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Effects of maize (Zea mays L.) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) residue management on soil carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling and spinach (Spinacia oleracea) yield.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.The increasing threat of climate change and declining soil quality presents significant challenges to global food security and crop production. This necessitates the adoption of agricultural practices that mitigate climate change while improving soil quality and crop yields. This study aimed to investigate the effects of maize (Zea mays L.) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) residue management, on soil carbon storage, nutrient cycling and spinach (Spinacia oleracea) yield. Contrasting cultivars of maize (SC701 and R201) and sorghum (AS8 and PAN8816) were grown at Ukulinga Research Farm of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The aboveground biomass was harvested at maturity and ground. Half of the ground biomass was retained as raw feedstock, while the other half was pyrolyzed to produce biochar types at 350 and 650oC in a muffle furnace and at ~400°C in a field kiln. The feedstocks and biochars were characterized for proximate and elemental composition, chemical properties, structural characteristics and functional groups. An incubation study was conducted to assess the effects of crop type, cultivar and conversion of the residues to biochar on CO2 emissions, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) mineralization and soil pH. Treatments included feedstock and biochar produced at 350°C and 650°C, applied at a rate equivalent to 10 t C ha-1 in 100 g of soil and were replicated three times with a control (soil only). The CO2 emissions were periodically measured for 120 days. A separate incubation experiment with identical treatments was set up with enough replication to allow for destructive sampling to analyze N and P mineralization and soil pH periodically for 120 days. A field experiment was conducted during the summer and winter seasons of 2023 at the same research farm to evaluate the effects of crop type, cultivar and conversion to biochar of residues on CO2 emissions, soil carbon pools, soil fertility and spinach yield. In the summer, biochar produced in the kiln was applied at 5 t C ha-1 to 15 m2 plots. In winter, the plots were split into two, where one half received repeated applications to assess cumulative effects, while the other half was left untreated to evaluate residual effects. Spinach seedlings were planted and grown for 12 weeks, with weekly CO2 emissions measured using a CO2 auto-analyzer. At the end of each season, spinach was harvested and soil samples were collected to analyze soil carbon pools, chemical properties and enzyme activities. The characterization study revealed that biochars produced at 650oC exhibited enhanced stability, with a reduction in labile functional groups and an increase in fixed carbon content, making them highly suitable for carbon sequestration. Additionally, biochars produced at this temperature demonstrated improved pH and ash content, making them effective forameliorating acidic soils and enhancing nutrient retention. The incubation study showed that cultivar-specific differences and pyrolysis temperatures significantly influenced CO2 emissions, N and P mineralization and soil pH than broad crop type. Feedstock treatments resulted in the highest CO2 emissions, whereas biochars, particularly those produced at 650oC consistently emitted lower CO2 emissions and increased nutrient availability compared to feedstock and biochars produced at 350oC. Biochars from cultivars R201 and AS8 were identified as more effective for carbon storage, while those from SC701 and PAN8816 enhanced N availability, making them ideal for improving soil fertility. Field experiments revealed that CO2 emissions, soil carbon pools, soil chemical properties, enzyme activities and spinach biomass yield parameters were more strongly influenced by cultivar-specific differences than by crop type. Biochar consistently outperformed feedstock in improving soil carbon pools, chemical properties, enzyme activities (urease and alkaline phosphomonoesterase activity) and spinach biomass yields, particularly in the summer season. In contrast, feedstock applications were more effective in enhancing other enzyme activities (βglucosidase and acid phosphomonoesterase activity). Biochars from cultivars SC701 and PAN8816 improved soil pH, nutrient availability and spinach biomass yields, while feedstocks increased micronutrient tissue concentrations. In the first season, biochar treatments significantly increased SOC pools compared to the control. Among maize cultivars, the application of biochar from R201 cultivar (M-R201-B) resulted in the highest SOC content (20.54 g kg-1), giving a 276%
increase over the control, while the application of SC701 feedstock (6.37 g kg-1) yielded the lowest SOC content. Similarly in sorghum cultivars biochar from cultivar AS8 resulted in the highest (19.50 g kg-1) while feedstock of cultivar AS8 gave the lowest SOC content (6.11 g kg-1). Biochar applications also enhanced POC and POXC pools with biochars from R201 and PAN8816 cultivars showing the highest contents of these pools amongst the treatments. Additionally, biochar treatments enhanced MBC with SC701 and PAN8816 biochars exhibiting higher concentration while feedstock treatments resulted in lower MBC concentration. Cumulative biochar applications significantly increased soil carbon pools while reducing CO2 emissions compared to the control. Moreover, the residual effects resulted in increased carbon pools compared to the control. These findings highlight the importance of crop cultivar selection and pyrolysis conditions in influencing the characteristics of biochar types and maximizing the benefits of applications of these materials from maize and sorghum. They provide valuable insights into sustainable residue management practices, demonstrating their potential to mitigate climate change through carbon storage while improving soil quality and crop yields
Strategic Leadership in a crisis: digital adaptation, resilience, and service continuity in South Africa’s academic library during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.shared.
