Magister Artium - MA (Geography, Environmental & Tourism Studies)

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An analysis of crayfish street trading challenges in Paternoster
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Ontong, Ashlin Theo; Dyssel, Michael
Located on South Africa�s West Coast is the small-fishing and tourist village of Paternoster which is defined and characterized by unspoilt white-washed beaches and cottages that are spread out along the coast. This town has a rich culture and marine biodiversity that attracts visitors from all walks of life. Paternoster is popular for its famous crayfish which has created a bustling commercial and restaurant sector which sustains both the local and some aspects of the national restaurant and seafood economy. This picturesque town is plagued by deep class and lucid racial divides cast between the wealthy (primarily white) communities and the poor (black, i.e. mainly coloured) communities.
Gated communities for the working class: A Cape Flats case study
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Majiet, Musfiqah; Rink, Bradley
Gated developments are proliferating across cities globally, in different forms and contexts. While they have emerged in cities in both the global North and South, the number of gated developments has increased recently in cities in the global South. Uniformly defined on the basis of their physical features, security artefacts and codes of conduct, gated developments have received criticism across a number of disciplines yet are seen as a rational response to increasing crime rates and considered as a safe haven for their residents. In the global South, more than simply safe havens, gated developments are typically perceived as islands of wealth and privilege in a sea of urban inequality. There is a pressing need to understand the gated development model in the context of the global South. In South Africa, the increase in gated developments situated in lower income areas has been scarcely explored. It is on this basis that this study examines an underexplored and recent category of gated development in the South African context: Gated developments in low-income residential areas.
Assessing sense of place amongst returnees of District Six, Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Burgess, Ashleigh Georgia; Rink, Bradley
District Six was a pre-apartheid community destroyed by racialized forced relocations. Under the Group Areas Act of the apartheid rule, all District Six residents were forcibly relocated and scattered around the city and elsewhere. The area was obliterated and only places of worship were spared destruction. An affluent white inner-city suburb was one of the state's plans, but it was never realized as former residents protested this apartheid development objective. In the wake of the apartheid�s demise, a land restitution programme was enforced as one way of addressing the country's national recovery through the operations of the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights, performed congruently with the Restitution of Land Rights Act (Act 22 of 1994). But this process has been dilatory and intermittent with respect to District Six, characterised as prolonged experiences of disappointment and occasional bursts of increased efficiency.
Assessing sense of place amongst returnees of District Six, Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Burgess, Ashleigh Georgia; Rink, Bradley
District Six was a pre-apartheid community destroyed by racialized forced relocations. Under the Group Areas Act of the apartheid rule, all District Six residents were forcibly relocated and scattered around the city and elsewhere. The area was obliterated and only places of worship were spared destruction. An affluent white inner-city suburb was one of the state's plans, but it was never realized as former residents protested this apartheid development objective. In the wake of the apartheid�s demise, a land restitution programme was enforced as one way of addressing the country's national recovery through the operations of the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights, performed congruently with the Restitution of Land Rights Act (Act 22 of 1994). But this process has been dilatory and intermittent with respect to District Six, characterised as prolonged experiences of disappointment and occasional bursts of increased efficiency. Accordingly, only a handful of claimants have returned to District Six to date. Little is known about how the returnee community have reclaimed a sense of place in the re-settled District Six where only the immaterial memories still remain. This study thus seeks to fill that research gap through assessing sense of place amongst returnees of District Six. The study also recognizes that District Six is part of the corridor of rapid gentrification and seeks to explore how the by-products of gentrification stand to threaten the returnees� reconstituted sense of place. The study adopted a qualitative research methodology approach using the phenomenological/interpretivist approach. The qualitive methods used were semi-structured interviews, photo-elicitation interviews, and fieldnotes. These methods allowed for an in-depth exploration of the returnees� experiences of a sense of place in the re-settled District Six. The findings revealed complex renderings of place in District Six composed of memories and meaning-making from the past and present, contributing to geographical literatures on home, community and place. The findings of this study conclude that the relational geographies of District Six returnees are complex, multiple and ever-evolving while their struggle for home and a new sense of place is incomplete.
