Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Oudtshoorn'

Business incubators, as recognised in their contemporary form, have a history dating back to the 1970s in the United Kingdom and the USA. South Africa is no stranger to this concept of business incubation either: Since the 1980s the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) operated business “hives” as clusters of small enterprises. Business incubators are support facilities that empower and stimulate small-entrepreneurial businesses – from the financially vulnerable start-up period, until the time that the fledgling company is ready to operate more autonomously. Business incubators provide, as part of their services, affordable space, financial-management services, sound business advice and other development services. Incubation stimulates the development of small-entrepreneurial businesses and, to this end, helps stimulate the economy. Thus, for South Africa to invest in the development of small growing businesses, is to invest directly in its larger economy and to address its own development challenges like employment-creation, income-generation and the alleviation of poverty. It is in this context that this study discusses the development challenges of one of the rural areas in South Africa, Oudtshoorn, and aims to provide a viable strategy of business incubation for this area, in anticipation that in future lessons can be drawn from this and applied to other rural areas. Oudtshoorn is a town in the Klein Karoo, in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The strongest sectors in Oudtshoorn’s economy are agriculture and tourism. These two sectors should provide the basis for an empowering business incubator to strengthen and enhance smaller businesses in the town. The study focuses on the development challenges of South Africa and, in particular, a rural town such as Oudtshoorn, the importance of investing in small entrepreneurial businesses so as to strengthen the country’s economy. the nature an significance of a business-incubation strategy for the Oudtshoorn area. Background literature on South Africa’s development challenges was collated as well as information gathered on small-business support and incubation in particular. Literature was retrieved from local institutions as well as national and international sources. Case studies of incubators in South Africa and in other countries were included to enhance the understanding of the importance of business incubation. In addition, the researcher’s close networks with the Oudtshoorn municipality, the local Red Door office and the different role-players in the small-business support sphere allowed for an in-depth assessment of support for such an incubation project and the critical obstacles it may encounter en route.

Thesis (MScAgric)--University of Stellenbosch, 2001.<br>ENGLISH ABSTRACR: Approximately 10 years ago South Africa, and specifically the Oudtshoorn region was the only place in the world that supplied ostrich products for the international market. Today, South Africa is only one of several countries with commercial ostrich farming. The largest concentration of ostrich farmers in the world is, however, still in the Oudtshoorn region. Increasing competition, limited possibilities to diversify and the so-called price cost squeeze put the emphasis on aspects such as higher productivity and lower production costs. The profitability of ostrich farming, especially in the Oudtshoorn region, should urgently be determined and evaluated as farmers rely heavily on this venture as an only source of income. Decreases in slaughter realisations and slaughtering numbers have necessarily negative financial implications for the farmers, as well as for the community as a whole. Diversification is often considered strategic to avoiding or minimising risk. However, the possibilities to diversify especially to existing alternatives, have proven limited. One sure solution is to increase productivity of ostrich farming. Production parameters like the number of day-old chicks per female, chick mortality and slaughtering realisations were found to vary considerable providing scope for improvement. It is evident that several factors that determine the generated income lie outside the sphere of influence of the individual ostrich farmer. The large variation in production performances renders the industry risky, especially for farmers with liquidity problems. Two questionnaires as well as group discussion techniques were used to evaluate the economics of ostrich farming. Income and costing budget models were constructed on Microsoft Excel to be able to do calculations to the level of gross margin. A complete representative ostrich-farming unit was constructed to do calculations to the level of net farm income. The budget models were applied to (1) representative ostrich production practices for each of the three phases in the production process of ostrich farming, and (2) the representative ostrich-farming unit. The effect of different critical factors on the gross margin and net farm income of ostrich farming were thereafter evaluated. Different scenarios were also evaluated. The results of these analyses are representative of ostrich farming in the Oudtshoorn region. A computer model was developed whereby ostrich farming can be evaluated economically. This model can also be applied to assist individual farmers with their planning.As no research results exist on the economics of ostrich farming at micro level, several questions regarding the economics of ostrich farming prompted this study. These questions were answered using the above-mentioned computer models. The survival of the ostrich industry in the Oudtshoom region with its limited resources depends on a secure lead in technology which will enable farmers to produce products of higher quality, but also at lower costs than the rest of the world.<br>AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Sowat 10 jaar gelede was Suid-Afrika, en spesifiek die Oudtshoom-omgewing, die enigste gebied in die wereld wat volstruisprodukte aan die wereldmark verskaf het. Vandag is Suid-Afrika egter een van vele lande waar kommersiele volstruisboerdery voorkom. Die grootste konsentrasie van volstruisboere in die wereld word egter steeds in die Oudtshoom-omgewing aangetref. Toenemende mededinging, beperkte moontlikhede om te diversifiseer en die sogenaamde pryskoste-knyptang impliseer dat aspekte soos hoer produktiwiteit en laer produksiekoste aandag moet geniet. 'n Behoefte bestaan om die winsgewendheid van die volstruisvertakking, spesifiek in die Oudtshoomomgewing, nie net te bepaal nie, maar ook te evalueer. Voistruisboere in die Oudtshoom-omgewing steun swaar op die volstruisvertakking vir die generering van inkomste. 'n Verlaging in slagrealisasies en 'n inkorting van slaggetalle het dus noodwendig negatiewe finansiele implikasies tot gevolg, nie net vir die volstruisboere nie, maar ook vir die hele gemeenskap. 'n Strategie om risiko te vermy, mag wees om te diversifiseer, maar die moontlikhede om te diversifiseer, veral na die bestaande vertakkings wat reeds verbou word, blyk egter beperk te wees. 'n Oplossing kan wees om die produktiwiteit van volstruisboerdery te verhoog, met ander woorde om bestaande dinge beter te doen. Groot variasies kom onder andere voor in die getal dagoudkuikens per wyfie, vrektesyfer onder kuikens en ook slagresultate. Groot ruimte vir verbetering bestaan dus. Dit blyk dan ook dat daar heelwat faktore is wat buite die invloedsfeer van die indiwiduele volstruisboer val wat bepalend is vir die inkomste wat 'n slagvolstruis realiseer. Die groot variasies, soos genoem, impliseer verder dat die risiko van volstruisboerdery hoog kan wees, veral vir volstruisboere met likiditeitsprobleme. Twee vraelysopnames en die groepbesprekingstegniek is gebruik om volstruisboerdery ekonomies te kon evalueer. Inkomste- en kostebegrotingsmodelle is op Microsoft Excel gekonstrueer ten einde berekeninge tot op die vlak van bruto marge te kon doen. 'n Volledige verteenwoordigende volstruisboerdery-eenheid is vervolgens gekonstrueer om berekeninge ook tot op die vlak van netto boerdery-inkomste te kon doen. Die begrotingsmodelle is toegepas op (0 verteenwoordigende volstruisproduksiepraktyke vir elk van die drie fases in die produksieproses van volstruisboerdery en (2) die verteenwoordigende volstruisboerdery-eenheid. Die effek van verskillende kritieke faktore op die bruto marge en netto boerdery-inkomste van volstruisboerdery is vervolgens geevalueer. Verskillende scenarios is ook aan die hand van die verteenwoordigende boerderyeenheid beoordeel. Die resultate van hierdie ontledings is verteenwoordigend van volstruisboerdery in die Oudtshoom-omgewing. 'n Rekenaarmodel is in die proses ontwikkel om volstruisboerdery ekonomies te kan evalueer. Hierdie model kan ook aangewend word om indiwiduele volstruisboere met beplanning te help. Heelwat vrae oor die ekonomie van volstruisboerdery het aanleiding gegee tot die aanvang van hierdie studie. Navorsingsresultate oor die ekonomie van volstruisboerdery op mikrovlak bestaan dan ook nie. Deur gebruik te maak van die genoemde rekenaarmodelle is vrae oor die ekonomie van volstruisboerdery beantwoord. Die enigste behoud van die volstruisbedryf in die Oudtshoom-omgewing, met sy beperkte hulpbronne, is 'n stewige voorsprong in tegnologie om nie net beter nie, maar ook goedkoper as die res van die wereld te produseer.