The COVID-19 pandemic created an unprecedented crisis that significantly disrupted essential services and leadership practices within academic libraries worldwide. This study explored the strategic leadership of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Library during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis, focusing on how senior management navigated the challenges to sustain library services. Using a qualitative exploratory design, purposive sampling was employed to select eight members of the top management team—senior managers and departmental heads—with direct leadership responsibilities during the pandemic. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews and analysed thematically, employing open coding and constant comparison techniques to identify emergent themes relating to leadership styles, practices, and challenges. Findings reveal that strategic leaders at UKZN Library demonstrated agile and adaptive leadership, employing crisis management meetings, resource provision for remote work, and proactive communication to manage service disruptions effectively. Leadership styles were characterized by empathy, collaboration, and accountability, which were critical in maintaining staff morale and operational continuity. However, leaders faced significant challenges, including poor internet connectivity, inadequate digital leadership training, work-life balance difficulties, and resistance to change. The study highlights the importance of strategic leadership competencies such as digital literacy, flexibility, and emotional intelligence in navigating complex crises in academic libraries. This research contributes to the limited literature on academic library leadership during crises, emphasizing the need for context-sensitive leadership frameworks that address the unique challenges faced in digital and uncertain environments. Recommendations include enhanced leadership development programs focusing on digital skills, change management, and wellbeing support to better prepare academic libraries for future disruptions. This research offers valuable insights for current and aspiring library leaders, policymakers, and scholars interested in strategic leadership in higher education settings during times of crisis
Elicitation effects on Sceletium tortuosum growth, physiology, and mesembrine-type alkaloid production in vitro.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Sceletium tortuosum is an immensely valuable South African succulent. The plant is wellknown for its versatility in traditional medicine. Its’ mesembrine-type alkaloids (mesembranol, mesembrenol, mesembrenone, and mesembrine) have shown remarkable potential as therapeutic agents for numerous disorders, including depression, anxiety, diabetes, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s disease. Despite the tremendous value of these phytochemicals, investigations into improving alkaloid production in this species are virtually non-existent, and commercial alkaloid sources are not readily available. Hence, this research aimed to determine the effects of elicitation techniques on growth and mesembrine-type alkaloid production of S. tortuosum in vitro. Elicitors were applied to nodal explant cultures for 28 days. Growth was assessed by determining the mean number of new leaf pairs, mean number of roots, and the mean length of the longest root. Mesembrine-type alkaloids were extracted from plant material and quantified with UPLC-MS. Light (0, 8, 16, and 24 H), salt (0, 50, 100, and 200 µM NaCl), and osmotic stress (0, 25, 50, and 100 g/L polyethylene glycol (PEG)) were applied. Growth was optimized in 24 H light as plantlets produced the highest mean number of new leaf pairs (2.79 ± 1.89) and roots (2.60 ± 1.60). Total alkaloid contents were significantly increased by 0 H light (9.16 ± 0.12 µg/mg DW) and 100 g/L PEG (6.74 ± 0.30 µg/mg DW). Growth effects and conservation of secondary metabolite pools in the presence of salt confirmed a halophytic nature for S. tortuosum. Colorimetric methods were used to quantify primary metabolites (total carbohydrates, starch, proteins, and proline) in stress-treated plantlets. Treatment with 50 g/L PEG resulted in peak quantities of starch (130.10 ± 0.16 µg/mg FW) and proline (24.73 ± 0.06 µg/mg FW), while 100 g/L PEG produced the highest protein concentration (71.60 ± 0.30 µg/mg FW). Protein levels were sensitive to osmotic stress, suggesting enhanced synthesis of stress-response proteins. Salt treatments (100 and 200 µM NaCl) yielded the highest carbohydrate concentrations (383.3 ± 1.40 and 323.1 ± 0.72 µg/mg FW, respectively), but only slight increases in proline concentrations (17.07 and 16.10 µg/mg FW, respectively) relative to the control (15.40 µg/mg FW). This provided further evidence of a halophytic