant quantities of water over the life-cycle of energy production, especially for thermoelectric power plants operated with a wet-cooling system. The quality of water is also adversely affected in some stages of energy production from these fuels. On the other hand, solar photovoltaic and wind energy exhibit the lowest demand for water, and could perhaps be considered the most viable renewable options in terms of water withdrawal and consumption.
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Mujuru, Nyarai M., and Ajuruchukwu Obi. "Effects of Cultivated Area on Smallholder Farm Profits and Food Security in Rural Communities of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa." Sustainability 12, no. 8 (April 17, 2020): 3272. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su12083272.
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As rural poverty deepens over much of Sub-Saharan Africa, smallholder transformation has become more urgent than ever before. A majority of rural people derive their livelihoods from agriculture, hence the urgent need for transforming the sector. The South African government launched a comprehensive land reform programme at the dawn of democracy in the country on the assumption that constraints on land size would be eliminated to make room for a more inclusive agricultural economy. The present study sought to assess how cultivated area affects food security and the profits of maize and cabbage farmers. The purposive sampling technique was used for the selection of study sites, from which 158 irrigators and homestead gardeners were selected. The data were then subjected to analysis by defining a maximum likelihood estimator that combines the seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) and one-way error correction model, to determine the factors influencing food security and farm profits. The model revealed diverse relationships, suggesting that location, farm type and income were important variables in explaining food security. The area under cultivation was found to influence profits for both crops. Policies in favour of technology adoption, market access and input use would greatly incentivize farmers to cultivate larger plots of land.
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Kopteva, Lyudmila, Lyudmila Shabalina, and Artur Budagov. "Certain aspects of African countries food security provision." E3S Web of Conferences 210 (2020): 03009. http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202021003009.
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Analysis of the African countries food security demonstrate significant aggravation of the situation in several countries to the south of the Sahara. Conflicts, social inequality, high level of poverty against the background of a rapid population growth, unfavorable climatic conditions as well as ineffective government policy in the field of providing the population with foodstuff were determined as the main causes of population undernourishment. In Africa, due to low incomes of the population, most of the food ration consists of cereals and a small part of meat, fish and dairy products. It was revealed that African countries are the net importers of foodstuff, with cereals accounting for the largest part of imports. It was noted that international experts forecast foodstuff and fodder demand increase in these countries. It was defined the African region can potentially become one of the promising sales markets for Russian producers of grain crops and agricultural products. The results of the study are aimed at overcoming the problem of starvation, economic backwardness and improving the living standards of the African continent population, as well as developing an economic toolkit for the interaction of the Russian Federation with African countries.
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Balmer, M. "Energy poverty and cooking energy requirements: The forgotten issue in South African energy policy?" Journal of Energy in Southern Africa 18, no. 3 (August 1, 2007): 4–9. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2413-3051/2007/v18i3a3380.
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Cooking energy is a necessary input for satisfying the basic human need of survival. Much has been written about poverty, energy, development, envi-ronment and gender, but unfortunately, recent poli-cies adopted by the South African government have completely failed to adequately address the issue. The focus of energy and most notably renewable energy policy has shifted form the previous approach of increasing access to energy sources for low-income households to addressing climate change issues. Pro-poor policies have suffered and important fuel such as wood fuel is not addressed. It is argued that without adequately addressing ther-mal requirements of low-income households, ener-gy poverty cannot be addressed. The aim of the paper is firstly, to contextualise cooking and cooking energy within a framework of household energy, poverty, multiple fuel use and gender issues and secondly, to provide an overview of the cost and externalities associated with household cooking. Lastly, the paper proposes interventions to address cooking energy in a sustainable manner in South Africa.
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Winkler, H., and D. Van Es. "Energy efficiency and the CDM in South Africa: constraints and opportunities." Journal of Energy in Southern Africa 18, no. 1 (February 1, 2007): 29–38. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2413-3051/2007/v18i1a3342.