Includes bibliographical references.<br>No detailed investigation has been previously made of the legal status, administration, history, management, finances, and conservation status of a show cave in South Africa. This study, using archival sources and field work, makes a thorough assessment of Cango Cave, a well-known show cave in the Swartberg foothills north of Oudtshoorn in the Cape Province of South Africa. Repeated field trips to Cange Cave and to other caves in the area have confirmed the environmental deterioration of Cango Cave and its surroundings. This study has shown that such deterioration has been caused by human pressures on a non-renewable resource. Reading of the extensive Government and other archives, supplemented by newspaper and other published material, has for the first time enabled the scientific, administrative and financial history of the Cave to be available in one document. Analysis of this assembled evidence, augmented by reading between the lines where the evidence is occasionally missing, has shown the reasons for the failure of successive Cave managements during the past two centuries to operate on a conservation basis. This failure to conserve Cango Cave has occurred despite the avowed policy of every political master of the Cape since 1820 that the Cave is a national asset which shall be conserved. The thesis commences with a description of the location and topography of Cango Cave, followed by a review of cave conservation literature and a summary of the published information on the Cave. There follows a detailed account of the discovery and development of the Cave from 1780 until 1992, and an assessment of its financial status. The impact of humans on the Cave, and its conservation status, are examined in detail. The above data are then discussed at length, and the reasons for the present unsatisfactory management structure identified. Having demonstrated the past and present management failures at Cango Cave, recommendations are made for better management structures and for the necessary applied research. Such research will provide the information which is essential for the future management of Cango Cave on a conservation basis.

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.<br>AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In hierdie studie word gekyk na die gevolge van die totale oorheersing van ‘n baie suksesvolle landboubedryf in ‘n afgebakende gebied, wat as gevolg van verskeie faktore in duie gestort het. In die Klein Karoo was so ‘n bedryf die volstruisboerdery, waar ongekende hoë pryse vir volstruisvere tot 1914 behaal is waarna die prys geval het en die boerdery –gemeenskap in ellende gedompel is. Die studie konsentreer op die herbopbou van die landbou in die Oudtshoorn-distrik en op die maniere waarop die boere gedwing is om innoverend te dink om te oorleef. Die fokus van die boere het weggeskuif van die produksie van volstruisvere en hulle het teruggekeer na die produksie van beproefde landbougewasse. Daar is nuut gedink oor hoe om hierdie gewasse meer effektief en meer lewensvatbaar te produseer. Nuwe produkte is beproef en met die terugkeer van die volstruis as bemarkbare kommoditeit is op die verwerking van die hele volstruis gekonsentreer en nie net op die vere nie.<br>ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In this study the effects of the total domination of a very successful agricultural industry in a defined area, which has collapsed as a result of various factors, will be looked at. In the Klein Karoo unprecedented high prices were obtained for ostrich feathers up till 1914 and when the price fell, the farming community was plunged into misery. The study focuses on the redevelopment of the agriculture in the Oudtshoorn district and the ways in which farmers were forced to think innovatively to survive. The focus of the farmers had to move away from the production of ostrich feathers and they had to return to the production of proven agricultural crops. There had to be some new thinking on how to make the production of these crops efficiently and economically more viable. New products were tried and tested and with the return of the ostrich as a marketable commodity the farmers concentrated on the processing of the whole ostrich and not just the feathers.

Includes bibliography.<br>The dissertation aimed at providing a model for the study of rural Jewish communities in South Africa during the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries, in particular of the processes of acculturation and assimilation pertaining to Jewish immigrants in a frontier society. Oudtshoorn, an agricultural district in South Africa, was chosen because it possessed the largest rural Jewish community in South Africa (five hundred families) around its peak in the early twentieth century, and had. a continuous history of Jewish life from 1874 to the time of the study in 1999.