profile for the species. Plant growth regulators (indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), kinetin (KIN) and benzylaminopurine (BAP) were applied to tissue cultures at concentrations of 0, 2.5, 5, 10, 15, and 20 µM. Plantlets treated with IBA were the healthiest, with 20 µM IBA resulting in the highest mean number of roots (14.18 ± 4.66) and mean root length (6.28 ± 2.59 mm). Treatments with NAA and cytokinins caused unhealthy shoot and root proliferation, respectively. However, KIN treatments resulted in the highest total alkaloid contents (5.51–7.77 µg/mg DW), with the maximum amount achieved by 5 µM KIN. Various concentrations of biostimulants (smoke water (SW), Kelpak® (KEL), vermicompost leachate (VCL), sodium humate (SH)) were tested. Smoke water and SH showed the most potential for growth improvements. Treatment with 5 mg/L SH resulted in the highest mean number of new leaf pairs (1.67 ± 1.20), while 1:2000 SW resulted in the highest mean number of roots and mean root length (2.57 ± 2.95 and 4.14 ± 6.69 mm, respectively). Significant increases in total alkaloid contents were recorded for 1:1000 and 1:2000 SW treatments (4.95 ± 0.23 and 4.72 ± 0.06 µg/mg DW, respectively). Positive responses were inversely proportional to SW concentration and directly proportional to SH concentration. Callus cultures were successfully initiated with 2.5 µM 2,4-D. Cell suspension cultures were supplemented with PGRs (KIN, BAP, NAA, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) (NAA, 2,4- D, KIN, BAP) and amino acids (methionine, tyrosine, phenylalanine) at concentrations of 0, 2.5, 5, and 10 µM. After a 37-day incubation, culture growth and alkaloid contents were assessed. Treatments with 5 and 10 µM 2,4-D µM resulted in the highest mean total cell number and fresh weight (1.59 x 1011 ± 1.19 x 1011 cells/mL and 2.82 ± 0.95 g, respectively). Alkaloids were present in cells and culture media. Total alkaloid contents were optimized by BAP treatments (3.36–4.51 µg/mg DW) and 10 µM 2,4-D (3.70 ± 0.40 µg/mg DW). Among the amino acids tested, phenylalanine (2.5 µM) produced the highest mean fresh weight (2.36 ± 0.28 g), and total alkaloid content (3.32 ± 0.24 µg/mg DW). However, the efficacy of 2,4-D over phenylalanine was proven by the alkaloid contents obtained in a later experiment (2.73 ± 0.94 and 1.29 ± 0.35 µg/mg DW, respectively). Several treatments successfully improved growth and alkaloid production of S. tortuosum. These methods could prove valuable to small- and large-scale Sceletium growers, along with biotechnologists and pharmaceutical companies. The growing need for commercial availability of these alkaloids could be satiated with appropriate use of the methodologies described
Exegeting the parable of the lost sheep (Matthew 18:12-14; Luke 15:4-7) and the good shepherd discourse (John 10:1-16) in light of insights into Caprine husbandry practices of first-century Judea and Galilee.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Few forms of exegesis privilege class as a heuristic category. The study contends that by doing so we can arrive at the most accurate assessment of the historical context of certain parables of Jesus. Towards this end, the study uses Mode of Production theory, and its adaptation by Roland Boer, as its main theoretical foundation. In having greater understanding of the means of production attendant to contexts of certain parables, we can understand issues of class dynamics and class tension which often feature centrally in these. In applying this same hermeneutic of class to the parables generally, and to what might be termed the pastoral parables of Matthew 18:12-14/Luke 15:4-7 and John 10:1-16, we are able to understand Jesus’ parables as a form of codification (in the Freirean sense), and as illustrative both of the hidden transcript (as articulated by James Scott), as well as of actual forms of resistance exercised on the part of the peasantry
Pollination by short-tongued flies and associated floral traits: a novel pollination guild in the high-elevation Drakensberg of South Africa.