Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Kgalagdi'

The thesis focuses on ‘green’ sample preparation techniques that utilise minimal or no organic solvents thereby producing negligible volumes of organic waste, to ensure safety both to user and the environment. Volatile compounds were extracted and pre-concentrated from Kgalagadi desert truffles (kalaharituber) by headspace solid phase microextraction (HSSPME) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). PHWE was employed for the extraction of amino acids and fatty acids. Subsequent analysis of volatile compounds was carried out by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Four types of HS-SPME fibers (PDMS 100 μm, PDMS 7 μm, Polyacrylate 85 μm, CAR/DVB/PDMS 50/30 μm) were evaluated. A total of 24 volatile compounds with a molecular weight range from 110 to 354, the most prominent peak being 2-t-Butyl-2,3-dimethyl-3-buten-1-ol (C₁₀H₂₀O, MW 156) were detected after sampling with a PDMS 100 μm fiber. Less volatile compounds were detected after SFE with CO2. A total of 16 amino acids were identified while 17 fatty acids (MW from 132.12 to 367.49) were also identified. The characteristic profile of the Kgalagadi desert truffle was found to contain mainly fatty acid methyl esters and unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons. The most prominent compound peaks identified were; 2-t-butyl-2,3-dimethyl- 3-buten-1-ol, disulfide, ethyl benzoic acid 2-4-dhydroxy-3,6-dimethyl-methyl ester, 8,11- octadecanoic acid methyl ester, benzoic acid, 2,4-dihydroxy-3,6-dimethyl-methyl ester, isoquinoline, 1 butyl-3,4-dihydro and 3-heptanone, 6 methyl. Optimization results indicated that fresh slices from the heart of truffles were the best to use for HS-SPME-GCMS volatile compound analysis as they showed a higher sensitivity

Proponents of transfrontier conservation areas (TFCAs) make a number of claims in favour of this relatively new conservation strategy, one of which is that it leads to an increase in tourism. Despite the growing body of literature on the subject of TFCAs, very little research has been conducted on whether or not this assumption is true. This study therefore draws on and situates itself within this literature on TFCAs and the neoliberalisation of nature and seeks to test this claim through the use of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (KTP) as a case study. This is achieved firstly by assessing the changes in tourism development that have taken place both within the Park and in the area surrounding it as a result of the KTP's formation, and secondly by comparing the KTP's tourist levels prior to becoming a TFCA with those from after the TFCA was established, in order to determine what trends and changes have taken place as a result of this development. In doing so, this paper challenges the claim that TFCAs automatically lead to an increase in tourism and tourist development by showing that the link between the two is tenuous at best. It also broadens the scope of enquiry on the subject of TFCAs by analysing the relationship between TFCAs and the small scale, nature-based economic activities that take place around them, a matter which is largely ignored in the literature and, in doing so, critiques the assumption that all nature-based economic activities are part of a wider neoliberal agenda.

Extralimital giraffe introductions in the south-western region of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa, may result in changes to the vegetation structure for the region through overutilization of two keystone tree species in the area. In the areas where giraffe density was highest, I determine the relative abundance of giraffe; their diet preference and the potential reasons for this preference. Using both spoor and dung counts as indicators of giraffe presence, transects were carried out over approximately 20 km of the Auob River. Percentage occurrence was plotted onto a map of the river, along with the location of boreholes that supply the only surface water. Little trend could be seen, although occurrence appeared slightly higher near boreholes. The two trees that most commonly occur in the Auob duneveld, Acacia erioloba and Acacia haematoxylon, were examined for nutritional content, and both chemical and physical defences - all of which are thought to affect herbivore selection. Stable isotope analysis and linear mixing model were used to determine the proportion of each species in the diet of giraffe using the leaves of both species and giraffe dung. The majority of the giraffe's diet consists of A. haematoxylon (mean = 79 %, s.d. = 20.5 %) despite having less crude protein and similar condensed tannin content. Relative lack of physical defences appears to encourage giraffes to exploit A. haematoxylon, which has shorter, weaker thorns. Without management intervention, A. haematoxylon could suffer selective mortality through the impacts of giraffe browsing, resulting in a loss of species and structural diversity of the landscape.

Contemporary conservation and development understanding in both policy and academic circles espouses that natural resources have a significant contribution to the livelihoods of local people and that knowledge of this can better foster conservation policies that are consistent with livelihood and ecological needs. This thesis is based on research conducted in the southern Kalahari region, South Africa among the San and Mier communities bordering Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. It looks at the importance of natural resources to the San and Mier community groups and ascertains the extent of resource use and its value within broader livelihood portfolios. It also focuses on the cultural values of natural resources and interactions among institutions and actors and how these shape natural resource governance and livelihood outcomes. Overall, natural resources represent an important livelihood source contributing up to 32 % and 9 % of the total income of the San and Mier respectively or up to 46 % and 23 % if livestock incomes are included. However, the dependence on, diversification patterns and distribution of natural resource income vary substantially between and within the two communities. With regards to the cultural values attached to natural resources by the San and Mier, the findings show that these arise from an incredibly diverse and sometimes conflicting array of values that punctuate the two communities’ way of life and they are inextricably linked to resource use. Lastly, governance of natural resources in the co-managed Park and communitymanaged resettlement farms is characterised by complex institutional arrangements, compounded by the existence of multiple actors that have multiple and sometimes conflicting objectives – as shaped by different meanings and interpretations of natural resources. Heightened inter- and intra-community conflicts are common, notably resource use conflicts between the San and Mier and between the San ‘modernist’ and ‘traditionalist’ groups. This demonstrates that the communities’ livelihood dynamics in general and the dependence on natural resources in particular, are closely linked with ecological, economic and social factors including history, culture and present livelihood needs. By exploring the social-environment interactions, the study highlights the complexities and diversity of resource use for livelihoods that should be taken into consideration for both conservation and development policy interventions and research. The main argument of the study is that the contribution of natural resources to local livelihood portfolios in co- and community-managed areas, can be better understood through a consideration of cultural dynamics and institutional arrangements since these condition natural resource access, value and use.