The purpose of this study was to determine the economic impact of tourists visiting the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival in Oudtshoorn. In the context of event tourism, economic impact can be defined as the net change in an economy resulting from the event. The change is caused by the activity involving the acquisition, operation, development and use of facilities and services. These in turn generate visitor spending, public spending and tax revenue (Lee, 2001:l). Determining the economic impact is not only about determining gross income, but also the impact the festival has on job creation, government income, infrastructure and the balance of payments (Van Blarcom, 2001). To determine the economic impact in Oudtshoorn 400 visitor questionnaires and 50 business questionnaires were interview administered. The survey followed a non-probability sampling method and took place from the 28'h of March to the 6m of April 2003. The aim of the questionnaires was to determine the spending patterns of visitors, the benefits to businesses and the leakages. Using the benchmark indicator method it was determined that 108 062 people attended the festival, of whom 93 306 were visitors and 14 761 were locals. Total spending for the visitors was determined at R91,9 million and for locals R5,5 million. With leakages taken into account only R49,5 million of the visitors', R2,08 million of the locals' and R2,13 million of the organising committee's expenditure remain in the Oudtshoorn economy. The multiplier was estimated at 1,43. This then gives a total economic impact of R76.72 million. The study pointed out that the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival has a definite influence on the promotion of Oudtshoorn as a tourist destination, more emphasis should thus be on the promotion of Oudtshoorn's attractions at the festival, such as museums and other sites, and by minimizing leakages the local community can benefit more from the festival.<br>Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism Management))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

The Oudtshoorn Basin is the largest onshore Mesozoic depocentre along the southern margin of South Africa, and is among the sedimentary basins that have been linked to the break-up of southern Gondwana. Filled by the continental lower Uitenhage Group, which for the most part is sparsely fossiliferous, difficult to correlate on a regional scale and void of non-renewable natural resources, the Oudtshoorn Basin is relatively poorly studied. This project aims at carrying out an in depth, field- and lab-based investigation of the sediment supply processes and directions, location of sediment sources and palaeoclimate during the deposition of the lower Uitenhage Group in the Oudtshoorn Basin. In addition to the sediment transit patterns from source to sink via palaeocurrent measurements and petrographic studies, the sedimentary architecture was assessed via modern facies analysis techniques, which also permitted the investigation of the reason, the nature and the mode of sediment transport (traction currents vs. mass movements) in the early stages of Gondwana fragmentation. The study identified nine facies associations, the composition, clast size and orientation of which suggest steep vs. gentle gradients along the northern and southern basin margins, respectively, and very gentle gradients in the basin centre. Furthermore, the common mass movement-deposits in the north contrast the sediments laid down by traction current and in turbid waters in the south, southwest, west and centre of the basin. Sediments were sourced from the northern and southern margins in alluvial fans, and moved toward the centre, where axial fluvial system dominated. Sedimentary facies distribution, grain size, and petrological composition collectively indicate sediment transport distances that were shorter and more rigorous in the north than in the south. Geochemical proxies and mineralogy indicate moderate weathering and deposition under an arid palaeoclimate. The lack of clear lithostratigraphic markers and the sparse distribution of isolated outcrops in the basin prevent the relative age assessment of the facies associations. This study highlights the need for systematic high-precision geochronological studies, if possible from drill core samples, of the facies associations identified herein to constrain the stratigraphic relationships in the Oudtshoorn Basin. Until these reconstructed palaeoenvironments are in temporal isolation, the history of the Oudtshoorn Basin and its relationship to the other Mesozoic grabens and half grabens of the southern Cape remain elusive.

Thesis (MPA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2006.<br>ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Thc purpose of this research was to design a model for the delegation of roles and responsibilities within a performance management system (PMS) that will assist Oudtshoom Municipality in the implementation ofPMS. The motivation for the study was the fact that performance management is a relatively new legislative requirement for local government in South Africa. Local government authorities are currently experiencing many problems in the delivering of services to their respective communities, and this makes performance management a contemporary issue. The objectives of this research project are to o Explain what PMS is; o Explain how I'MS fits into the legislative framework in local government in South Africa; o Explain the importance of defining roles and responsibilities in a PMS; o Design a model for the delegation of roles and responsibilites within a PMS for Oudtshoorn Municipality; o Make recommendations for the successful implementation of PMS at Oudtshoorn Municipality. The research design that was used in this study was a combination of a model-building design and a case study design. The study was qualitative in nature and was a combination of non-empirical and empirical studies. Semi-structured interviews were held with a selected group of individuals who are key role-players in I'MS at Oudtshoorn Municipality. Some of the aims of the interviews were to establish the respondents understanding of PMS, and roles and responsibilities. The same respondents were given a table of different roles and responsibilities, to determine whether they knew what the different roles and responsibilities are of the different stakeholders in the PMS. The data analysis showed that the stakeholders (participants in the research) within the PMS at Oudtshoorn Municipality could not assign roles and responsibilities correctly. In order for PMS to be implemented successfully at Oudtshoorn Municipality, stakeholders in the PMS need to know exactly what is expected of them. It is not only from an organisational point of view that roles and responsibilities are important, but it is also a legislative requirement that roles and responsibilities need to be clarified before implementing a PMS. This problem created the need to design a model for the delegation of roles and responsibilities within a PMS that will assist Oudtshoorn Municipality in the implementation of PMS. The model is presented and an explanation of the model is given to understand how to use the model. Since Oudtshoorn Municipality is in the process of developing a PMS, a few recommendations are made to assist the municipality in the implementation of PMS.<br>AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie navorsing was om 'n model te ontwikkel vir die delegering van rolle en verantwoordelikhede binne 'n prestasie besluurstelsel, wat Oudtshoom Munisipaliteit kan help met die implementering van 'n prestasie bestuurstelsel. Die motivering vir die studie was die lcit dat prestasie bestuur 'n relatiewe nuwe wetlike vereiste vir plaaslike regering in Suid-Afrika is. Plaaslike regerings owerhede ondervind tans baie probleme met dienslewering aan hulle onderskeie gemeenskappe en dit maak prestasie bestuur 'n kontemporere saak. Die doel van hierdie navorsingsprojek is om, o Te beskryfwat 'n prestasie bestuurstelsel is; o Te beskryf hoe 'n prestasie bestuurstelsel inpas in die wetlike raamwerk van plaaslike regering in Suid-Atrika; o Te beskryf die belangrikheid om rolle en verantwoordelikhede binne 'n prestasie bestuurstelsel te definieer; o Om 'n model vir die delegering van rolle en verantwoordelikhede binne 'n prestasie bestuurstelsel vir Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit te ontwikkel; en o Aanbevelings te maak vir die suksesvolle implementering van 'n prestasie bestuurstelsel by Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit. Die navorsingsontwerp wat gebruik was in hierdie studie was 'n kombinasie van modelbou ontwerp en 'n gevallestudie ontwerp. Die studie was kwalitatief van aard en was 'n kombinasie van nie-empiriese en empiriese studies. Semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude was gevoer met 'n geselekteerde groep individue wat sleutel rolspelers is, in prestasie bestuur, by Oudtshoom Munisipaliteit. Sommige van die mikpunte van die onderhoude was om vas te stel die respondente se verstaan van prestasie bestuurstelsels en rolle en verantwoordelikhede. Dieselfde respondente het ook 'n tabel voltooi wat verskillende rolle en verantwoordelikhede van die onderskeie rolspelers binne 'n prestasie bestuurstelsel aandui. Die data analise hel getoon dat rolspelers (deelnemers in die navorsing) binne die prestasie bestuurstelsel by Oudtshoom Munisipaliteit nie rolle en verantwoordelikhede korrek kon toeken nie. Om 'n prestasie bestuurstelsel suksesvol by Oudtshoom Munisipaliteit te implementeer, is dit belangrik dat elke rolspeler presies sal weet wat van homlhaar verwag word. Dit is nie net vanuit 'n organisatoriese oogpunt belangrik dal rolle en verantwoordelikhede gedefinieer moet word nie, maar wetgewing vereis ook dat rolle en verantwoordelikhede duidelik moet wees voordat 'n prestasie bestuurstelsel geimplementeer word. Die probleem wat hier ontstaan het, het die geleentheid geskep om 'n model te ontwikkel vir die delegering van rolle en verantwoordelikhede binne 'n prestasie bestuurstelsel wat Oudtshoom Munisipaliteit kan help met die implementering van 'n prestasie bestuurstelsel. Die model, met 'n verduideliking hoc om die model te verstaan, word ook voorgestel. Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit is tans besig om 'n prestasie bestuurstelsel te ontwikkel. Aanbevelings word gemaak om die munisipaliteit te help met die implementering van 'n prestasie besluurstelsel.