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.The diversity of angiosperm flowers is largely attributed to adaptations to pollinators with differing sensory modalities and morphology. Plant-pollinator interactions vary along elevation gradients and global trends suggest that true flies (Diptera) are often dominant pollinators at high elevations. Despite this, relatively few studies within sub-Saharan Africa have assessed the importance of short-tongued flies as pollinators at high elevations. In this thesis, I investigate the role of short-tongued flies as important pollinators and quantify floral traits of a putative pollination guild of plants that co-flower at multiple high-elevation communities in the Drakensberg Mountains of southern Africa. For several species of the succulent genus Crassula, in its Drakensberg centre of diversity, pollinator exclusion and pollen-supplementation experiments indicated strong dependence on pollinators and an absence of pollen limitation. The insect visitor assemblage for guild members, as assigned using morphological characters, was dominated by saprophilous, short-tongued flies (Diptera), except for one species, C. vaginata, in which beetles (Coleoptera) dominated the visitor assemblages. The saprophilous, short-tongued flies was predominated by species of the families Muscidae, Sarcophagidae, Calliphoridae and Tachinidae, amongst other species of various families. Assessment of pollen loads on these floral visitors further supported their importance as pollinators. All studied guild members produced an unpleasant scent. Scent chemistry was dominated aliphatic acids in some species, while other species were dominated by various aromatics, terpenoids and nitrogen-containing compounds. These scents likely mediate attraction of short-tongued fly pollinators. Flowers of all studied plants were relatively small in size, corresponding to flower visitor dimensions. Analysis of spectral reflectance using colour vision models revealed colour contrasts between different floral parts and background gravel from which species predominantly grow from. Fly behaviour on flowers was suggestive of the presence of a reward, but only trace amounts of nectar were recorded. Overall, studied plant species exhibit similarities in floral colour, but exhibit variation in the scent chemistry. Despite the diversity of fly species among the visitor assemblages of studied plant species, I argue that these plant species, with the exception of C. vaginata, are functionally specialized for pollination by a group of short-tongued flies and ecologically generalized for visitation and pollination by diverse species of short-tongued flies. Moreover, these plant species belong to a new pollination guild that relies on saprophilous, short-tongued flies for pollination in the high-elevation Drakensberg Mountains. These findings provide novel insights into the pollination ecology of a new saprophilous, short-tongued fly pollination guild that has remained largely unexplored from southern Africa and emphasize the importance of saprophilous, short-tongued flies as important pollinators in high-elevation ecosystems
Napier grass productivity and selected quality parameters of a degraded soil in response to entrenched nappies and Acacia mearnsii biochar in South Africa.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Abstract available in PDF
Investigating the challenges of an audit software at eThekwini municipality internal audit unit.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The increasing reliance on technology in auditing has raised concerns regarding the efficiency and effectiveness of audit processes within public institutions. This study investigates the challenges associated with audit software at eThekwini Municipality’s Internal Audit Unit, examining its impact on audit efficiency, data accuracy, compliance, and overall performance. The purpose of the study is to assess whether the absence or limitations of auditing software affect internal audit operations and to determine the potential benefits of its implementation. A quantitative research approach was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire distributed online to internal auditors. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, including correlation and regression analysis, to evaluate relationships between key audit performance indicators and software usage. The findings provide insights into the necessity and effectiveness of audit software in enhancing internal audit functions. Initially, the study highlighted notable deficiencies present in the unit. These included a lack of real-time monitoring capabilities, inadequate integration of data analytics, and antiquated manual processes that impede the speed and accuracy of audits. Secondly, the study evaluated the efficacy and efficiency of the internal audit unit’s operations by examining how closely these operations adhered to accepted auditing standards and how well they served the municipality's goals. The research found areas where the unit had successfully carried out its mandate, such as regulatory compliance and the detection of financial anomalies. But the study also identified challenges, such as a lack of funding, a lack of ongoing professional development for employees, and possible problems with the thoroughness and timeliness of audit findings. The study concluded by examining the possible advantages of the internal audit unit implementing auditing software. According to the study, the unit's efficiency might have increased by putting such software into place because it would automate repetitive processes, improve the speed and accuracy of data analysis, and allow for continuous monitoring and real-time auditing. The study consisted of a sample size of 45 internal audit unit employees of eThekwini municipality. The employees from all levels of the unit were selected start from the Chief Audit Executive (head of unit), deputy heads (internal audit), senior audit managers, internal audit specialists, senior auditors and internal auditors