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Energy-efficiency projects were expected to consti-tute an important project type under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). In South Africa, there is significant potential for energy savings in several sectors. The savings possible in industry have been demonstrated through plant-level energy audits, measurement and verification of Eskom’s Demand Side Management (DSM) programme and national energy modelling. Enabling policy for energy efficiency and demand-side management has been adopted by government and the utility, Eskom. A dedicated National Energy Efficiency Agency (NEEA) was established in 2006. Yet, energy-efficiency still fails to realise its potential. The paper seeks to dispel the misconception that energy efficiency projects might not be ‘additional’ under the CDM. Analysis of barriers, which is well understood by those dealing with energy efficiency, can be used to demonstrate additionality. A stan-dard tool for demonstrating additionality is now available, as are baseline methodologies for both large and small-scale CDM projects. It should, therefore, be clear that energy efficiency projects are not a priori ruled out as non-additional. Each proj-ect has to demonstrate additionality, as for any other project type. Finances are available from various sources, and the CDM can offer further funding for initial costs, or in removing the barriers to energy-efficiency projects. Internationally, energy efficiency initially did not account for large numbers of CDM projects, nor a major share of carbon credits. With the recent growth in CDM projects, however, the numbers of energy-efficiency projects are increasing internation-ally. In South Africa, analysis of the emerging CDM portfolio shows that energy-efficiency projects are much better represented at the concept stage than in fully designed CDM projects.The major elements for implementing energy-efficiency projects exist – dedicated institutions, enabling policy frameworks, approved methodolo-gies and even an electricity crisis to raise awareness. Funding is available from various sources, and the CDM can offer further funding for initial costs or in removing the barriers to energy-efficiency projects. The CDM rules should soon allow for registration of entire programmes, which could include energy-efficiency standards or demand-side management. Innovative financing solutions such as clean energy lending can assist as well. All that seems to be needed is a concerted effort to realise the potential. Such efforts could be driven by the Designated National Authority or the National Energy Efficiency Agency. Together with initiatives from the private sector, a dedicated effort might help South Africa find a clear route for ener-gy-efficiency projects under the CDM in South Africa.
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Hlatshwayo, Simphiwe Innocentia, Mjabuliseni Ngidi, Temitope Ojo, Albert Thembinkosi Modi, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi, and Rob Slotow. "A Typology of the Level of Market Participation among Smallholder Farmers in South Africa: Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces." Sustainability 13, no. 14 (July 9, 2021): 7699. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su13147699.
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Smallholder farmers face several challenges that limit their access to markets and prevent them from taking advantage of market opportunities. This study sought to provide observed information on households’ involvement in the output market and to analyse the determinants of the level of market participation among smallholder farmers in South Africa. Data (secondary) for this study were collected from a total of 1520 respondents who were selected through stratified random sampling. Descriptive statistics, t-test and a double-hurdle model were used to analyse factors influencing smallholder farmers’ decisions regarding participation in the agricultural market. The first-hurdle equation of the double-hurdle model showed that gender of the household, family member working on the farm, wealth index, and agricultural assistance had a positive significant impact on the decision of smallholder farmers to participate in the market, while household age and family member with HIV had a negative significant impact. The results of the second-hurdle model showed marital status, educational level of household, wealth index, and access to agricultural assistance had a negative significant effect on the extent of market participation among smallholder farmers, while household size, household age, and family member with HIV had a positive significant impact. The suggestions emanating from the results as to what factors need to be addressed to encourage smallholder farmers to participate in the market indicate that there is a need for government to hire sufficient and skilled extension workers who understand the market related issues. With the help of extension workers and policymakers, government need to organize smallholder farmers into groups that are easy to manage, train, and support. Smallholder farmers’ groups should have their farmers registered, visible, and easily accessible for coordinated government support services. They also need to do more workshops in rural areas to encourage young people to be involved in agriculture. This will lead to sustainable production, alleviation of poverty, improvement of the economy, and food security.
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Akom, K., T. Shongwe, and M. K. Joseph. "South Africa’s integrated energy planning framework, 2015–2050." Journal of Energy in Southern Africa 32, no. 1 (February 20, 2021): 68–82. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2413-3051/2021/v32i1a8517.