Alkoholmisbruik is tans n sosiale kwessie in Suid–Afrika, asook in die res van die wêreld. Die kind in sy middelkinderjare lewensfase se belewenis van sy alkoholmisbruik–gesin kom in verskillende ontwikkelingsterreine na vore, in sy daaglikse interaksie met sy gesin asook in sy wyer skakeling . Alhoewel hy homself gedurende hierdie fase in n losmakingsproses om onafhanklikheid bevind, bly sy gesin steeds vir hom n bron van sekuriteit, hulp en ondersteuning. Vir die navorsingsmetodologie is die proses in tabelformaat weergegee met behulp van n onderverdeling in vier fases. Tydens die eerste fase, die aanvanklike beplanning en probleem–formulering, het hoofsaaklik drie aspekte aandag geniet, naamlik die navorsingsonderwerp, probleem–formulering en die doel met die nodige doelwitte. Die doel van die kwalitatiewe studie wat vanuit die probleem–formulering voortgespruit het, was om plattelandse kinders in die middelkinderjare se belewenis van alkoholmisbruik in hul gesinne waarvan hul deel vorm, te beskryf. Tydens die formele beplanning in die tweede fase is die inligting deur middel van triangulering ingesamel en is op die navorsingsbenadering en –strategieë gefokus. Vanuit verskillende bronne is inligting verken om die plattelandse kind in die middelkinderjare lewensfase wat deel vorm van die alkoholmisbruik–gesin se belewenisse, te beskryf. n Literatuurstudie het die samestelling en uiteensetting moontlik gemaak vir n profielstudie vanuit n paradigmatiese perspektief van die kind. In die derde fase is aandag gegee aan die empiriese ondersoek waartydens triangulering praktykgerig voortgesit is met behulp van sinsvoltooing met vyf kinderrespondente, voltooiing van n selfontwerpte vraelys wat opgevolg is met semi–gestruktureerde onderhoude met vyf ouers en vyf onderwysers. Gedurende die vierde fase het die interpretering en integrering van die bevindinge gerealiseer. Die gevolgtrekkings waartoe gekom is, is veral geleë in die leemte op nasionale vlak en op die platteland ten opsigte van spesifiek die kind se belewenis van sy alkoholmisbruik–gesin asook sy omgewing. Dit het ook duidelik geword dat daar aandag gegee moet word aan alkoholmisbruik as verskynsel en die alkoholmisbruikte–huweliksverhouding en dat onkunde bestaan ten opsigte van ouerskap en die belewenis van die kind as betrokkene by sy alkoholmisbruik–gesin. Om hierdie redes word aanbeveel dat daar gefokus moet word op die kind se proses, maar ook dat ouers, onderwysers en maatskaplike werkers wat deel vorm van die ondersteuningsnetwerk vir hierdie kinders, die nodige kennis en insig deur middel van opleidingsprogramme behoort te ontvang.<br>Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Thesis (MTech (Tourism Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2011.<br>The revenue generated by tourism can be directed to the social and cultural well being of communities. This aspect is considered as an important social dimension of sustainable tourism. Management should develop a prescient, well-founded, and creative view of future opportunities that will spur pre-emptive competence-building, provide focus into their efforts, ensure consistency in investment programmes, and serve as a guide for decisions concerning strategic alliances and acquisitions. It is necessary to acknowledge the impact of tourism on the socio-economic development of communities. The creation of employment, transfer of skills, contribution to venue infrastructure, local arts and cultural development, as well as the process of product ownership to show their willingness to do so, may add to a great deal of community pride. Over a period of time, the ABSA Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK) has developed into a major arts festival in South Africa. Since its inception in 1994, and with an initial investment of R750 000.00, the festival turn-over grew to an estimated R65 million in 2006. As the festival operates as a Section 21 Company (an organisation not for gain), funding depends entirely on grants, donations, contributions and corporate sponsorships. Arts festivals can be grouped within the current corporate and social funding framework of ABSA Bank. Despite the type and rate of growth, local communities and consumers have reached different stages in the adoption of the festival.