Evaluation of small-molecule compounds and immunomodulatory agents as potential host-directed therapy for tuberculosis in in vitro models of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Background: Tuberculosis (TB), caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), is a global health concern that currently affects millions of individuals and causes significant mortality annually. The problem is aggravated by the emergence of drug-resistant Mtb strains and TB-associated tissue pathology, which may result in post-TB lung disease and lung function challenges. New therapeutic strategies are required to treat TB-associated lung pathology. Host-directed therapies (HDTs) offer a novel approach to treating TB and improving outcomes by enhancing the host’s immune response, alleviating tissue damage caused by extreme inflammation, and shortening treatment duration. This study aims to screen small-molecule compounds as potential HDTs to target inflammation, reduce tissue damage, and alleviate pulmonary impairment associated with TB.
Methods: High-throughput screening of small-molecule compounds was performed on PBMCs infected with Mtb H37Rv. ELISA was used to quantify the release of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of the compounds. A promising candidate, Tam-X1, which inhibits IL-5 from binding to its receptor IL-5R, was identified for its capacity to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Tam-X1 was further evaluated in a 3D biomimetic collagen-alginate model mimicking TB granulomas, using PBMCs infected with luminescent Mtb H37Rv LUX strain. ELISA and luminometry were employed to measure the anti-inflammatory and antimycobacterial effects of Tam-X1 in the 3D model, respectively. H&E staining and immunofluorescence staining were performed on resected TB-diseased lung tissue to examine the spatial association of proteins in the Tam-X1 target pathway, including IL-5 and IL-5Ra, with TB-induced inflammation and granuloma development.
Results: Tam-X1 significantly reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, during Mtb infection and inhibited intracellular Mtb growth within the 3D biomimetic model. Histopathological assays revealed that TB-driven inflammation is mediated by immune cells expressing IL-5Ra, including eosinophils, and that Tam-X1 targets a pathway spatially associated with pathology in the TB-diseased lung.
Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of Tam-X1 as a promising HDT for TB. By targeting the IL-5/IL-5R signalling pathway, Tam-X1 reduced the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 during Mtb infection and inhibited Mtb growth. This suggests that treatment with Tam-X1 may mitigate TB-associated tissue pathology by modulating the host's immune response.
ABSTRACT: PART B
Background: Tuberculosis (TB), caused by the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), remains a global health threat due to drug resistance, poor treatment adherence, and high mortality rates. Host-directed therapies (HDTs) offer a novel approach to improve TB treatment outcomes by enhancing the host’s immune defence, controlling inflammation and reducing post-TB complications and mortality. This study aimed to assess the potential of immunomodulatory compounds targeting Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 7 and 8, as adjunctive HDTs for TB.
Methods: Screening of the effects of immunomodulatory agents in THP-1 cells infected with the luminescent Mtb strain, H37Rv LUX, was performed. The effects on the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were quantified using ELISA. Luminometry was used to analyse the effects of TLR modulation on bacterial clearance. A promising compound, TLR M, a TLR7/8 agonist, was identified as an activator of macrophage pro-inflammatory responses and underwent further evaluation using an in vitro 3D biomimetic TB granuloma model, analysing the effects on inflammation using ELISA and antimycobacterial effects using luminometry. H&E-stained and immunofluorescent labelled slides were imaged using confocal microscopy to spatially analyse the association of TLR M’s protein target, TLR7/8, with TB-induced inflammation and granuloma formation in resected TB-diseased lung tissue.