Publisher version
Crafting local institutions to allow more effective decision-making in the management of and access to natural resources in and beyond parks has long been considered key to collaborative governance. South Africa, in particular, has vigorously pursued collaborative governance as a desired approach to managing natural resources as evident in the new arrangements for previously restricted parks. However, though the discourse of collaborative governance has occupied conservation thinking and practice globally, few studies have looked at the interplay between local institutions, actors and collaborative governance involving indigenous hunter–gatherer communities in Southern Africa. In response, we assess the local actors and institutions that were put in place to facilitate collaborative governance of natural resources in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and its surrounds in South Africa. Our findings show that though collaborative governance has a practical appeal, it is hampered by lack of participation in decision-making, information dissemination, transparency, trust and accountability, power relations, divergent interests and unequal access to natural resources. The findings also draw our attention to issues of heterogeneity, even within indigenous communities assumed to be homogenous by local conservation authorities as reflected in land settlement agreements in co-managed parks. We argue that collaborative governance arrangements need to reflect and be understood within the broader background of complex local realities.

Publisher version
Globally, cultural values of natural resources are increasingly recognised as important for local natural resource management and conservation in and beyond parks. The tendency has been to focus on the direct-use rather than the cultural values and importance of natural resources. The cultural values underlying natural resources (directly or indirectly used) and various natural resource-based activities, and the implications for conservation, remain little explored. Drawing from household surveys, in-depth qualitative interviews, observations and secondary data, we explore the cultural significance of natural resources and different land-use practices among the San people bordering Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in South Africa. Our findings illustrate that though cultural values are inextricably linked to resource use, they are not recognised by all community members. Further, cultural values arise from a diverse and sometimes conflicting array of values that punctuate individuals' lifestyles. A better understanding of context-specific cultural settings and the linkages between the cultural and material dimensions of resource use can lead to the development of interventions that can ensure effective conservation of both natural resources and culture.

Thesis (M Med (Family Medicine))--University of Limpopo, 2010.
Background: The state of Hypertension disease is universally under diagnosed and/or inadequately treated resulting in extensive target-organ damage and premature deaths. Therefore, sustainable and aggressive population-based programs for hypertension awareness, prevention, treatment, and control are keys of success in limiting this epidemic. The study aims to determine the Kang Adult population’s hypertension prevalence and the relationship between high blood pressure, anthropometric measures and their life style factors such as diet, use of tobacco products and alcohol consuming habits. Methodology: The study, a population based cross-sectional trial, was conducted on adult residents of Kang (18 year-old and above) from November to December 2008. Data was collected using the questionnaire, through physical measurements of weight, height and BP using a modified protocol based on World Health Organization (WHO) STEP wise instruments on chronic disease (Bonita, 2001). The sample consisted of 161 participants between 20 and 82 years of age. Results: Hypertension was observed in 31.6% of participants (95% CI: 24.6%-39.5%). With regard to the hypertension prevalence rate, no significant differences were observed between males and females (males 28.3% versus females 33.6%, p = 0.59). An elevated blood pressure was seen with significantly higher frequency in overweight group compared with the normal weight group (p = 0.029), in obese group compared x with the normal weight group (p = 0.002), and in obese group compared with the overweight group (p = 0.045). The study found no significant association between hypertension and use of tobacco products (p=0.46) or alcohol consumption (p=0.73), went in vigorous-intensity activity (p=0.22) and moderate-intensity activity that causes large increases in breathing, or heart rate for at least 10 minutes continuously (p=0.70). Conclusions: It is concluded that hypertension is a common problem in adult Kang population, with a prevalence of 31.6%. Hypertension prevalence was found to be associated with anthropometric measurements such as overweight and obesity. No significant association between hypertension and use of tobacco products, alcohol consumption, vigorous-intensity and moderate-intensity activities that cause increases in breathing or heart rate for at least 10 minutes continuously. However, the present study had the limitation of a small sample size. Further studies are needed to clarify the hypertension magnitude throughout the country, with large samples.

Gränsöverskridande naturskyddsområden, även kallat fredsparker, är en variant på naturskydd som gränsar till två eller flera länder. Det finns över 136 stycken upprättade fredsparker på olika platser i världen idag med 98 stycken involverade länder. Fredsparkerna täcker en yta på ungefär 1 127 934 km2 och utgör 10 % av världens naturskyddsområden och nästan 1 % av den totala ytan av all landmassa (Hanks, 2003). Tio stycken av dessa är upprättade i södra Afrika för att främja fred mellan involverade länder och skydda naturresurser genom förvaltning för att öka skyddet för växt- och djurarter tillsammans med att bevara kulturella värden. Uppsatsen syftar till att reda ut vilka problem som uppstår med fredsparkerna Great Limpopo och Kgalagadi i södra Afrika. Uppsatsen är genomförd med kvalitativ textanalys som metod där en sammanställning av tio vetenskapliga artiklar genomfördes för att identifiera problemen med fredsparkerna, problemens orsaker, fredsparkernas problemskillnader samt problemlösningar. Hälften av artiklarna fokuserar på fredsparken Great Limpopo och den andra hälften på fredsparken Kgalagadi, med intentionen att jämföra fredsparkernas olika problem. Sammanställningen visar att problemen är ekoturism, konflikter med lokalsamhällen, intressekonflikter, ojämna maktrelationer, illegala aktiviteter och landminor. Problemens orsaker varierar och består av olika sociala, ekonomiska, historiska och kulturella orsaker.
Fredspark problem orsaker skillnader lösningar