Thesis (MVoeding)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004.<br>ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Objectives and scope of investigation Following the 1996 recommendations of a FAO/WHO expert panel for the development of food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) unique and specific to the needs of the populations of different countries, a South African FBDG Working Group was formed and ultimately also a Paediatric FBDG (PFBDG) Working Group with the task of the latter being the development of FBDGs for children younger than 7 years. A set of preliminary PFBDGs, chosen to address the most pressing paediatric public health issues, namely protein-energy malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and infectious diseases, were formulated for each age group sub-category (0-6 months, 6-12 months and 1-7 years). The following set of preliminary PFBDGs for the age group 6-12 months were approved by the Working Group to be subjected to consumer testing: • Enjoy time with your baby • From six months start giving your baby small amounts of solid foods • Gradually increase your baby’s meals to five times a day • Keep breast feeding your baby • Offer your baby clean, safe water regularly • Teach your baby to drink from a cup • Take your baby to the clinic every month Assessment of the consumer’s comprehension, interpretation of the proposed guidelines, and ability to apply them, was considered essential before the PFBDGs could be finalised, disseminated to the consumer, and implemented as an educational tool for health professionals and community workers. This study was also the first in which PFBDGs were tested, and was intended to be a pilot study for further testing of PFBDGs for this age category in other parts of the country, adapted for different circumstances. The investigation was conducted among women who were mothers or caregivers to infants 6-12 months of age in the Afrikaans-, English- and Xhosa-speaking communities of the greater Oudtshoorn area, including Bongulethu, Bridgeton and Toekomsrus and its adjacent rural areas of Dysselsdorp, Calitzdorp, Uniondale, Ladismith and Zoar. Methodology The study was designed to be an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study. Qualitative data was collected from a sample of 64 volunteers who took part in ten focus group discussions each attended by between 3 and 11 participants. Group discussions were recorded on videotape and quantitative and qualitative questionnaires measured pre-discussion knowledge and comprehension of guidelines, perceived hindrances to compliance with guidelines and perceived importance of guidelines as well as socio-demographic data. Results and conclusions With this study, useful and enlightening information was obtained which met the research objectives. Participants discussed the guidelines in depth and information obtained from the questionnaires were found to support what was said during the discussions. Body language or non-verbal communication as observed, and recorded on videotape, also complemented the information gained from the discussions. Summarily it can be said that the guidelines were well-received and perceived as important by the majority of respondents, although some of the guidelines were initially not well-understood without explanation. Furthermore, the fact that the applicability of the guideline on prolonged breast feeding seems to be the most problematic, is a cause for concern. In view of the results obtained in this study, it can be concluded that PFBDGs will have to be supported by extensive and appropriate educational material to be effective when introduced to the public. The findings of this study will be submitted to the PFBDG Working group for consideration before finalisation of the guidelines for the age group 6-12 months.<br>AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Doelwitte en omvang van die studie Na aanleiding van die 1996 aanbevelings van ‘n VLO/WGO paneel van kenners vir die ontwikkeling van voedselgebaseerde dieetriglyne (VGDR) wat uniek en spesifiek gerig is tot die behoeftes van die bevolkings van verskillende lande, is ‘n Suid-Afrikaanse VGDR Werkgroep gevorm en uiteindelik ook ‘n Pediatriese VGDR (PVGDR) Werkgroep met die opdrag van laasgenoemde om VGDRe te ontwikkel vir kinders jonger as 7 jaar. ‘n Stel voorlopige Pediatriese VGDRe, gekies om die mees dringende pediatriese publieke gesondheidsvraagstukke, naamlik proteïn-energie wanvoeding, mikronutriënttekorte en infektiewe siektetoestande aan te spreek, is geformuleer vir elke ouderdomsgroep subkategorie (0-6 maande, 6-12 maande en 1-7 jaar). Die volgende stel voorlopige PVGDRe vir die ouderdomsgroep 6-12 maande is deur die Werkgroep goedgekeur om aan verbruikerstoetsing te onderwerp: • Geniet tyd saam met jou baba • Begin vanaf ses maande om jou baba klein hoeveelhede vaste kos te gee • Vermeerder jou baba se maaltye geleidelik na vyf keer per dag • Hou aan om jou baba te borsvoed • Bied gereeld vir jou baba skoon, veilige drinkwater aan • Leer jou baba om uit ‘n koppie te drink • Neem jou baba elke maand kliniek toe Evaluering van die verbruiker se begrip, interpretasie van die riglyne en die vermoë om die riglyne te implementeer, is as noodsaaklik beskou voordat die PVGDRe gefinaliseer kon word, vrygestel kon word aan die publiek, en aan professionele- en gemeenskapsgesondheidswerkers beskikbaar gestel kon word as ‘n onderrighulpmiddel. Hierdie studie was die eerste waarin PVGDRe getoets is en dit is bedoel as ‘n voorloperstudie vir verdere toetsing van PVGDRe vir hierdie ouderdomskategorie in ander dele van die land en aangepas vir ander omstandighede. Die ondersoek is gedoen onder vroue wat moeders of versorgers van babas van 6-12 maande was in die Afrikaans- Engels- en Xhosasprekende gemeenskappe van die groter Oudtshoorn area wat Bongulethu, Bridgton en Toekomsrus insluit asook die nabygeleë plattelandse gemeenskappe van Dysselsdorp, Calitzdorp, Uniondale, Ladismith en Zoar. Metodiek Die studie is ontwerp om ‘n waarnemende en beskrywende analise van ‘n deursnee van die studiepopulasie moontlik te maak. Kwalitatiewe data is verkry van ‘n proefmonster van 64 vrywilligers wat deelgeneem het aan tien fokusgroep besprekings wat elk deur 3 tot 11 persone bygewoon is. Groepbesprekings is op videoband opgeneem en kwantitatiewe en kwalitatiewe vraelyste het voorbesprekings kennis en begrip van die voorgestelde riglyne, vermeende verhindering tot uitvoering van die riglyne en vermeende belangrikheid van riglyne sowel as sosio-demografiese inligting gemeet. Resultate en gevolgtrekkings Met hierdie studie is bruikbare en verhelderende inligting verkry wat beantwoord het aan die doelwitte van die studie. Deelnemers het die riglyne in diepte bespreek en dit is bevind dat inligting wat van die vraelyste verkry is, ook dit bevestig het wat gedurende die sessies bespreek is. Lyftaal en nie-verbale kommunikasie soos waargeneem en soos op videoband vasgelê, het ook die inligting ondersteun wat van die besprekingsessies verkry is. Opsommend kan gesê word dat die riglyne goed ontvang is en as belangrik beskou is deur die meerderheid van respondente. Sommige van die riglyne was nie vir deelnemers goed verstaanbaar sonder meegaande verduideliking nie. Verder is die feit dat die toepasbaarheid van die riglyn met betrekking tot ‘n verlengde tydperk van borsvoeding voorgekom het as die mees problematiese, ‘n rede tot kommer In die lig van die resultate van hierdie studie, kan daar tot die slotsom gekom word dat PVGDRE ondersteun sal moet word deur omvattende en gepaste onderrigmateriaal om effektief te kan wees wanneer dit aan die publiek bekend bekend gestel word. Die bevindings van hierdie studie sal aan die Pediatriese VGDR Werkgroep voorgelê word vir oorweging voordat riglyne vir die ouderdomsgroep 6-12 maande gefinaliseer word.