Results: This study identified TLR7/8 as potential targets for adjunctive HDTs, revealing their potential to enhance the inflammatory response during Mtb infection. TLR7/8 activation with TLR M improved antimycobacterial properties. Using immunofluorescence staining on lung tissue from TB diseased participants, we observed that alveolar macrophages contribute to TLR7/8 mediated signalling, potentially amplifying effector functions and aiding in Mtb clearance.
Conclusion: Taken together, TLR M represents a potential adjuvant HDT for TB treatment. The ability of this TLR7/8 agonist to modulate the inflammatory immune response and enhance antimycobacterial activity suggests that it can improve treatment outcomes and mitigate TB-related morbidity and mortality. Further research into TLR7/8-targeted therapies may therefore lead to enhanced strategies for combating TB by enhancing the hosts immune response and addressing the challenges associated with current treatment regimens
Queering masculinity: engaging the performance and meaning among Nagara dancers in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.This thesis explores Nagara dancing as a site of ritual embodiment, gender negotiation, and spiritual expression within the South African Indian Hindu diaspora. Grounded in lived experience and guided by phenomenology, interpretative analysis, and reflexive thematic analysis, the research interrogates how male dancers perform and reconfigure masculinity through devotional enactments of the Hindu Goddess Saraswati. Drawing from focus groups and interviews with four experienced Nagara dancers, the study reveals that ritual choreography challenges binary gender norms, allowing for a fluid interplay between masculine and feminine expression. The findings present Nagara as a queer form of dance, where the performance of sacred femininity becomes a pathway to masculine expansion rather than contradiction. Within this ritual framework, dancers experience emotional safety, relational care, and generational mentorship, positioning the temple stage as a sacred refuge for contested identities. Ultimately, the study affirms that Nagara is not simply inherited; it is reimagined through embodied labour, aesthetic translation, and spiritual resilience. Masculinity, here, is not static; it moves
Analysing the sustainable development goals and sustainability reports of South Africa’s platinum mines.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.This study analyses the SDGs and sustainability reports of South Africa's platinum mines. Balancing economic growth, social equity and environmental protection is crucial for mineraldependent communities. Hotelling's rule further highlights the need for intergenerational equity in resource extraction, highlighting the importance of aligning mining with the SDGs. The paradoxical relationship between mining and sustainability is problematic. This is because mining exacerbates the issues that the SDGs aim to address. Notably, South African PGM mining companies, through their SLPs, must benefit the neighbouring mining communities because of their negative societal and environmental impacts. Arguably, achieving this objective is, to some extent, not materialising. Therefore, PGM mining companies’ sustainability reports communicate one side of the story and neglect the communities’ negative experiences. Hence, the Minerals Council of South Africa, aims to reposition the industry as a ‘sustainability leader’. Particularly given South Africa's global prominence in platinum production. As such, this study adopted the Minerals Council social and relationship capital SDGs, and devised three research objectives. To evaluate PGM mining companies’ implementation of the SDGs targets, the effectiveness of their sustainability reports using the SDG Compass. Lastly, the progress of PGM mining companies’ SLP sustainability projects. A dual-qualitative approach via semi-structured interviews and document analysis were used for data collection. First, semi-structured interviews were conducted with mining community stakeholders in South Africa's Bushveld Igneous Complex, a geographically concentrated and globally significant PGM hub. Second, PGM mining companies’ sustainability reports were analysed. The findings of this study, among others, are that PGM mining companies’ contribution to their surrounding mining communities vary. Second, it is evident that the majority of PGM mining companies analysed in this study exhibit surface-level understanding of the SDGs and moderately connect the SDGs with their business case. Lastly, SLP sustainability projects are done in silos, excluding the mining communities’ inputs due to misaligned community needs. As a result, the study recommended, a rigorous, continuous multi-stakeholder approach between the PGM mining companies, the mining communities and several other stakeholders to address the changing mining community needs. Second, to consult sustainability experts, particularly at audit firms, to ensure that strong governance principles are integrated with the SDGs