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The Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) was designed to consider South Africa’s energy needs from 2015 to 2050, as a guide for energy structural savings and the development of energy policy. The main aim of the Department of Energy is to ensure the security of energy supply. The current energy situation in the country has its gains and challenges. With the growing population and infrastructural development, the country requires prudent measures to meet the country’s energy needs for 2020–2050. The country’s energy is currently dominated by coal-fired plants, which represent about 70% of the total installed capacity, crude oil contributes about 21%, with only 9% from all other energy sources, including renewables. This paper examines the scope of the IEP framework, key objectives of the IEP, the methodology applied to achieve those objectives, and the projections made for attaining the framework target. The paper further reviews the energy requirements for the key sectors of the economy and analyses the effects of CO2 emissions and the benefits of job creation for the entire period. Despite substantial renewable potential in South Africa, at present it contributes as little as 2% of the energy mix. The global renewable energy policy on CO2 emissions reduction, improvement of energy efficiency and deployment of renewable development are not met in the IEP framework.
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Obi, Ajuruchukwu, and Okuhle Maya. "Innovative Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Practices in the Smallholder Farming System of South Africa." Sustainability 13, no. 12 (June 17, 2021): 6848. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su13126848.
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Climate change is easily the most serious human and environmental crisis of the present generation. While awareness of the existence and consequences of climate change is becoming widespread, the specific effects on agriculture and the extent to which innovative climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices are being adopted remain unclear. This study was conducted in three local municipalities of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa to determine the patterns of smallholder choice of alternative climate-smart agricultural practices and the factors affecting such choices. It was particularly crucial to investigate why adaptation of CSA practices continues to be lower than expectation despite awareness of their benefits, thus highlighting the social and cultural limits to adaptation to climate change. A total of 210 households were enumerated on the basis of their involvement in crop and livestock farming. The data were analyzed by means of multinomial logistic model, which was applied separately to individual local municipality data sets and a combined provincial data set, and it was revealed that most farmers were not being sufficiently motivated to move from established practices to adopt new CSA practices. The most influential factors in the decision process as to what CSA practice to adopt were primary occupation, farming system type, household size, age and membership of farmer groups. It seemed that asset fixity constrained farmers to continue with existing practices rather than shift to new, more profitable practices, a situation that can be resolved by external intervention by government agencies and/or other entities. Awareness creation targeting remote rural areas as well as institutions to ease farmers’ access to credit and information will contribute to higher adoption rates, which are likely to lead to enhanced food security and standard of living for rural dwellers as their agricultural production and productivity improve.
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Mahajan, Nidhi. "Dhow Itineraries." Comparative Studies of South Asia, Africa and the Middle East 39, no. 3 (December 1, 2019): 407–19. http://dx.doi.org/10.1215/1089201x-7885356.
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Abstract Ever since 9/11, dhows, or Indian Ocean sailing vessels, have been viewed as inherently threatening to national and international security, as government authorities suspect that they are used to smuggle weapons and militants. Most recently, dhows that transport charcoal from Somalia to the United Arab Emirates have been implicated in funding al-Shabaab, a militant group. Rather than taking a presentist view, this article argues that these security concerns have emerged from a deep-rooted anxiety over mobility in the Indian Ocean, as dhow networks challenge state sovereignty. Dhows, once habituated to a world of layered sovereignty, have now been forced to contend with the boundaries of centralized sovereign states. Moreover, government and international law and policy such as economic liberalization in India have made the dhow trade more precarious, and pushed it into a shadow economy that ultimately converges with financing for al-Shabaab, even as this economy sustains seafaring populations in the midst of economic precarity. Tracing dhow itineraries in tandem with shifting regulations across South Asia and East Africa, the article charts an alternate course of Indian Ocean history, one in which dhow networks navigate multiple regulatory regimes and global shifts by operating in a shadow economy at the margins of states.
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Wlokas, Holle Linnea. "What contribution does the installation of solar water heaters make towards the alleviation of energy poverty in South Africa?" Journal of Energy in Southern Africa 22, no. 2 (May 1, 2011): 27–39. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2413-3051/2011/v22i2a3212.