Flood risk reduction in Botswana analysis and recommendations
(University of the Western Cape, 2006) Moetsabatho-Moipisi, Keofitlhetse; Pirie, Gordon H
The turn-of the-century floods in Botswana resulted primarily from prolonged heavy rainfall which started in December 1999 and extended into January 2000. The floods covered almost the whole of Botswana- They caused devastating economic losses to the value of US$ 214 million (Mogwe, 2001), afflicted 80,000 people and caused l3 fatalities (Thedi, 2003). Although the extent of damage caused by the 2000 floods was unexpected, paradoxically, the occurrence of the floods was likely. Botswana's past rainfall records indicate that drought is interspersed by high rains and floods. This being the case, the 2000 floods were not an anomaly but a matter of course. The impacts of the floods were however exacerbated by a number of factors. The geological foundation of the areas of acute flooding consists mainly of hard impermeable rocks overlain by loose mobile soils with minimal infiltration capacities. In addition the country's physiography comprises flat terrain which also had a significant bearing on the infiltration of rainfall run-off. The other factor relate to anthropogenic influences. Human interference with the natural environment has changed the landscape. [n Botswana, there is acute deforestation in and around settlements coupled with the creation of impervious roads, pavements and roofs; this affected percolation and infiltration, increasing rainfall run-off and exacerbating flooding. Arising from these factors, the research argues that flood risk disasters are as important as drought and animal disease and must be included in state policy.
Reptiles of the Soutpansberg: Biogeography, distribution and communities
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) van Huyssteen, Ryan; Carolissen, Mandy
Globally, reptiles, like all terrestrial vertebrates, are currently facing human induced population declines at an unprecedented level. However, from a South African perspective, it is unclear how human pressures are affecting reptiles. One of the reasons this is so, is due to a scarcity of community level baseline information, thus hindering our ability to adequately monitor fluctuations in species and populations. This thesis aims to critically evaluate and map the current state of knowledge concerning reptile communities in South Africa.
The role of health in the motivation to visit mineral spa resorts in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2001) Boekstein, Mark Simon; McPherson, Elsworth
This research sets out to examine the role of health in the motivation to visit the mineral spa resorts of the Western Cape. It also examines motivation not related to health, and the extent to which these resorts are being used as bases for visiting surrounding attractions. Internationally, especially in Europe and North America, the mineral spa market is undergoing rapid and significant changes. Traditional forms of mineral spa tourism, where the emphasis was on medical treatments, is changing to 'health tourism', with a growing demand for health and beauty treatments, as well as fitness and wellness programmes, in relaxing leisure environments. Using a combination of factor analysis and cluster analysis, the respondents are divided into five segments, each of which consists of spa visitors with similar motivations. These segments form the basis for ascertaining the motivations and preferences of visitors to mineral spa resorts in the Western Cape, including the role of health as a motivation. It is established that health does indeed play a major part in the motivation to visit the mineral spa resorts of the Western Cape, and that other important motivations include swimming in hot water, good accommodation and clean surroundings, and a safe and secure environment. Being able to use mineral spa resorts as bases for visiting surrounding attractions is not particularly important to visitors. Finally, recommendations are made for the development of a Western Cape mineral spa tourism product that would build upon the health-consciousness of the domestic market, while also catering for the growing international 'health tourism' market.
Informal housing and squatting on the Cape Flats: a comparative analysis of four areas
(University of the Western Cape, 2000) Viljoen, Gallian Ann; Myburgh, Dave; Gillfellan, Calvyn; McPherson, Elsworth
The housing conditions of four surveyed areas namely Uitsig, Bishop Lavis, Jakkalsvlei and Crossroads, situated on the Cape Flats is the main thrust of the dissertation. It is a comparative analysis between two "coloured" residential area's, namely Bishop Lavis and Uitsig and "black" squatter settlement's Crossroads and Jakkalsvlei. lt investigates the struggle to eradicate homelessness by means of informal housing and squatting Through scientific investigative research, interviews, data and statistical analysis, this dissertation falls within the sphere of urban geography. Although informal settlements have been part of the metropolitan area of Cape Town for several decades, the period since 1990 saw the mushrooming of informal settlements and the emergence of backyard squatting in "coloured" areas squatting on the periphery of "black" townships. The dissertation address issues associated with informal settlements such as health and disease within these settlements, access to clean water and refuse removal, environment conditions, physical structure in and around informal settlements, recreational facilities and the role of the Reconstruction and Development Programme(RDP). ln eight chapters, the study outlines the quest of informal dwellers to eradicate homelessness by means of backyard squatting and informal settlements. Though no longer regarded as an urban "problem", communities and the local authorities within these areas are hard at work in finding ways to improve living conditions within informal settlements, by turning shacks into decent and liveable homes in the new millennium.