Includes abstract.<br>Includes bibliographical references.<br>This study seeks to understand changes in rainfall and land-cover in the Kandelaars catchment, which are documented drivers that influence the magnitude, seasonality, and trends in flash-flood occurrence. The study site is situated South-West of the town of Oudtshoorn, which is part of a semi-arid basin, found between the Swartberg, Rooiberg, Outeniqua and Kammanassie mountains. This area is documented for its extensive agricultural activity in the form of ostrich farming, which has been practised there for over a century. In addition, the area is also exposed to seasonally extreme meteorological conditions, most notably in the form of cut-off lows, which have been projected to intensify with the changing climate.

Thesis (DPhil (History))—University of Stellenbosch, 2005.<br>Funding for the Afrikaans arts before 1994 was greatly controlled by the National Party government through the four former provincial arts councils. With the political change in South Africa after 1994, the dismantling of the provincial arts councils and the perceived uncertainty of the future of Afrikaans in a post-apartheid South Africa, Afrikaans cultural festivals were conceived to serve as a refuge for the Afrikaans language. The first of these was the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK), piloted in April 1995 in Oudtshoorn. The KKNK has since changed every aspect of the Afrikaans arts. It has stimulated the establishment of other, similar festivals throughout the country, while becoming the bread and butter for aspiring and established artists alike. The festival lures thousands of visitors annually, providing Oudtshoorn with an indispensable economic injection. Despite the festival’s success, it has come under critique over the past 11 years for its perceived cultural exclusivity, and has been labelled as a mere “boerebasaar”. In addition, several interest groups vie for direct and indirect control of the festival, each staking their specific claim on the KKNK. This thesis provides a historical analysis of the origin and dynamics of the KKNK from 1995 to the present, while simultaneously comparing it to other so-called arts festivals. In addition, the nature of the festival is explored against the backdrop of various interest groups. The discussion concludes with a reflection on the significance of the festival.

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2003.<br>ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In 1932 the well-known Afrikaans writer and politician, C.J. Langenhoven, died in Oudtshoorn in his home, Arbeidsgenot. In his testament he appointed Sarah Goldblatt as the person responsible for the administration of his literary works. Sarah, a Jewish woman, immigrated to the Cape together with her family in 1897. The aim of this research was to find the possible reasons why Langenhoven chose an English speaking Jewish woman as his administrator. Jews were not accepted with open arms into the South African community, especially not Jews from Eastern Europe, the area where Sarah and her family came from. Anti-semitic feelings amongst the Afriaans population were especially strong during the thirties and forties. It was during this time, in 1932, that Sarah received the job as administrator. The period of research stretches from 1889 to 1975, from Sarah's birth to her death. A look is taken at the changing South African attitude towards Jews during Sarah's life. The role and position of the Afrikanerwomen during this time is also investigated. Oudtshoorn, the town in which Langenhoven lived and where the friendship between him and Sarah started, will also be put under the spotlight. Many Jews settled in this town and played an active part in the Oudtshoorn community. Not only the South African attitude towards Jews and women will be discussed, but also Langenhoven's and Sarah's personal perspectives on these subjects. Both their friendship and work relationship will be discussed. Their philosophy of life and their relationship will cast light on the reasons why Langenhoven finally decided to appoint Sarah as the administrator of his literary works. Sarah's greatest achievements were directly involved with Langenhoven. Opinions differ about the influence Sarah had on the way the South African community saw Langenhoven. The work as administrator for the literary works was not all Sarah did. Therefore a review on Sarah's contribution to the Afrikaans language and culture is also provided.<br>AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In 1932 is die bekende Afrikaanse skrywer en politikus, C.J. Langenhoven, op Oudtshoorn in sy huis Arbeidsgenot oorlewe. In sy testament het hy vir Sarah Goldblatt as administratrise van sy letterkundige nalatenskap aangewys. Sarah, 'n Joodse vrou, het in 1897 saam met haar gesin na die Kaap geïmmigreer en die in die studie word ondersoek ingestel na die redes waarom Langenhoven hierdie vrou as sy administratrise aangewys het. Suid-Afrika het nie altyd die Jode met ope arms ontvang nie, veral nie Jode vanuit Oos-Europa, die gebied waarvan Sarah en haar gesin afkomstig was, nie. Spesifiek gedurende die dertiger- en veertigerjare was daar 'n sterk antisemitiese gevoelonder Afrikanergeledere teenwoordig. Dit was juis in 1932 wat Sarah die taak as administratrise opgelê is. Die tydperk waarna daar gekyk word is breedweg vanaf 1889 tot 1975, Sarah se lewensjare. Op hierdie manier word daar na die veranderende Suid- Afrikaanse houding teenoor Jode gekyk gedurende Sarah se lewe. Daar word ook na die rol en posisie van die Afrikanervrou gekyk om dieselfde rede gekyk. Oudtshoorn, die dorp waarop Langenhoven homself gevestig het en waar sy en Sarah se vriendskap begin het word onder die soeklik geplaas. 'n Groot getal Jode het hulleself in die dorp gevestig en hulle het 'n daadwerklike impak op die Oudtshoornse gemeenskap uitgeoefen. Hierdie ondersoek is nodig om te sien waarom dit so vreemd was vir In Joodse vrou en In Afrikaner man, om so In spesiale vriendskap te kon deel. Nie alleen die Suid-Afrikaanse houding teenoor die Jood en die vrou word ondersoek nie, maar daar word ook na Langenhoven en Sarah se onderskeie houdings teenoor die sake gekyk. Beide hulle werks- en vriendskapsverhouding word ondersoek. Altwee se lewensuitkyk en hulle verhouding werp lig op die redes waarom Langenhoven uiteindelik sou besluit om Sarah as sy administratrise aan te stel. Sarah se grootste werk hou verband met Langenhoven. Opinies verskiloor die uitwerking wat sy op sy nagedagtenis gehad het. Haar werk as administratrise was egter nie al wat Sarah verrig het nie. 'n Oorsig oor Sarah se bydraes tot die Afrikaner taal en kultuur word dus ook blootgelê.