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The South African government has publicized plans to install one million solar water heaters in households throughout South Africa by the year 2014, with the goals of reducing strain on existing electricity resources, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, creating employment and alleviating poverty. This paper examines two existing solar water heater installation projects with the aim of investigating the social contribution of the installation of solar water heaters in low-income households in South Africa. The Sustainable Urban Livelihoods approach (SULA) was adjusted to provide an analytical framework for the development of suitable indicators of social change in the context of renewable energies and energy poverty. Increases in household capital and the reduction of household vulnerability to shocks, stressors and seasonal variability as the result of solar water heater installation were investigated in projects in low-income housing developments in the cities of Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, South Africa.Data collected from paired household surveys (before and after installation) in over 600 households and qualitative information (Most Significant Change stories) show that the provision of a constant, cheap source of heated water contributed positively to the alleviation of energy poverty. Household capitals (categorised as Human, Social, Financial, Physical, Natural and Gender capital), including aspects such as health benefits and time and financial savings, were all positively effected by the installation of solar water heaters. In addition, improved energy security greatly reduced household vulnerability to shocks, stressors and seasonal variability. Comparison between the two projects revealed that the geographical setting (climatic conditions in particular), and the approach and strategies adopted by the implementers of the solar water heater installation project, greatly determine the extent to which benefits to the households are realised.
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Mokoena, JKJ, and PJD Lloyd. "A business model to overcome barriers to entry in the South African downstream petroleum industry." Journal of Energy in Southern Africa 16, no. 2 (May 1, 2005): 4–13. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2413-3051/2005/v16i2a3182.
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The South African downstream petroleum industry was in the hands of Whites and Multinational Oil Companies during the apartheid era. Many Historically Disadvantaged South Africans (HDSA’s) were excluded from the mainstream industry through, among other instruments, laws passed by the government such as the Petroleum Products Act 120 of 1977. Against this background, the newly elected democratic government instituted a policy process aimed at restructuring and transforming the petroleum industry to allow HDSA’s to enter the industry, in order to achieve sustainable presence, ownership and control of approximately a quarter of the industry by previously disadvantaged individuals. Since the introduction of this process, which culminated in the release of the White Paper on the Energy Policy of the Republic of South Africa (1998), little progress has been made towards achieving this government’s key policy objective. Instead, there is still little entry into the industry by HDSA’s, and the Black Oil Companies (BOC’s) that are in the industry continue to struggle to increase their market share. This paper discusses the possible constraints on achieving the objective, by looking at barriers that impede HDSA’s from entering the industry and BOC’s from increasing their market share significantly. There are three possible categories of barriers in the downstream petroleum industry, namely, economic barriers to entry, noneconomic barriers, and cross-sectoral barriers to entry, which are discussed in this paper. These categories of barriers prevent entry by HDSA’s into the industry and hinder BOC’s from increasing their market share. To circumvent these barriers, and in order to make progress towards achieving the government’s key policy objective of control by approximately a quarter of the HDSA’s, a black economic empowerment model was developed. This model seeks to increase the market share of the BOC’s and the presence of the HDSA’s in the industry in a sustainable way without significantly harming the multinational oil companies. It foresees Government licensing BOC’s to purchase up to 5% of the existing South African fuel demand at an Import Parity Price (IPP) that is significantly less than the Basic Fuel Price (BFP). The reason for this difference is that the BFP is based upon the supply of the totality of South Africa’s needs from elsewhere, whereas the IPP merely supplies up to 5% of South Africa’s needs, and can therefore source the product from refineries that are closer, so reducing the transport component. The impact of the loss of 5% of the internal market for petrol and diesel on the revenues of the MOC’s is less than 0.5%, because the difference between the IPP and BFP is a small fraction of the BFP.
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Klunne, Qim Jonker. "Small hydropower in Southern Africa – an overview of five countries in the region." Journal of Energy in Southern Africa 24, no. 3 (August 1, 2013): 14–25. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2413-3051/2013/v24i3a3138.