Die sosio-ekonomiese implikasies van seisoenarbeid in Ceres: �n geografiese perspektief
(University of the Western Cape, 1994) Brown, Sarel William Immanuel; Redlinghuis, A.C.
Ceres, soos taIle ander plaEE,elandse dorpe, beleef 'n sigbare chroniese armoedeEoesE,and. Dit is die prim6re oogmerk van hierdie navorsingsprojek om te bepaal wat die kousale verband tussen seisoenarbeid en 'n armoedebestaan is. Spesifieke aandag word geskenk aan die ekonomiese bestaan van seisoenwerkers gedurende die werk- en afseisoen en word dit, t,elkens geplaas binne die konteks van die grot.er huishouding. OmdaE huishoudings gedurende die afseisoen gekenmerk word deur 'n verlaagde inkomste en werkloosheid, hou dit verreikende implikasies in vir die ekonomiese bestaan vir sodanige huishoudings. Dit is in hierdie konteks dat die navorsingsprojek gelei word deur die sentrale Eesis dat seisoenarbeid' n armoedebesEaan perpetueer. Die navorsingsprojek word binne 'n politiek-ekonomiese raamwerk geplaas. Hierdie holist,iese raamwerk word as ideaal beskou om die voortgeset,t,e en st,eeds groeiende seisoenarbeidsmag te verklaar, asook die nodige insigte verleen ten opsigte van die perpetuering van armoede in Ceres. Alhoewel die studie binne die veld van ekonomiese geografie vaI, het dit 'n sterk sosiaal geografiese dimensie. Wat die navorsingsmetodologie betref, is van beide kwantitatiewe en kwalit.at,iewe tegnieke gebruik gemaak deurdae ,n gestrukt,ureerde vraelysopname opgevolg is met, onderhoude. Die navorsingspopulasie sluit. slegs fabriekwerkers in van Ceres-dorp, fokus dus nie op seisoenwerkers en trekarbeiders in die primore sektor en omliggende landelike gebiede nie. Die volgende is van die belangrikste bevindinge wat, uit die navorsing na vore gekom het: (i) Die daarstetling van 'n reserwe-goedkoop, ongeskoolde arbeidsmag moet in die lig van dieperliggende politiekekonomiese sErrrkEure gesien word; (ii) gegee die reprodusering van 'n seisoenarbeidsmag en beperkte ekonomiese basis, is seisoenarbeid die enigste uitweg vir die werkersklasgemeenskap van Ceres; (iii) in die meeste gevalle word die seisoeninkomste aangewend om in die basiese behoeftes van huishoudings te voorsien en lei dit nie tot materiele vooruitgang nie; (iv) omdat kapitaal nie geakkumuleer word in die seisoentyd nie, verdiep die armoedebesEaan in die afseisoen sodaE die meeste seisoenwerkers in 'n skuldsiklus beland; (v) die seisoenwerkers is in staat om die afseisoen te oorleef omdat hy/sy funksioneer binne die netwerk van die uitgebreide gesin.
Church and rural development: A geographical analysis of Elim
(University of the Western Cape, 1992) Engel, Brian Patrick; Redlinghuis, A.C.