Festivals have become a global phenomenon and now serve as a platform to promote the leisure and tourism industry within a nation. These events have an undisputed economic effect – not only on the hosting community – but also on the global community. Despite the encouraging community support and the socio-economic impact and spin-offs that are generated by means of such events, the financing of art festivals remains an intricate issue. The fact remains that not all festivals are financially self-sustainable and so require extensive sponsorship in order to ensure the continuation of the event. Limited government funding available due to budget constraints curbs the financial support forthcoming from municipalities and so forces event organisers to seek alternative funding to ensure the survival and feasibility of events. This responsibility places an additional burden on event organisers and so necessitates the use of assessment tools in order to convince private and public institutions or individuals to invest in such events through sponsorships. During an extensive literature study, it became apparent that the need exists to re-assess fully the economic impact analysis of events. The literature revealed that varying models are used to conduct economic impact analyses. In order to establish a concise framework within which to conduct an economic assessment, it was decided to select only the most-used models – Computable General Equilibrium (CGE), Input-Output (I-O) and Social Accounting Matrix (SAM). The dilemma facing tourism economists is to determine which economic assessment approach is most effective as every methodology has its own advantages and disadvantages. In addition, the type and size of an event also plays a fundamental role when selecting an appropriate measuring tool. This research was further motivated because of the existing gap that exists in the South African context for no study has yet been conducted where the various models that assess economic impact have been applied to the collated data of the same event. This study thus aims to provide an overview and a comparison of competing and supplementing methodologies for modelling the regional economic dynamics and the impacts of events. It further investigates the manner in which regional CGE, I-O and SAM based (multiplier) models operate towards capturing the region-specific, inter-regional and multi-regional production, consumption and factor market patterns as result of expenditures incurred during events. An analysis of the virtues and the limitations of these economic assessment methodologies suggests that it may be the considerations such as the data collection/compilation, expected output, research objectives and costs involved that ultimately determine the choice of a specific modelling framework. While addressing the problem stated above, this study produced the following three articles that are now embodied in the work: * Article 1 - “Critical assessment of economic impact analyses of the ABSA Klein Karoo National Arts Festival”, and * Article 2 - “Critical assessment of economic impact analyses of the Aardklop National Arts Festival”. Article 2 investigated and compared the economic assessment results when applying specific constructed models, being the Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) and Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) for the appropriate provinces, to the available data obtained from previous surveys conducted at the 2010 ABSA Klein Karoo National Arts Festival and from the Aardklop National Arts Festival. The two articles indicated that when different models of assessment are applied to the same data set of an event, the economic impact results might differ significantly. This may serve as a warning to economic assessors, academics and researchers that economic impact results can be misleading and therefore the application thereof should be handled with the utmost care in order to avoid misinterpretations and misconceptions. * Article 3, “Assessing the economic impact of the Aardklop National Arts Festival: a feast of models to opt for – or not?” In this article, data from a visitor and business survey conducted at the 2010 Aardklop National Arts Festival was used in the analyses made by applying SAM, CGE and I-O regional models constructed for South Africa’s Northwest Province. Results from these analyses were then compared in order to give researchers and practitioners a better insight and clarity regarding which approach works best for the economic assessment of an arts festival. This article highlighted the fact that the measured economic impact results differ when various models that are applied to the same event. It also became evident that the most conservative economic impact was measured by an I-O model, followed with a higher SAM measurement, while CGE revealed the highest economic assessment. The most significant contribution of this study is embedded in the fact that within the South African context – and even globally – it is the first study of its kind that aimed to determine the economic impact by means of applying more than one assessment model to the data set of a single event. Further, this study provides guidelines for event organisers, academics and economic advisors to follow in conjunction with the existing body of knowledge and practical implementation structures when assessing the economic impact of events.<br>Thesis (PhD (Tourism Management))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012