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This paper looks at the status of small hydropower in Lesotho, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. For each country, an overview will be given of the electricity sector and the role of hydropower, the potential for small hydropower and the expected future of this technology. Small hydropower has played an important role in the history of providing electricity in the region. After a period with limited interest in applications of small hydropower, in all five countries, a range of stakeholders from policy makers to developers are showing a renewed interest in small hydropower. Although different models were followed, all five countries covered in the paper do currently see activities around grid connected small scale hydropower. Particular frameworks that facilitate IPPs and Power Purchase Agreements with the national utility do provide a basis for (local) commercial banks to provide finance. Off-grid hydropower for rural electrification purposes sees activities in the countries with an active (support) role of government in this respect only. Small hydropower, renewable energy technology has large potential across the southern Africa region, both for grid connected and off-grid applications. Historically, small hydropower played an important role in the development of the region. Since the mid-1960s, however, the main emphasis has been on centralised fossil fuel-based electricity generation. Developers and policy makers have only recently begun looking at small hydropower again.
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Ifeanyichukwu Okoye, Felix, and Prince Amartey Mensah. "Child Poverty and Food Scheme in Rural South African Schools: The Prospects and Limits Towards Improving the Emotional Well-Being of The Elementary School Students." International Journal of Scientific Research and Management 9, no. 08 (August 21, 2021): 1852–59. http://dx.doi.org/10.18535/ijsrm/v9i08.el02.
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The research examines the impact of poverty on the emotional well-being of elementary school students in South African rural communities. In order to understand this phenomenon, the study investigates the question on: how does poverty affect the emotional well-being of elementary school students in South Africa? The non-empirical study explores the literature from related studies to answer the research question. The literature review critically examines the effect of poverty on the emotional well-being of children, as well as the strategies used by the government to alleviate the poverty impact at rural school children. The strategies were found to have implementation deficiencies which enables the researcher to argue on the importance of improving the implementation strategies. The finding also reveals that despite the government’s interventions to curb the problem of child poverty, yet there are policy implementation “gaps” here and there. The study recommends more study and consistent evaluation of the respective policy framework. It also recommends that the socio-economic status of people leaving in the rural area should be improved and the affected students should be engaged, and proper development response should be executed to guarantee a sustainable food security. Finally, more study and consistent evaluation of the feeding-scheme programme or policy is a sinequanon. The recommendation for Covid-19 is added for publication purposes.
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Jacobs, Nancy. "The Flowing Eye: Water Management in the Upper Kuruman Valley, South Africa, c. 1800–1962." Journal of African History 37, no. 2 (July 1996): 237–60. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0021853700035210.
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This paper considers the intensification of agriculture along racial lines in South Africa by looking at the history of one spring and nine miles of river valley. It illustrates how racial conflict included struggles over nature, and how whites and blacks had different perceptions and abilities regarding its exploitation.The ‘Eye’ of Kuruman is a large spring in a semi-arid region. Tswana herders originally used it as a water hole. Their food production system was extensive, making use of wide areas rather than increasing output in a limited area. Pastoralism was more important than agriculture. Irrigation, introduced by representatives of the London Missionary Society, was not widely practiced away from the missions until a subsistence crisis during the 1850s. It continued after the crisis passed. However, households continued to operate with the logic of extensive production, fitting irrigation into the pre-existing system.In 1885, tne British annexed the region as part of the Crown Colony of British Bechuanaland. They demarcated African reserves at springs and in river valleys, and grazing lands were opened for white settlement. The upper Kuruman valley was designated a Crown reserve and the Eye became a town site. Downstream were Tswana households which cultivated with less security than on a native reserve. Land alienation with rinderpest devastated stock keeping and caused a widespread famine at the turn of the century, yet Tswana cultivators did not greatly intensify their use of irrigable lands. More extensive methods endured and wage labor became the basis of support.In the twentieth century under Union government, use of the Eye intensified, and access to the valley became segregated by race. After 1918 the municipality of Kuruman operated a modern irrigation project, and in 1919, evicted black cultivators living at the Eye. Blacks continued to live and garden at Seodin, five miles downstream, but suffered water shortages which made even their casual irrigation impossible. Political expediency dictated against their pressing for water rights. In the 1940s the Department of Native Affairs drilled boreholes, but these were not sufficient to sustain cultivation. In 1962, the policy of Apartheid mandated the removal of blacks from Seodin. Despite state aid, the whites-only irrigation project never developed into a commercial success.
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Adeyemo, O., Russell Wise, and Alan Brent. "The impacts of biodiesel feedstock production systems in South Africa: An application of a Partial Equilibrium Model to the Eastern Cape Social Accounting Matrix." Journal of Energy in Southern Africa 22, no. 1 (February 1, 2011): 2–11. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2413-3051/2011/v22i1a3191.