The pivotal role of the Moravian Church in development in Elim, a mission station situated approximately 170 kilometres southeast of Cape Town, is the central theme of this geographical analysis. The broader debate around Church and rural development serves as a background for this analysis. It is the contention of this thesis that the distinctiveness in the administrative structure of Elim had and will continue to have a profound influence on the development of the settlement. The theory of State, with specific reference to the role of the State in social transformation, is used as a theoretical framework. Acknowledging the vastness of the broader theory of State this thesis focuses on the structure of the State and its capacity to intervene in development. Max Weber's contention of the importance of an efficient bureaucratic structure is used as analytical tool. People are deemed as central to the continuous process of development. The empirical study undertaken expresses the perceptions of the people involved with development in Elim. Both quantitative (questionnaires) and qualitative methods (structured interviews) were used to obtain the relevant data, thus overcoming their respective limitations. The socio-economic context in EIim serves as the background against which the bureaucratic structure operates. This bureaucratic structure distinguishes two levels of government. These are the local government in Eiim and the central government of the Moravian Church in Southern Africa respectively. The inter-relationship between these levels of government is explored Given the theoretical framework within which this study was undertaken, a restructuring of the bureaucratic structure is deemed as the core around which transformation and development in EIim must be undertaken. This should in turn enhance the socio-economic development of the settlement. The question of a reform of land use on the local level is of great importance to future development in Elim. Finally, participation by the people remains the core around which development in Elim should revolve.
The environmental health impacts associated with flooding and pollution of Riverine environments: A case study of the Kuils and Eerste river
(University of the Western Cape, 2003) Hendricks, Yumna; Taylor, V
The aim of this study was to analyse the interrelationship among hazardous environmental exposures - namely flooding and pollution of the Kuils and Eerste Rivers, and the potential health risks to the natural setting and people, alike. Today, hazards related to exposures within the environment are gaining increased attention. The realisation that human development and structural expansion impacts negatively on the natural setting, has led to the concept of 'environmental health.' Populations of differing standards of living have experienced hazards in varying dimensions. As illustrated by the three communities investigated in the study, it was primarily the disadvantaged socio-economic profiles which suggested that residents were exposed to wide-ranging and occasionally severe threats to health emanating from local environmental exposures. The environmental health impacts under scrutiny highlighted one of South Africa's scarce and endangered natural resources - urban river systems. The rivers are predominantly small by world standards; however, this does not exempt them from the peril of flooding. Human habitation and urban sprawl impact further on the state of inland water bodies by developing in flood-prone regions. Such activity acts as a stimulus for the augmentation of water pollution. Sadly, although expansive documentation exists regarding the risks inherently associated with both flooding and pollution, individuals tend to display dispositions of disregard. The study revealed that although the majority have displayed interest in potential environmental health hazard, they were not likely to implement habits which prevent this. The results exemplify that the prevalence of flooding and pollution are frequently viewed in isolation of each other. In the study area this was evidently infeasible to do, as surveys and visual observation proved that habitually, one environmental exposure impacts upon, and even worsens the other. The primary goal of the research was to detect a correlation between the quality of river water, the frequency of flooding, and the prevailing health indices of the investigated communities. The outcome suggested that although the association detected amongst the variables was small (14 o ), numerous elements in the environment exist which levitate the risk of disease and structural destruction experienced, as a result of flood hazard and river contamination. The study concludes that if environmental health benefits are to be optimised, then it is connoted that community planning and upgrading efforts - particularly in informal settlements, acquires holistic approaches and integrated input from a wide range of sectors as well as community compliance. Therefore, health impacts emanating from risks associated with the river body should be restrained by activities and behaviours of the communities themselves. Moreover, controlling negative impacts should also be a key initiative in the operation of municipal bodies.
The Role of Health in the Motivation to Visit Mineral Spa Resorts in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2001) Boekstein, Mark Simon; Lado, Cleophas
This research sets out to examine the role of health in the motivation to visit the mineral spa resorts of the Western Cape. It also examines motivation not related to health, and the extent to which these resorts are being used as bases for visiting surrounding attractions. Internationally, especially in Europe and North America, the mineral spa market is undergoing rapid and significant changes. Traditional forms of mineral spa tourism, where the emphasis was on medical treatments, is changing to 'health tourism', with a growing demand for health and beauty treatments, as well as fitness and wellness programmes, in relaxing leisure environments. Using a combination of factor analysis and cluster analysis, the respondents are divided into five segments, each of which consists of spa visitors with similar motivations. These segments form the basis for ascertaining the motivations and preferences of visitors to mineral spa resorts in the Western Cape, including the role of health as a motivation. It is established that health does indeed play a major part in the motivation to visit the mineral spa resorts of the Western Cape, and that other important motivations include swimming in hot water, good accommodation and clean surroundings, and a safe and secure environment. Being able to use mineral spa resorts as bases for visiting surrounding attractions is not particularly important to visitors. Finally, recommendations are made for the development of a Western Cape mineral spa tourism product that would build upon the health-consciousness of the domestic market, while also catering for the growing international 'health tourism' market.