Thesis (D. Tech.) - Central University of Technology, Free State, 2009
All over the African continent south of the Sahara Desert, African lion numbers are plummeting to levels where, over large areas of their remaining distribution range, extinction has become a real threat. The main reason for the decreasing numbers is the increasing conflict between livestock farmers and lions. Lions are forced to kill livestock where their natural prey has been squeezed out by livestock and associated farming practices, and the farmers find it necessary to protect their livelihoods, often through the indiscriminate killing of lions. In the Kgalagadi-South region of Botswana, lion/livestock interactions present a challenge to livestock owners and wildlife managers alike. The relatively low ecological carrying capacity and occupied lion habitats in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (KTP) force some expelled young adult and sub-adult lions southwards into the adjoining Wildlife Management Area (WMA) KD/15, which separates the KTP and the communal grazing area. This WMA most likely also contains resident prides. Some of these predators sporadically enter the livestock grazing area. Similarly, large stock often enters the WMA. It is mostly these boundary transgressions that result in livestock killing, and the reaction of livestock owners often leads to the killing of lions. To gather information concerning the nature and extent of the situation, two questionnaires were prepared with the assistance of the Department of Biostatistics of the University of the Free State, South Africa. One questionnaire targeted livestock owners while the other was aimed at wildlife officials of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks in Botswana and SANParks in South Africa. Both covered the five-year period 2002-2006. A trial run was carried out to adjust to problem-specific circumstances before fieldwork commenced. Fieldwork was done during four consecutive seasons – in January, February, April and December 2007. Thirty livestock respondents and 13 wildlife officials were interviewed during the first two excursions into the study area. The third visit was to plot the cut-line between the WMA and the grazing area (by means of a Global Positioning System or GPS) and to make first-hand observations regarding movement over the cut-line. During all four visits the environmental (including grazing) conditions and density and distribution of wildlife and stock were observed in both the WMA and the grazing areas. The information gathered points towards a seemingly unsolvable situation. The exceptionally high daytime temperatures and food scarcity, brought about by erratic rainfall, overgrazing near boreholes, generally low carrying capacity and low phosphorus (P) levels, force large stock, i.e. cattle, horses, donkeys and mules, to graze far away from the safety of the cattle-posts during the cool hours of the night, thus making kraaling impractical. Such circumstances enhance exposure to lion predation especially in or near the WMA and the KTP fence. Some lions also penetrate deep into the grazing areas, especially in the arid western part of the study area. This study revealed certain weaknesses in current wildlife and livestock management practices in the study area, the sum of which put both farmers and the lion population under extreme pressure. Most of these shortcomings can be rectified without drastic invasive methods. Such adjustments can result in improved livestock and wildlife utilisation and protection of the lions. For example: the placement of mixed phosphorus and salt licks near cattle-posts to fulfil the need for vital micro and macro elements; addressing unnecessary livestock losses, which contribute to a lower income and less tolerance towards predation (e.g. botulism, which may stem from stock chewing on bones in their desire for more phosphorus, and losses to black-backed jackal, Canis mesomelas, in poorly maintained kraals); more drinking troughs at boreholes to prevent unnecessary shoving and minimise energy waste; and the introduction of more bulls to herds to increase the calving percentage. The study further concluded that there is little reason why stockowners should consider protecting lions. It suggests that significant value can be added to the wildlife (and the protection of lions) in the specific area by making farmers and other local residents share in the relatively untapped ecotourism potential of the area.