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In this paper the impacts of biodiesel feedstock production in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa is assessed through the application of a Partial Equilibrium Model to the Eastern Cape Social Accounting Matrix, using canola production in the Province as an ‘external shock’. Six economic indicators were estimated. The results show that investment in biodiesel production in the Eastern Cape will generate, in 2007 terms, an additional GDP of R18.1 million and 410 employment opportunities per annum, R24.3 million per annum over an assumed lifetime of 20 years in capital formation, R2.1 million additional income generated in low income households, increase in government revenue, and a positive balance of payment. These indicators imply that, given the parameters that are accounted for in a Partial Equilibrium Model, every Rand invested in canola projects in the Eastern Cape will, overall, be of socio-economic advantage to the Province. It is envisaged that further applications of such models may lead to a better understanding of the implications of biofuels in the South African economy, and thereby inform decision- and policy-making in terms of the sustainability of biofuels production systems in general.
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Naudé, Wim, and Martin Cameron. "Failing to pull together: South Africa’s troubled response to COVID-19." Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy 15, no. 2 (January 4, 2021): 219–35. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/tg-09-2020-0276.
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Purpose This paper aims to provide a country case study of South Africa’s response during the first six months following its first COVID-19 case. The focus is on the government’s (mis-)management of its non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) (or “lockdown”) to stem the pandemic and the organized business sector’s resistance against the lockdown. Design/methodology/approach This paper makes use of a literature review and provides descriptive statistics and quantitative analysis of COVID-19 and the lockdown stringency in South Africa, based on data from Google Mobility Trends, Oxford University’s Stringency Index, Johns Hopkins University’s COVID-19 tracker and Our World in Data. Findings This paper finds that both the government and the business sector’s responses to the COVID-19 pandemic have been problematic. These key actors have been failing to “pull together,” leaving South Africa’s citizens in-between corrupt and incompetent officials on the one hand, and lockdown skeptics on the other. This paper argues that to break through this impasse, the country should change direction by agreeing on a smart or “Goldilocks” lockdown, based on data, testing, decentralization, demographics and appropriate economic support measures, including export support. Such a Goldilocks lockdown is argued, based on available evidence from the emerging scientific literature, to be able to save lives, improve trust in government, limit economic damages and moreover improve the country’s long-term recovery prospects. Research limitations/implications The pandemic is an unprecedented crisis and moreover was still unfolding at the time of writing. This has two implications. First, precise data on the economic impact and certain epidemiological parameters was not (yet) available. Second, the causes of the mismanagement by the government are not clear yet, within such a short time frame. More research and better data may be able in future to allow conclusions to be drawn whether the problems that were besetting the country’s management of COVID-19 are unique or perhaps part of a more general problem across developing countries. Practical implications The paper provides clear practical implications for both government and organized business. The South African Government should not altogether end its lockdown measures, but follow a smart and flexible lockdown. The organized business sector should abandon its calls for ending the lockdown while the country is still among the most affected countries in the world, and no vaccine is available. Social implications There should be better collaboration between government, business and civil society to manage a smart lockdown. Government should re-establish lost trust because of the mismanagement of the lockdown during the first six months of the pandemic. Originality/value The outline of the smart lockdown that is proposed for the country combines NPIs with the promotion of exports, as a policy intervention to help aggregate demand to recover. The paper provides advice on how to resolve an impasse created by mismanagement of COVID-19, which could be valuable for decision-making during a crisis, particularly in developing countries.
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Uys, Monika, Susan Bassett, Catherine E. Draper, Lisa Micklesfield, Andries Monyeki, Anniza de Villiers, Estelle V. Lambert, and _. _. "Results From South Africa’s 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth." Journal of Physical Activity and Health 13, s2 (November 2016): S265—S273. http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2016-0409.