The Development of Higher-Density Low-income Housing ln The Cape Metropolitan Area: A Case Study of Philippi East
(University of the Western Cape, 2002) Willoughby, Selwyn Walter; McPherson, E A
Cape Town, like other South African cities, experiences phenomenal population growth as a result of natural increase, rural-urban and intra-urban migration. The population growth is exceeding the ability of all spheres of government to provide adequate housing. ln an attempt to rapidly respond to this crisis, subsidies are provided to qualifying beneficiaries to build free-standing dwellings. Simultaneously the Metropolitan Spatial Development Framework (MSDF) proposes a vision of an integrated functional city by prosing to increase residential densities in areas with the potential to improve the quality of life of the populations. The current low-income housing delivery programme is thus conflicting with the vision of the MSDF. The aim of this research is to assess the feasibility, and to identify enabling mechanisms of building low-rise, higher-density low-income residential dwellings in Philippi East, a developing metropolitan node. Philippi East is the only node in the metropolitan area that is underdeveloped and located centrally within the poorest section of Cape Town. There are various concerns relating to housing within this area, however, the research focuses on three inter-related areas of concern, namely, access to appropriate urban land, appropriate housing density and access to finance. Central to the research is the identification of vacant land and the classification of the identified land in terms of its strategic value. The identification of strategic land determines the type of density that is appropriate and this in turn will establish the financial parameters for such a project. The research has found that in Philippi East, most of the appropriate land for higher-density low-income land is privately owned, and that current legalisation is focused on accelerating the release of publicly owned land. Thus, the legalisation will have little effect on the study area, where land is urgently needed for housing. Non Legislative measures have been identified as alternative mechanisms to secure private land for housing. Philippi East as a study area, is strategic in terms of the MSDF criteria, and therefore its residential densities could be developed to maximum recommendations. However, the contextual situating does not allow for high-rise developments, but rather a low-rise higher-density built form with a net dwelling density of approximately 100 d/ha. The research concludes that the short-term benefit of the subsidy is not complimenting the long term vision of the city, i.e. the subsidy amount by itself allows for the construction of a small freestanding dwellings that is perpetuating sprawl within Philippi East. To construct low-rise higher-density dwellings larger than the current 10mz freestanding dwelling, additional finance is required. The research identifies that all spheres of government must play a pivotal role in mobilising additional public and private funding to ensure that the metropolitan node develops as intended by the city vision.
Territory and exclusion: Contestations over space in Mitchell�s Plain
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Jacobs, Zina; Brooks, Shirley
In the post-apartheid city, protest action has become synonymous with land invasions. The constant growth of informal settlements in South Africa places significant pressure on local and national authorities, but more so on local social dynamics. Additionally, informal settlements tend to occur on marginal land that is not well suited to development and prone to flooding, as well as fire risks, thus making it challenging for the government to render services or install bulk infrastructure.