Thesis (MScConEcol (Conservation Ecology and Entomology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2011.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Previously, conservation activities were mainly focussed upon the establishment of protected areas that safeguarded and shielded the natural world from misuse, often resulting in the forced removal of indigenous communities. In South Africa, the ≠Khomani Bushmen, were one such group forcibly evicted from their homelands. Today, the community has regained access to their ancestral lands in the form of a land claim, settled in 1999, that awarded the community land rights in the form of six farms and land use rights within the now Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (KTP). This gave them the right to use and manage their property falling within the park together with the conservation authority responsible for the Park, South African National Parks (SANParks). This study aims to improve our understanding of the use of resources by the ≠Khomani Bushmen. By obtaining insight on resource use and how knowledge of this use is transferred and shared, information on how to better involve and integrate the community in management processes is generated. The study identified the most important plants currently used within the ≠Khomani community and assessed this use. Additionally, social network analysis (SNA) was used to investigate how the social network structure depicts the distribution of knowledge which affects the community’s ability to manage their natural plant resources effectively. In an ethnobotanical survey, over 90 individuals were interviewed, using semi-structured interviews, on the farms awarded to the community. In total, 59 plant species from 28 families were found to be in use. Medicinal plants were most frequently cited (60%), with edible plants comprising a further 20%. Data was also collected on social relations surrounding the acquisition, generation and transfer of plant use knowledge. The knowledge networks all depict isolated individuals on the periphery and a few individuals loosely connected to central structures. This study demonstrates that wild plant use remains an important practice for the ≠Khomani people, primarily for medicinal purposes. It serves as baseline data on plant resources being used by the community and adds to our understanding of how traditional knowledge is being transmitted. The insight provided by SNA depicts the current distribution of knowledge and should be used by the community, as supported by network weavers and SANParks, to achieve their joint management goals. Network weaving can potentially counteract ecologically unsustainable practices, promoting collaboration and the transfer of traditional ecological knowledge.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Voorheen was bewaringsaktiwiteite meestal gefokus op die vestiging van beskermde areas wat die natuurlike wêreld beveilig en beskerm het van misbruik wat dikwels die gevolg was van die geforseerde verwydering van inheemse gemeenskappe. In Suid-Afrika was die ≠Khomani Boesman groep een van die sodanige groepe wat op ʼn indrukwekkende manier van hulle tuislande uitgesit is. Vandag het die gemeenskap weer toegang gekry tot die land van hulle voorvaders in die indiening van ʼn grond eis wat in 1999 vasgestel is, en wat die gemeenskap grond regte toegeken het in die vorm van ses plase en grond regtelike gebruik binne die sogenoemde Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (KTP). Dit het hulle die reg gegee tot die gebruik en bestuur van hulle eiendom wat binne die park val saam met die bewaringsowerhede wat verantwoordelik is vir die Park, Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Parke (SANParks). Die doel van hierdie studie is om ons begrip te verbeter van die gebruik van hulpbronne deur die ≠Khomani Boesman. Met die verkryging van insig oor hulpbron gebruik en hoe die kennis van hierdie gebruik oorgedra en gedeel word, is inligting oor hoe om ʼn beter betrekking en integrering van die gemeenskap in die bestuursprosesse gegenereer. Die studie het die belangrikste plante geïdentifiseer wat tans gebruik word binne die ≠Khomani gemeenskap met die doel om die gebruik van hierdie plante te assesseer. Sosiale netwerkanalise (SNA) is addisioneel gebruik om ondersoek in te stel oor hoe sosiale netwerk struktuur die verspreiding van kennis uitbeeld wat die gemeenskap se vermoë om hulle natuurlike plant hulpbronne effektief te bestuur affekteer. In ʼn etnobotaniese opname, was oor 90 individuele ondervra op die plase wat aan die gemeenskap toegeken was, met die gebruik van semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude. Dit is gevind dat in totaal 59 plant spesies uit 28 families gebruik word. Medisinale plante was meer dikwels aangehaal (60%) met eetbare plante bestaande uit 20%. Data was ook versamel oor sosiale verwantskappe omringende die verkryging, generering en oordra van kennis in die gebruik van plante. Hierdie netwerk van kennis word alles uitgebeeld in geïsoleerde individue op die periferie en ʼn paar individue wat losweg verbonde is tot sentrale strukture. Hierdie studie identifiseer dat die gebruik van wildeplante ʼn belangrike praktyk bly vir die ≠Khomani mense, hoofsaaklik vir medisinale doeleindes. Dit dien as basis inligting van plant hulpbronne wat tans gebruik word deur die gemeenskap en wat by ons begrip gevoeg word oor hoe tradisionele kennis oorgedra word. Die insig wat deur SNA voorsien word beeld die huidige verspreiding van kennis uit, wat deur die gemeenskap gebruik moet word, as ondersteuning van “network weavers” en SANParks om hulle gesamentlike bestuur doelwitte te bereik. “Network weavers” kan potensieel ekologiese onvolhoubare praktyke teenwerk, wat die samewerking en die oordra van tradisionele ekologiese kennis bevorder.

Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology: Public Relations Management in the Faculty of Informatics and Design at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology 2013
This study investigated how the KickStart project, a flagship project of Kgalagadi Breweries Limited (KBL), has contributed to KBL’s reputation. The research sought to understand the aims of the project and to examine whether KickStart’s objectives are aligned to KBL goals. It also discusses stakeholder engagement and youth perceptions about the project, paying attention to the ways these factors seamlessly contribute to KBL’s reputation. The study was framed around the epistemological assumption that the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of major companies is essential for addressing social problems within local communities and for building mutual beneficial relationships. However, these companies often exclude communities in their CSR programmes, or the programmes fail to meet the needs and expectations of the communities. These factors often impact negatively on the image and reputation of the companies involved. This is a case-study of the KBL project-KickStart and uses a qualitative methodology to glean empirical data. The research methods include a questionnaire and interviews administered to 16 participants selected from KBL, Botswana National Youth Council, the Department of Youth, and youth who have received financial assistance from KickStart. A questionnaire were also administered to another youth group that received financial support under the Youth Development Fund, managed by the Department of Youth. An analysis of documents such as media reports and the Sechaba Breweries Holdings Limited past annual reports were made. Observations were also made during visits to youth businesses while the questionnaires. The literature on theories of CSR and the responsibilities of business provided the conceptual and theoretical framework for this research. This body of knowledge attempted to tease out the main responsibilities of business, namely economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic responsibilities and bring them to bear on the main focus of the project. Stakeholder theory provided the main theoretical thrust for this study because it highlights the multiple relationships that a company has with business partners, employees, government, suppliers, consumers, and communities, and that they all have expectations in terms of how a company should behave, and dictate what acceptable behaviour is. The value of involving stakeholders in CSR programmes will enhance a company’s reputation if communities are happy with the programmes; they will buy the goods and services procured by the company and recommend the company to others, employees will be motivated, and the company’s productivity levels will increase thus increasing profit margins. Suppliers will be happy to do business with the company. Businesses, to fulfil their mandates, enter into several relationships with key stakeholders who are prioritised according to their power, legitimacy, and the urgency of the issues at hand. Key findings from the study are that the aim of the KickStart is to empower youth to manage sustainable projects and create employment to improve the well-being of communities. KickStart is a flagship CSR programme of KBL, opening opportunities for the youth through development of their entrepreneurship skills. Its objectives are to support the government to address unemployment among the youth and facilitate sustainable economic development. The youth perceive KickStart as a good project; it offers them financial support, business management training, and a year’s mentorship to sustain their businesses. They acknowledge the contribution KickStart makes to uplift their lives and identify with the KBL brand, which positively reflects KBL as a good company. Stakeholders are important; they must be involved in CSR programmes and their concerns and issues should be considered for the success of the programmes. KBL has limited its stakeholder engagement to internal stakeholders namely, the trustees and the project manager, and externally the media and judges. Collaboration with the youth organisations will give credibility to KickStart whose target audience is the youth. While acknowledging limited stakeholder engagement, the CSR implementation framework is recommended for KBL to streamline and prioritise key issues around the high unemployment among the youth, identify key players to be involved, and specify what their contributions should be in addressing the problem.