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Background:We present results of the 2016 Healthy Active Kids South Africa (HAKSA) Report Card on the current status of physical activity (PA) and nutrition in South African youth. The context in which we interpret the findings is that participation in PA is a fundamental human right, along with the right to “attainment of the highest standard of health.”Methods:The HAKSA 2016 Writing Group was comprised of 33 authorities in physical education, exercise science, nutrition, public health, and journalism. The search strategy was based on peer-reviewed manuscripts, dissertations, and ‘gray’ literature. The core PA indicators are Overall Physical Activity Level; Organized Sport Participation; Active and Outdoor Play; Active Transportation; Sedentary Behaviors; Family and Peer Influences; School; Community and the Built Environment; and National Government Policy, Strategies, and Investment. In addition, we reported on Physical Fitness and Motor Proficiency separately. We also reported on nutrition indicators including Overweight and Under-nutrition along with certain key behaviors such as Fruit and Vegetable Intake, and policies and programs including School Nutrition Programs and Tuck Shops. Data were extracted and grades assigned after consensus was reached. Grades were assigned to each indicator ranging from an A, succeeding with a large majority of children and youth (81% to 100%); B, succeeding with well over half of children and youth (61% to 80%); C, succeeding with about half of children and youth (41% to 60%); D, succeeding with less than half but some children and youth (21% to 40%); and F, succeeding with very few children and youth (0% to 20%); INC is inconclusive.Results:Overall PA levels received a C grade, as we are succeeding with more than 50% of children meeting recommendations. Organized Sports Participation also received a C, and Government Policies remain promising, receiving a B. Screen time and sedentary behavior were a major concern. Under- and over-weight were highlighted and, as overweight is on the rise, received a D grade.Conclusions:In particular, issues of food security, obesogenic environments, and access to activity-supportive environments should guide social mobilization downstream and policy upstream. There is an urgent need for practice-based evidence based on evaluation of existing, scaled up interventions.
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Bakker, Haq, Peet, Gota, Medimorec, Yiu, Jennings, and Rogers. "Low-Carbon Quick Wins: Integrating Short-Term Sustainable Transport Options in Climate Policy in Low-Income Countries." Sustainability 11, no. 16 (August 12, 2019): 4369. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su11164369.
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In low income countries (LICs) in Africa and Asia per capita transport greenhouse gas emissions are relatively low but are expected to grow. Therefore, a substantial reduction in projected increases is required to bring emissions in line with long-term global climate objectives. Literature on how LICs are integrating climate change mitigation and sustainable transport strategies is limited. Key drivers of transport policy include improving accessibility, congestion, air quality, energy security, with reducing greenhouse gas emissions being of lower priority. This paper assesses the current status, feasibility and potential of selected low-carbon transport measures with high sustainable development benefits that can be implemented in the short to medium term, so- called ‘quick wins’. It examines to what extent ten such quick wins are integrated in climate change strategies in nine low- and middle-income countries in Africa and South Asia. The research method comprises expert interviews, an online questionnaire survey of experts and policymakers in the focus countries, and a review of literature and government plans. Results indicate that sustainable urban transport policies and measures are considered high priority, with vehicle-related measures such as fuel quality and fuel economy standards and electric two- and three-wheelers being of key relevance. In existing national climate change strategies, these quick wins are integrated to a certain extent; however, with better coordination between transport and energy and environment agencies such strategies can be improved. A general conclusion of this paper is that for LICs, quick wins can connect a ‘top-down’ climate perspective with a ‘bottom-up’ transport sector perspective. A knowledge gap exists as to the mitigation potential and sustainable development benefits of these quick wins in the local context of LICs.
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Kariuki, Paul, Lizzy O Ofusori, Prabhakar Rontala Subramanniam, Moses Okpeku, and Maria L Goyayi. "Challenges in Contact Tracing by Mining Mobile Phone Location Data for COVID-19: Implications for Public Governance in South Africa." Interdisciplinary Journal of Information, Knowledge, and Management 16 (2021): 101–24. http://dx.doi.org/10.28945/4736.