Over the course of the last three decades, it has become popular practice to evaluate tourism events like cultural festivals in financial terms, through the use of economic impact studies. This can be attributed at least in part to the notable growth in the number of festivals being held globally and, as such, a higher level of competition between festivals for the limited funding which is available. Economic impact studies, and the resultant findings, have thus become powerful tools for the lobbying of sponsorship, and it has become increasingly important that the impact calculations be as accurate as possible, so as to effectively allocate both government and private resources to projects which will be of the greatest benefit to the host region. The allocation of funding is especially vital in an area like the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, which is faced with many financial difficulties. The allocation of public funds to an event like the National Arts Festival, which is hosted in a relatively wealthy part of the province, might be weighed against initiatives which directly benefit the poorer parts of the region. Although it is acknowledged that the benefits which are felt by the host community of a cultural event go beyond that of the financial, it is often on this basis that festivals are most easily compared. The primary goal of the thesis was to analyse the various forms of methodological bias which can exist in the economic impact analyses (EIA) associated with cultural events. Theoretical considerations were discussed, specifically regarding economic impact as a method of measuring value. Various forms of bias (including data collection, the calculation of visitor numbers, multipliers, defining the area of interest, inclusion of visitor spending, and accounting for benefits only, not costs) are put into a real-life context, through the investigation of economic impact studies conducted on three selected South African festivals (the Volksblad, the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstfees, and the National Arts Festival), and one international festival (the Edinburgh Festival). An in-depth comparison of two separate studies conducted at the National Arts Festival (NAF) in 2004 (by Antrobus and Snowball) and 2005 (by Saayman et al.) was made, focussing on the manner in which the economic impact was calculated. Having considered the common forms of bias, and assessing several possible reasons for the difference of approximately twenty million Rand in the advertised economic impacts, it was concluded that, most likely, the miscalculation of visitor numbers was the cause. This was confirmed when the Antrobus and Saayman methods were applied to the 2006 NAF data, and noting that the economic impact figures arrived at were strikingly similar. As such, it is advisable that extreme caution be taken when calculating visitor numbers, as they can significantly influence the outcome of an economic impact study. It is recommended that each study should also have transparent checks in place, regarding the key calculation figures, to ensure that less scrupulous researchers are not as easily able to succumb to the pressure event sponsors might impose to produce inflated impact values.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD<br>In the Succulent Karoo biome of South Africa vegetation degradation by overgrazing is a recognized threat to biodiversity. In the eastern Little Karoo region of the Western Cape Province, ostrich farming has degraded large areas of natural vegetation, particularly in the Gannaveld habitat of the Oudtshoorn basin. Little quantified vegetation data exists on the impacts of degradation and the composition of the Gannaveld vegetation types. This study quantifies the composition of Oudtshoorn Gannaveld and the impacts of degradation on this critically endangered vegetation type. The diversity of this vegetation type is added to by the occurrence of mima-like circular soil mounds, termitaria, which support distinctive plant assemblages. Perennial plant data and soil data were collected from the largest remaining remnant of Oudtshoorn Gannaveld perceived to contain different levels of degradation from near pristine to severely degraded. The results show 72 species in 49 genera and 17 families were recorded with the Aizoaceae, Asteraceae and Amaranthaceae families being dominant. The off termitaria plant community is dominated by the Asteraceae, Aizoaceae and Crassulaceae families while the on termitaria community is dominated by the Asteraceae, Amaranthaceae and Zygophyllaceae families. Four levels of degradation were identified in each of the broader on and off termitaria communities. It was found that grazing and trampling induced degradation on termitaria results in the loss of perennial plant cover and plant litter and an increase in bare ground while degradation off termitaria results in a loss of species. There are changes in soil chemistry both on and off termitaria as a result of vegetation degradation. Degradation results in palatable species being replaced by unpalatable and disturbance indicating species. Perennial plant cover off termitaria is resilient to grazing and trampling, however species richness, plant functional type composition and the abundance of individual species are not. Species richness on termitaria is resilient to grazing and trampling but cover, plant functional type composition and the abundance of individual species are not. Degradation results in shifts from succulent and woody shrub dominated communities to dwarf succulent and dwarf succulent shrub dominated communities. These changes hold implications for agriculture,biodiversity conservation and the provision of ecosystem services.

MSc (Med), Dept of Pathology, Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand<br>Keratolytic winter erythema (KWE) or Oudtshoorn skin disease is a rare monogenic autosomal dominant condition with an unknown cause. KWE is a disorder of epidermal keratinisation that involves the necrobiosis of the Malpigihian layer of the palmoplantar skin with the consequent dissection of the stratum corneum. This cutaneous disorder was first described by Findlay et al. (1977) and occurs with a high prevalence of 1/7200 in the South African Afrikaans-speaking white population and with a lower, but unspecified prevalence in the Coloured population. The primary objective of this study was to identify and characterise the causative gene for KWE, by examining plausible positional candidate genes. The KWE gene has been localized to chromosome 8p23.1-p22 in a region of 1.2 Mb. In order to identify a potentially causative KWE mutation, the coding regions of each candidate gene was sequenced from genomic DNA. Each of the genetic variants identified was also observed in the control group or had previously been shown to be polymorphic, eliminating them all from causing KWE. The cDNA of the two most likely candidates, FDFT1 and CTSB, was sequenced in order to identify deep intronic variants that might affect splicing and that would not be identified at a genomic DNA level. No such variation was observed. The relative expression profiles of CTSB and FDFT1 in affected and non-affected palmoplantar skin was analysed using real-time RT-PCR. The relative expression of CTSB in the skin of patients did not differ significantly from controls (p=0.68). However, a trend was observed towards increased expression of FDFT1 in the skin of KWE affected individuals (p=0.063). This observation prompted the analysis of the FDFT1 promoter region through genomic sequencing. No genetic variants identified within the promoter region segregated with the KWE phenotype. The increased FDFT1 expression is therefore unlikely to result from a mutation within the promoter region of this gene and may be in response to the disruption of the epidermal barrier in affected skin. There is a strong correlation between the severity of the KWE phenotype and the level of FDFT1 expression. Although none of the chosen positional candidate genes appear to harbour the KWE-causing mutation, they can be excluded from the list of possible positional candidates for KWE, taking us one step closer to discovering the molecular cause of KWE.

The current mainstream classroom presents several challenges for teachers and principals. Leaner diversity is seen as one of these challenges that teachers face. The Education White Paper 6 (South-Africa, 1996) recognizes all learner diversities, yet gifted-education is given minimal attention. The purpose of this qualitative research is to create a clear picture about the perspectives of high-school teachers, principals and parents of academically-gifted learners. This study seeks to identify the participants’ views about the education of academically-gifted learners and identify possibly gaps in ways of how academically-gifted learners can be supported productively. The research found that there is currently a lack of adequate educational support to academically-gifted learners. Research shows that there is a gap between official educational policies and the classroom situation. Participants in the study admit that academically-gifted learners are not effectively included in the mainstream classroom. Participants believe that the lack of a national definition of academic-giftedness, the deficit to appropriate training for teachers and the views of inclusive education puts strain on the education of these learners. Secondary school teachers and principals believe that the successful implementation of a policy an appropriate education of academically-gifted learners can only be accomplished if there is cooperation between all interested parties. Participants believe that both the parent and the teachers of academically-gifted learners should work together to form a support network for these learners. The findings of the research confirm the need for appropriate productive education and training to academically-gifted learners, so that all stakeholders can work together to help those learners develop.<br>MEd (Comparative Education), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014