Research in tourist behaviour follows the cognitive approach. This contains the behavioural cycle of stimulation (motivation and intention formation), the actual behaviour and experience, and finally the evaluation of consequences. These stages are referred to in tourism as: the pre-trip experience (motivation and intention formation), travel stage (actual behaviour) and the post-travel stage (evaluation of the travel experience). The characteristics, which influence tourist behaviour, indicate that travel motivations are the result of how tourists behave (tourist behaviour). These characteristics are: the decision-making process, demographical factors, marketing mix, external/social factors and internal/ psychological factors (motivations). Motivations to travel have a major influence on the travel behaviour of tourists. Tourists' motivations to satisfy their needs directly influence their behaviour, or the actions they take, in order to satisfy these needs. Due to its impelling and compelling nature, motivation is considered to be one of the most important variables in explaining tourist behaviour. As countries and destinations strive to increase their share of the international and national tourism market, it becomes important to understand why people travel and why they choose a specific ecotourism destination. If travel motivations of tourists are known to the product, it will be an aid when developing a competitive marketing strategy. From the literary review, the following travel motivations occurred regularly: leisure, excitement, socialisation, relaxation, family togetherness, escape, culture, novelty, attractions, knowledge seeking, adventure, prestige, nature, facilities, recreation, attributes, nostalgia, photography, exploration and activities. The literary review further revealed that there are travel motivations commonly found with regard to tourism destinations, and on the other hand, there are travel motivations which are product related. The aim of this research was to determine the travel motivations of tourists to selected national parks in South Africa: Karoo-, Kgalagadi Transfrontier- and Tsitsikamma National Parks. Secondary data was used to determine the visitors' profile, as well as the factor analysis on travel motivations. For the visitors' profile, 286 questionnaires were administered for Karoo National Park, 468 for the Tsitsikamma National Park and 582 for Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park. For the factor analysis, 318 questionnaires were administered for Karoo National Park, 673 for the Tsitsikamma National Park and 534 for Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park. Primary data was used to determine the reasons for visiting these parks. 101 Questionnaires were administered for Karoo National Park, 192 for the Tsitsikamma National Park and 104 for Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park. The foremost findings of the research were divided into three categories, namely: visitors' profile, reasons for visiting the parks and travel motivations. Regarding visitors profile; it was found that profiles for the three parks were quite similar, except for the following: expenditure of tourists at Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park, where the average spending of tourists was higher and directly linked to the duration of stay; duration of stay indicated that tourists visiting Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park stayed longer. Two major markets were revealed by the research for all three parks, namely: Gauteng and Western Cape, with the exception of Tsitsikamma National Park, which had a third market of importance, namely Eastern Cape. This information is important when developing marketing strategies. It was especially evident that 4x4 vehicles are the preferred mode of transport for visitors to Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park. Therefore, this park can be marketed as a 4x4 destination. From these results one can conclude that the profile of tourists to the three selected national parks showed minor differences. Primary data was used to determine the reasons why tourists visit the selected parks. Among the most important travel reasons why tourists visit the selected parks, was: to relax, for family recreation, to get away from regular routine and for the benefit of the children. The factor analysis regarding travel motives revealed the following: five factors were identified for Karoo National Park and six factors were identified for both Tsitsikamma- and Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Parks. Results illustrated that these parks have common and unique motives. Common travel motives in these parks include: park attributes, escape and relaxation, as well as knowledge seeking. Unique to Karoo National Park, was attractions and family togetherness, compared to photography and adventure for Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park, and adventure and attractions for the Tsitsikamma National Park. A combined factor analysis was also conducted, which showed knowledge seeking, park attributes, as well as escape and relaxation as the most important travel motives of tourists visiting the three selected national parks. This research, therefore, confirmed that different attractions and destinations feed different travel motives, even when classified as similar types of products. Marketers can use this information to position these parks and to develop better marketing strategies, to enable national parks to outwit their competitors.