Geografiese aspekte van rekreasie en vryetydsbesteding in Bellville-Suid
(University of the Western Cape, 1987) McPherson, Elsworth Adam; Taylor, V
Die wyse waarop mense hul VRYETYD [dit is tyd wat oorbly nadat alle verpligtinge (sosiaal en fisiologies) nagekom is) bestee, vorm die sentrale tema van hierdie studie. On Belangrike aspek van hierdie tema vir die geograaf is die wisselwerking wat daar bestaan tussen die aanbod en aanvraag na rekreasiefasiliteite, omdat dit meerendeels die ruimtelike plasing van fasiliteite (in stedelike gebiede) bepaal. In die Suid-Afrikaanse samelewing het daar sekere faktore ontwikkel wat die normale wisselwerking ten opsigte van rekreasie be�nvloed het, en gevolglik as probleme geidentifiseer kan word. I~ hierdie studie word die probleme wat daar bestaan ten opsigte van rekreasie en vryetydsbesteding ondersoek met spesifieke verwysing na die inwoners van Bellville-Suid, On "Bruin" Groepsgebied op die Kaapse Vlakte. Data vir die studie is met behulp van gestruktureerde ontleed met die vraelyste ingesamel en daarna statisties oog op beantwoording van die volgende vrae: Wat is die aard en omvang van vryetydsbesteding gedurende die dag, oor naweke en vakansies van die inwoners van Bellville-Suid? Hoe beinvloed die politiek-ekonomiese strukture die aanbod van fasiliteite (die rekreasiemilieu) in Bellville-Suid? Wat is die invloed van die politiek-ekonomiese strukture op die aanvraag na fasiliteite (die rekreasiegedrag) van die inwoners van Bellville-Suid? Die data wat met behulp van die vraelyste ingesamel is, is verder aangevul deur persoonlike onderhoude. Ten einde bestaande vrae te beantwoord, is daar eerstens gekyk na die rekreasiehulpbronbasis in Bellville-Suid. Die aanbod ter plaatse is gemeet aan nasionale en internasionale standaarde wat gebaseer is op gegewens uit die relevante literatuur.
Geografiese aspekte van rekreasie en vryetydsbesteding in Bellville-Suid
(University of the Western Cape, 1987) McPherson, Elsworth Adam; Taylor, V
The way in which people utilise their FREE TIME [that is time left after all commitments (social and physiological) have been met] forms the central theme of this study. An important aspect of this theme for the geographer is the interaction between supply and demand of recreational facilities, because determines the spatial location of facilities in urban areas. In the South African society certain factors which influence the normal interaction between supply and demand have developed which can be identified as problems. In this study the problems which exist regarding recreation and the use of free time are examined with specific reference to the people living in Bellville South, a "Coloured" Group Area on the Cape Flats. Data for the study was collected with the air of a structured questionnaire and thereafter statistically analysed with the intention of answering the following questions: What is the nature and extent of the use of free time during the day, over weekends and during vacations of the inhabitants of Bellville South? How does the politico-economic structure influence the supply of facilities for recreation in Bellville South? What is the influence of the politico-economic structure on the demand for facilities (the recreational behaviour) for the inhabitants of Bellville South? The data which had been collected with the aid of questionnaire, was further supplemented with personal interviews. In order to answer the above questions satisfactorily, recreation resource base in Bellville South was looked firstly. The local supply was measured according to national and international norms based on information obtained from the relevant literature. An attempt was made secondly to determine the demand for recreation generated by the community. It was evident from the literature that the socio-economic level of communities played a vital role in the determination of the extent of their demand. By examining certain socio-economic parameters, it was found that the community of Bellville South consisted mostly of people from the working-class. Subsequently the factors which have an influence on the recreational behaviour of the respondents during the day, weekend and vacation time-periods, were examined. It was found that, as one can expect from a predominantly working class community, recreation was mostly directed at the home environment during all three time-periods. This can be explained by referring to the constitutional constraints (Group Areas Act, Separate Amenities Act), socio-economic constraints and the inadequate recreational facilities in the study area. The interaction between demand and supply within the prevailing politico-economic structures was subsequently examined. The correlation between demographic and socio-economic variables and recreational activities was examined with the aid of crosstabulations. The resulting spatial pattern of the recreational behaviour of the respondents was analysed cartographically. By examining the latent and potential demand for recreational facilities it was found that there are very real needs in the study area. Lastly, recommendations were made with a view of alleviating the problems which have been identified. It was felt that immediate attention should be paid to shortcomings in the supply and maintenance of recreational facilities in Bellville South, while the political problems which make a meaningful utilisation of recreational facilities by everybody in South Africa impossible at the moment, should also be removed.