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Aim/Purpose: The paper’s objective is to examine the challenges of using the mobile phone to mine location data for effective contact tracing of symptomatic, pre-symptomatic, and asymptomatic individuals and the implications of this technology for public health governance. Background: The COVID-19 crisis has created an unprecedented need for contact tracing across South Africa, requiring thousands of people to be traced and their details captured in government health databases as part of public health efforts aimed at breaking the chains of transmission. Contact tracing for COVID-19 requires the identification of persons who may have been exposed to the virus and following them up daily for 14 days from the last point of exposure. Mining mobile phone location data can play a critical role in locating people from the time they were identified as contacts to the time they access medical assistance. In this case, it aids data flow to various databases designated for COVID-19 work. Methodology: The researchers conducted a review of the available literature on this subject drawing from academic articles published in peer-reviewed journals, research reports, and other relevant national and international government documents reporting on public health and COVID-19. Document analysis was used as the primary research method, drawing on the case studies. Contribution: Contact tracing remains a critical strategy in curbing the deadly COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa and elsewhere in the world. However, given increasing concern regarding its invasive nature and possible infringement of individual liberties, it is imperative to interrogate the challenges related to its implementation to ensure a balance with public governance. The research findings can thus be used to inform policies and practices associated with contact tracing in South Africa. Findings: The study found that contact tracing using mobile phone location data mining can be used to enforce quarantine measures such as lockdowns aimed at mitigating a public health emergency such as COVID-19. However, the use of technology can expose the public to criminal activities by exposing their locations. From a public governance point of view, any exposure of the public to social ills is highly undesirable. Recommendations for Practitioners: In using contact tracing apps to provide pertinent data location caution needs to be exercised to ensure that sensitive private information is not made public to the extent that it compromises citizens’ safety and security. The study recommends the development and implementation of data use protocols to support the use of this technology, in order to mitigate against infringement of individual privacy and other civil liberties. Recommendation for Researchers: Researchers should explore ways of improving digital applications in order to improve the acceptability of the use of contact tracing technology to manage pandemics such as COVID-19, paying attention to ethical considerations. Impact on Society: Since contact tracing has implications for privacy and confidentiality it must be conducted with caution. This research highlights the challenges that the authorities must address to ensure that the right to privacy and confidentiality is upheld. Future Research: Future research could focus on collecting primary data to provide insight on contact tracing through mining mobile phone location data. Research could also be conducted on how app-based technology can enhance the effectiveness of contact tracing in order to optimize testing and tracing coverage. This has the potential to minimize transmission whilst also minimizing tracing delays. Moreover, it is important to develop contact tracing apps that are universally inter-operable and privacy-preserving.
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Walwyn, David, Andreas Bertoldi, and Christian Gable. "Building the hydrogen economy through niche experimentation and digitalisation." Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management 30, no. 8 (December 9, 2019): 1179–95. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/jmtm-11-2017-0247.
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Purpose Hydrogen fuel cells could play an important role in meeting the challenges of the Two Degrees Scenario. The purpose of this paper is to review the development of this technology in South Africa with the aim of understanding how the country can transform its existing socio-technical systems and act to support a hydrogen-based technological innovation system (TIS). Design/methodology/approach A mixed methods approach has been followed in this study. Secondary data analysis was used initially to build a profile of South Africa’s present energy system, followed by a stakeholder survey of the emerging hydrogen economy. Respondents were selected based on a convenience/snowball sampling approach and were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire, covering opportunities for South Africa in the global hydrogen economy; sources of competitive advantage; the present phase of development; the maturity of each function and the main weaknesses within the TIS; and finally the appropriate policy instrument to remedy the weakness and/or maximise opportunities for local companies. Findings The research has shown that the hydrogen economy is still at a pre-competitive level and requires ongoing government support to ensure an energy transition is realised. In particular, it is important that niche experimentation, a proven strategy in respect of successful sustainability transitions, is further pursued. Importantly, the net cost of hydrogen-based transportation, which is still several times larger than the cost of transport based on the internal combustion engine (ICE), must be reduced, especially in the key applications of public transport and underground vehicles. Furthermore, the development of digital technologies to manage supply fluctuations in energy grids must be accelerated. Originality/value The South Africa economy will be severely affected by the replacement of the ICEs with battery electric vehicles due to the country’s reliance on ICEs for platinum demand. Fuel cells represent a new market for platinum but the hydrogen TIS is still at a vulnerable point in its development; without policy support, it will not contribute to a successful socio-technical transformation, nor provide an alternative outlet for platinum.