Thesis (M.A. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Thesis (MScFor)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Free-ranging lions (Panthera leo) in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (KTP) have been subject to persecution by farmers following livestock depredation in adjacent grazing areas. In recent years at least one adult female was killed annually from a sub-population of five boundary prides that have home ranges adjoining these livestock grazing areas. While no long-term records of human-caused mortality are available, the impact of current rates of human-caused mortality is uncertain. Female-based, age-structured models were thus used to estimate the long-term viability of the KTP lion sub-population subjected to human-caused mortality under deterministic and stochastic environmental conditions. Population parameters incorporated in the models included age-class specific natural mortality, female fecundity and birth sex ratio. In so doing sustainable threshold rates of persecution were established, so that effective conservation measures can be taken, if required, to ensure the continued survival of boundary prides in the park. Sensitivity analyses of natural survival rates indicated that adult female survivorship is the most important population parameter with respect to maintaining population viability, compared to younger female age-classes, fecundity or birth sex ratio. Hence adults were also the most sensitive age-class with respect to human-caused mortality, as adult survival repeatedly acts upon individuals with the highest reproductive value. In the deterministic model, with the most optimistic survival parameter values, fecundity and birth sex ratio (female-biased) estimates, the sub-population is only able to sustain an annual persecution of three adult females, before the sub-population exhibits a sustained decline. In the worst-case scenario, where fecundity and sex ratio estimates are at their lower extremes, the maximum sustainable age-class specific persecution rate is zero, for all age-classes. Whilst these hypothetical scenarios are unrealistic, they do highlight the extreme thresholds of potentially sustainable persecution rates. Under the most optimistic scenario using the stochastic model, the highest achievable survival probability of the sub-population, when subjected to a persecution rate of one adult annually, was 78%. Although increased fecundity and birth sex ratio biased towards females may increase the survival probability, these parameters are generally at their mean values in the long-term, and may thus not necessarily prevent a sustained population decline. The models therefore suggest that the current persecution rate of one adult annually (or 4% of the adult sub-population), appears unsustainable in the longterm. To ensure the survival of existing boundary prides and to maintain a viable subpopulation, adult lionesses should, as far as possible, be afforded protection from persecution.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Vrylewende leeus (Panthera leo) in die Kgalagadi Oorgrenspark (KTP) is onderworpe aan vervolging deur boere as gevolg van predasie op vee in aangrensende weidingsgebiede. In onlangse jare is ten minste een volwasse wyfie uit ‘n subpopulasie van vyf troppe met loopareas wat aan die weidingsgebiede grens, jaarliks uitgewis. Geen langtermyn rekords van vrektes as gevolg van menslike oorsake is beskikbaar nie, en die impak van vrektes wat deur mense veroorsaak word, is dus onseker. Wyfie-gebaseerde, ouderdomgestruktureerde modelle is daarom gebruik om te voorspel wat die langtermyn lewensvatbaarheid is van die KTP leeu subpopulasie wat onderworpe is aan vrektes deur menslike invloede onder deterministiese en stogastiese omgewingsfaktore. Bevolkingsfaktore wat deur die modelle in ag geneem is, sluit ouderdomsgroep-spesifieke natuurlike vrektes, aanwas van wyfies en geboorte geslagsverhouding in. Sodoende is volhoubare uitwissingstempos bepaal sodat, indien nodig, effektiewe bewaringsmeganismes toegepas kan word om die voortbestaan van troppe in die grensgebiede van die park te verseker. Sensitiwiteitsanalises van natuurlike oorlewingstempos het aangetoon dat volwasse wyfies se oorlewing die belangrikste bevolkingsfaktor is om die bevolking se lewensvatbaarheid te volhou vergeleke met jonger wyfie ouderdomsgroepe, aanwas of geslagsverhouding by geboorte. Daarom was volwassenes ook die sensitiefste vir vrektes as gevolg van menslike invloede, omdat die oorlewing van volwassenes herhaaldelik inwerk op individue met die hoogste reproduktiewe waarde. In die deterministiese model met die mees optimistiese oorlewing, aanwas en geboorte verhouding (wyfie-gebasseerde) beramings, is die subpopulasie slegs in staat om ‘n jaarlikse uitwissing van drie volwasse wyfies te onderhou, voordat die sub-populasie ‘n volgehoue afname toon. In die uiterste geval waar aanwas en geslags verhouding skattings op die laagste is, is die maksimum volhoubare ouderdomsklasspesifieke beramings nul vir alle ouderdomsklasse. Terwyl hierdie hipotetiese senario’s onrealisties is, onderstreep dit die uiterste vlakke van potensiële volhoubare uitwissingstempos. Onder die mees optimistiese senario – ‘n uitwissingstempo van een volwassene jaarliks – met die gebruik van die stogastiese model, was die hoogste haalbare oorlewingswaarskynlikheid van die sub-populasie 78%. Alhoewel ‘n toename in aanwas en geboorte geslagsverhouding (met oorhelling na wyfies), ‘n toename in oorlewingswaarskynlikheid tot gevolg kan hê, is hierdie faktore oor die algemeen gemiddeld oor die langtermyn en sal dit nie noodwendig ‘n volgehoue afname in die populasie verhoed nie. Die modelle dui daarop dat die huidige uitwissingstempo van een volwassene (of 4% van die volwasse sub-populasie) op ‘n jaarlikse grondslag onvolhoubaar is oor die langtermyn. Om die oorlewing van bestaande troppe in die grensgebiede, asook ‘n lewensvatbare subpopulasie, te verseker, moet volwasse leeuwyfies so ver as moontlik teen vervolging beskerm word.