Gis mapping of community perceptions of illegal waste dumping in Mbekweni, Paarl
(University of Western Cape, 2020) Kimani, Alexander; Dyssel, Michael
Illegal dumping is a global environmental problem that receives significant management and research attention from various fields of study. Illegally disposed waste (in all of its formats) can cause negative impacts on natural and human environments, and often requires multilevel interventions to abate, or to solve the resultant problems. The impacts of illegal or unsustainable disposal of waste on land, water bodies and the atmosphere contribute to various environmental problems and their levels of intensity at global, regional, national and local scales. Illegal waste disposal also infringes on fundamental human rights that are associated with clean and safe living environments.
Response of wetlands to impacts from agricultural land-use practices: Implications for conservation, management, and rehabilitation in the Nuwejaars Catchment, Western Cape.
(University of the Western Cape, 2021) Sampson, Shae-Lynn; Carolissen, Mandy
Wetlands occupy about 6% of the world�s surface and are fragile ecosystems that support a diversity of plants and animals. Wetlands are increasingly recognised for their role in the provision of ecosystem services and contribution to global biodiversity. Despite this, more than half of the world�s wetlands have vanished or been degraded, primarily due to agriculture. Wetlands are constantly adjusting to disturbances occurring within them and within their surrounding landscape. It is important to recognise to what extent various disturbances affect wetlands when assessing disturbance and impact, and when considering wetland protection options. The benefit of the detailed characterisation of the sub-catchments of the Nuwejaars catchment is deepened understanding of how different combinations of land-uses and soils impact catchment hydrology, and ultimately, the wetlands within the catchment
The Bakkie Brigade in Cape Town�s urban waste economy: exploring waste mobilities and the precariat
(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Goeiman, Johnathan; Rink, Bradley
Solid waste management in South Africa is in a phase of transitioning. This transition entails the valorisation and diversion of recyclable waste away from landfills for the creation of a new secondary recycling economy. However, reclaimers within the Global South have been engaged in valorising waste through market-driven pricing. Localised and �informal� as they are, they remain a significant source of labour for global capital. Their presence runs parallel to the emergence of green models such as the circular economy, coupled with contentious initiatives that aim at formalising and integrating reclaimers. Given the revitalised emphasis on the urban waste economy, inadequate attention has been given to understanding the linkages between the formal processing companies and informal waste reclaimers operating at the level of the street and landfill.
Biting the hand that feeds you: Visitor perceptions of visitor-baboon interaction in the Cape Peninsula
(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Sefela, Farren; Boekstein, Mark
The rapid increase in urbanisation and tourism in the Cape Peninsula has increased the rate of human-wildlife interaction. The Cape Peninsula is unique in terms of placing urban areas next to protected natural areas with no physical barriers, thus allowing animals, especially baboons, to travel between the two areas, occasionally leading to conflict between humans and wildlife. Visitors to popular tourist sites may also actively participate in feeding baboons or through negligence by leaving food items in the open. As a result, changing the habits of the baboons as human food and food waste are seen as the preferred option in terms of dietary habits. The main aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions and social construction of visitors in the Cape Peninsula towards baboons at tourist sites. Social constructionist theory was used as the theoretical framework for the study, which looks at the way people perceive nature and wildlife, which is unique to each person. The study uses an exploratory sequential mixed methods design, with a qualitative section that includes three semi-structured interviews, followed by a quantitative section consisting of a questionnaire survey, with 201 questionnaires being completed. The survey was conducted at key tourist sites around the Cape Peninsula that are well known for baboon sightings, including Bordjiesrif Picnic Site, Buffels Bay viewpoint, Cape of Good Hope/Cape Point and Dias Beach. The study used discourse analyses and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to analyse the data, which allowed for ideas to be labelled and linked to opinions in the literature, and patterns identified during the data collection. Visitors viewed tourism spaces as anthropocentric areas, and thus perceived baboon-visitor interactions through conditional acceptance. Visitor perceptions and social construction of baboon-visitor interactions may be positive when conditional acceptance is adhered to, and negative when conditional acceptance is broken. Recommendations for further research includes more research on non-consumptive tourism activities and its impact on human-wildlife interactions, with a need for more literature on the influence of education on people�s attitudes towards wildlife, and finally, more research that focuses on the changing behavioural ecology of baboons, due to an increase in tourism/visitation.

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