Includes abstract.
Includes bibliographical references.
The term ‘bushmen’ is used generically to refer to the Khoisan. Although the term is still used in several countries in the Southern African region (SADC), it is considered derogatory by some. Culturally the Khoisan are divided into the hunter-gatherer San (originally a derogatory term used by the Khoi), and the pastoral Khoi (Barnard, 1992). Anthropologists from the West adopted the term ‘San’ extensively in the 1970’s, and this is now the preferred term in academic circles. This is a study in economic anthropology which seeks to fully understand the complexity of the economics of a hunter gatherer people in the Kgalagadi area. Despite the change in the lifestyle and values of the San people, they have and continue to provide valuable information in the fields of anthropology and genetics (see Thomas, 1958, 1989, 2006; Lee, 1976, 1979; Barnard, 1992; Hogan, 2008).

In this thesis I determine how an emphasis on tourism may have both a top-down and bottom-up affect on the two most dominant tree species in the southern Kalahari Desert of central southern Africa. Both tree species are considered as keystone species especially along ephemeral rivers. My focus is on the impact of the introduction of an extralimital megaherbivore, Giraffa camelopardalis, (top-down) and anthropogenic water abstraction (bottom-up) on the reproductive output and vegetation structure of Acacia erioloba and Acacia haematoxylon in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. I determine the impact of giraffe on canopy structure and reproductive potential of the two tree species by comparing three zones of giraffe density (high, medium and low) along the Auob River. I do this through a series of transects through the river to determine both giraffe and tree density and also photographed several trees to determine change in canopy width, percentage canopy death and change in the number of flowers and pods between the three zones and between species. My results show a significant negative impact of giraffe browse on canopy structure, specifically for A. haematoxylon. I did not however find any significant differences in recruitment between the different giraffe density zones. However, a noticeable decrease in numbers of flowers and pods in the giraffe browse height of trees (2 - 5 m) between zones suggest that giraffe will have a negative effect on the A. haematoxylon population but not the A. erioloba population in the future. I use stable hydrogen and oxygen isotope ratios to determine the water source for the two tree species. I do this relative to the stable isotope ratio of the water extracted from nearby boreholes. I also determine how close to physiological stress the trees are (using specific leaf area, leaf δ¹³C values, canopy death and midday xylem pressure potentials) both upstream and downstream of active boreholes used for two tourist camps. One camp, Nossob, in the Nossob River is abstracting at a high rate while the other camp, Urikaruus, in the Auob River is abstracting at a lower rate. My results for water isotope ratios show that both A. erioloba and A. haematoxylon are using deep groundwater. My results also show that in the dry season, A. erioloba in the Nossob are losing contact with groundwater and have to rely on some as yet unmeasured water source in the soil profile. This 'stress' is not reflected in canopy dieback as yet. The trees continue to transpire in the dry season suggesting that they are physiologically able to adapt to fluctuations in the water table of between 4.5 - 5.2 m between the wet and dry season by closing their stomata but are prone to drought-induced carbon starvation, specifically for trees in the Nossob. Overall, my results show that the impact of giraffe on vegetation structure is already evident for A. haematoxylon, indicative of future negative effects on reproduction. My research also shows that although current levels of water abstraction are as yet not affecting vegetation structure below the abstraction points, the trees are edging closer to thresholds of water stress that would be exacerbated with drought. These findings are discussed within the context of ecosystem health and management implications for the giraffe population and water use within the Park.

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 89-94).
Khomani San with access to 26,000 hectares of land in the national park for "symbolic and cultural uses", and is entitled a "Heritage Park". National parks have, in recent years, been required by legislation, popular opinion, and SANP policies to change how they interact with local communities. However, both staff in Kgalagadi and local residents consistently reiterate that "nothing changes in the Kalahari", and this is a dominant discourse in the Park. Experience of living in the region (including the National Park) has demonstrated to residents that little does change in their material social reality. Based on the experience of nine months in the Park as a volunteer with South African National Parks, complemented by a month of fieldwork, this study gauges the interpretation of a "Heritage Park" and co-management by the authority implementing the Agreement. Through interview and survey data this study argues that the power of discursive modes of communication and their control of knowledge and differing uses of and interpretations of the past limit the conceptualization of possible change. The emphasis placed by residents on racial difference restricts possible subject- positions and therefore, the possibility of multiple types of relations beyond apartheid-era categorization. While experience within the place creates its own set of limitations on social life. The Kalahari, I argue, is internalized by its residents and stifles a sense of possibility through a particular sense of the passage of time, the past, and different conceptions of its effect on the present. These factors combine as restrictions on any meaningful social change for the residents of Kgalagadi. I argue that it is the social dynamics within the Park that curb the success of the Ae!Hai Kalahari Heritage Park Agreement. The social world inside Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park can by extension, be seen as a microcosm of the larger South African picture; a nation scored by differences of race, access to information and meaning in knowledge, and influential but ambiguous discourses.

The continued provision of waterholes since the early 1930s has facilitated the formation of a largely sedentary population of blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. However, other environmental variables may influence the distribution of this resident herd within the riverbeds of the Park. I explore the effects of water quality, forage abundance, tree density and river width on wildebeest habitat selection. I do this through a combination of an analysis of two years of wildebeest census data, published water quality data and a series of transects across the Auob and Nossob rivers for dung and grass sampling in the Park. My results show that water quality is a key predictor of wildebeest distribution, with animals strongly selecting for areas with access to fresh water over areas with saline or no water. Shade also emerged as a strong predictor of wildebeest distribution, demonstrating the importance of thermoregulatory behavioural adaptations in this arid savannah system. Wildebeest avoided areas of the riverbed that were densely vegetated, instead showing a preference for wider, open areas. This preference is likely a combination of two factors; enhanced predator detectability in open regions of the riverbed and the larger area of short grass communities present in this habitat. In this arid environment the distribution of available graze has long been considered an important variable in determining the distribution of wildebeest. I further examine my results showing that forage availability and quality plays a key role in wildebeest habitat selection through a stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of wildebeest dung and the leaves of common shrubs and grasses to explore the spatial and temporal variation in wildebeest diet. These results show that wildebeest in my study site consumed a higher proportion of C3 plants than previously recorded in other areas of their range. This C3 intake increases in the dry season and in marginal, low use areas of the Park, suggesting that C3 plants are an important alternative food source to wildebeest during drought periods. This increase in C3 plants allow the animals to maintain their crude protein requirements throughout the dry season, despite a pronounced drop in the quality of available graze during this period. These results suggest that wildebeest were not food limited during the study period, although the distribution of these animals appears to largely reflect bottom up (resource based) mechanisms. A portion of the resident herd displayed some level of local movement, dispersing out of the riverbeds during the wet season before concentrating again near good quality waterholes in the dry season. This movement is likely driven by increased wet season forage outside the riverbed habitat and facilitated by ephemeral pools of water that form in pans in the rainy season. Grass species counts and grazing evidence were used to investigate the grazing habits of all herbivores in the riverbeds of the KTP. My results suggest that herbivores are more restricted in their grazing choices during the dry season. While there was no conclusive evidence to suggest that this was a direct result of grass quality, it is likely that the pronounced decrease in grass quality during the drier months does play a role in herbivore grazing habits.

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2000.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In this era of globalisation, the world is becoming more economically, politically and ecologically interdependent, that is, there is a growing mutual vulnerability between actors. The conditions of growing interdependence produce specific challenging circumstances for the achievement of particular goals, -includinq that of sustainable development. The Southern African context holds further obstacles to such development, which include poverty, inequality, a history of racial conflict and colonialism, and a regional economy on the semi-periphery of the global economy. It is my assertion that it is in the mutual self-interest of states and other stakeholders (e.g. communities) to approach this dilemma through transnational co-operation under the ethical umbrella of sustainable development. Thus this thesis seeks to discover to what extent the construction of Transborder Conservation Areas (TBCAs), relatively large areas which straddle the borders between two or more countries and cover natural systems incorporating one or more protected areas, can meet the criteria of sustainable development, given these conditions. The three primary criteria used for measuring sustainable development are community-based development; close linkages between the environment and development; and co-operation on all levels. The Kgalagadi TBCA, formally recognised on the 7th of April 1999 between South Africa and Botswana, serves as the case study. The conceptual framework used for the analysis is a theory of cooperation, as it applies to the field of International Relations. The key concepts employed here are those of interdependence, co-operation, sustainable development and institutionalisation. The research centers around three key issues: If sustainable development is the way forward for Southern Africa, do TBCAs reflect and fulfill the criteria as set forth by sustainable development? What does the experience of TBCAs in Southern Africa tell us about co-operation, recognising that TBCAs can only succeed if it has a sound base in the awareness and engagement of people? And, how best can decision-makers go about establishing TBCAs? Ultimately the thesis is a call to Southern African countries to embrace this new form of utilising the environment.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In hierdie era van globalisering is die wêreld besig om ekonomies, polities en ekologies meer interafhanklik te word, met ander woorde, daar is 'n toenemende wedersydse kwesbaarheid tussen akteurs. Toenemende interafhanklikheid produseer spesifieke uitdagings ten opsigte van die bereiking van sekere doelwitte, insluitend volgehoue ontwikkeling. Daar is besondere hindernisse op die weg na volgehoue ontwikkeling in Suidelike Afrika, is byvoorbeeld armoede, ongelykheid, en verlede gekenmerk deur rassekonflik en kolonialisme, asook en regionale ekonomie op die semi-periferie van die globale ekonomie. Dit is in die wedersydse belang van state en ander betrokke partye (bv. gemeenskappe) om hierdie dilemma te benader deur middel van transnasionale samewerking onder die etiese sambreel van volgehoue ontwikkeling. Hierdie tesis probeer vasstel tot watter mate die skep van Transnasionale Bewaringsgbiede, of sogenaamde "Vredesparke" (Transborder Conservation Areas = TBCAs), d.w.s. relatiewe groot areas aan weerskante van die grens(-e) tussen twee of meer lance en wat natuurlike stelsels dek wat ten minste een beskermde gebied inkorporeer, kan voldoen aan die kriteria vir volgehoue ontwikkeling, gegewe die bogenoemde konteks. Die drie primêre kriteria wat gebruik word om volgehoue ontwikkeling te meet is gemeenskapsgebaseerde ontwikkeling; die hegtheid van die verhouding tussen die omgewing en ontwikkeling; en samewerking op alle vlakke. Die Kgalagadi TBCA, amptelik op 7 April 1999 tussen Suid-Afrika en Botswana erken, dien as die gevallestudie. Die konseptueie raamwerk wat gebruik word in die analise is 'n teorie van samewerking, soos dit van toepassing is op die veld van Internasionale Betrekkinge. Die sleutelkonsepte wat gebruik word is interafhanklikheid, samewerking, volgehoue ontwikkeling en institusionalisering. Die navorsing sentreer rondom drie sleutelkwessies: lndien volgehoue ontwikkeling die weg vorentoe vir Suidelike Afrika is, weerspiëel en voldoen TBCAs aan die vereistes van volgehoue ontwikkeling? Wat kan ons wys raak oor samewerking na aanleiding van ons ervaring van TBCAs in Suidelike Afrika, gegewe dat TBCAs slegs kan slaag indien dit gefundeer is op gemeenskapsbewustheid- en deelname? Laastens, wat is die beste manier waarvolgens besluitnemers TBCAs kan vestig? Ten slotte is hierdie studie 'n beroep op die besluitnemers In Suidelike Afrika om hierdie nuwe wyse waarop die omgewing benut kan word, te ondersteun.

Text in Afrikaans
Summaries in Afrikaans and English
Hierdie navorsing meen dat die kerk in die verlede te veel klem gele het op negatiewe seksuele praktyke, en verantwoordelike seks nie aan die qeloofsgemeenskap voorgehou is nie. Sodoende het 'n negatiewe mentaliteit in die geloofsgemeenskap ontstaan, wat verder aangewakker is deur verskeie sosio-politieke en ekonomiese faktore. Dit het tot 'n gebroke familielewe, huwelike, immoraliteit en 'n identiteitskrisis gelei, wat uiteindelik saamgewerk het tot die HIV-dilemma. Daar is nie werklik 'n begrip van die sin van bogenoemde elemente in die geloofsgemeenskap nie, en gevolglik konsentreer hierdie navorsing daarop om, met die evangelie as basis op 'n geinkultureerde wyse, bogenoemde kultuurbeskouinge in die Kgalagadi-gemeente te inkultureer. Hierin moet die plaaslike gemeente se koninklike, profetiese en priesterlike funksies gestalte kry in die daarstelling van sisteme, sodat doelgerig tot die bekamping van, pastorale hulp aan, en bystand aan HIV-slagoffers bygedra kan word.
The Church has focused too much on the negative aspects of sexuality and not enough on how to have sexual relations in a responsible manner. A negative mentality regarding sexuality, family life and morality had been created in the community, which contributed to the HIV-dilemma. There is no understanding of these aspects in the community. Inculturation of the relevant aspects into the Kgalagadi congregation should be done on the basis of the gospel. In this the local congregation should fulfill its kingly, prophetic and priestly functions by creating relevant systems to help prevent, support and counsel HIV-victims.
Missiology
M.Th. (Missiology)

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1988.
Typescript. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 91-98).