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Delictual liability of South African cities in the execution of their developmental duties: Lessons from case law
Full text linkMaster of Laws in Perspectives on Law, North-West University-- Potchefstroom CampusFollowing its radical transformation, local government is currently mandated to play a broader developmental role. Municipalities (cities) have conferred powers, functions and competences to execute their developmental duties towards their local communities. The duties include contributing to the realisation of human rights and meeting the basic needs of local communities. Municipalities must strive to fulfil these functions within their financial and administrative capacity. Despite all of these obligations, the majority of South African cities are still failing to fulfil their developmental mandate. This can be observed in the cumulative municipal-related incidents that significantly threaten the lives, health and wellbeing of local members. As a result of such failures, delictual claims against municipalities for harm sustained by community members continue to grow. Local communities may want to or could resort to instituting delictual claims as a means to obtain redress for their infringed legally protected interests by wrongful and negligent and/or intentional conduct of municipalities. This is because the law of delict’s compensatory function is to award damages to prejudiced parties to restore them to their original position before the occurrence of the delict. This study evaluates and reviews case law that dealt with municipal delictual liability to explore lessons that can be learned to inform both municipalities and potential litigants. Among others, the study found that municipalities no longer enjoy general immunity from delictual actions arising from poor roads or pavements. It also found that the breach of statutory duties by municipalities does not automatically give rise to delictual damages. In addition, municipalities are required to execute their duties as objectively reasonably required considering their administrative and financial capacity. The study also found that as part of the state, municipalities are required to adhere to a higher standard of care than private individuals. Concerning prejudiced parties, the study found that they can only be awarded damages they were able to prove. The study makes recommendations on how municipalities can reasonably execute their duties while adhering to legislative standards. The recommendations could also guide communities in shaping their expectations and assist potential litigants in proving their cases in delictual actions where they may have valid cause of actions.-National Research Foundation
-North-West UniversityMaster
Evaluating electricity services delivery in Mafikeng Municipality
No full textDoctoral Degree. North West University, Mafikengdghjgfkjhfsuyewrftcdnhmghkmljhdasfcgzxnjkdshyhuglkuytswjhui;asdGhkzxdhrdjktgijohgjm
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The impact of Loadshedding on South African Economy
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Applying machine learning digital soil mapping techniques on farm scale for use in precision agriculture
Full text linkMaster of Science in Agriculture with Soil Science, North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusThis study aimed to evaluate the industry-standard method of ordinary kriging (OK) used for creating soil chemical property maps and then also to investigate the potential of using machine learning-based digital soil mapping techniques to create the same maps for use in precision agriculture (PA). To do this, two fields in the Gerdau area in the North West of South Africa were selected, and soil chemical analyses for them on a 2-ha grid were obtained from NWK. Using similar processes to the industry standard, OK maps for pH, P, K, Ca, Mg and Na were produced, and the accuracy thereof was tested using leave-one-out cross-validation. The semivariograms of each property were also investigated to determine the optimal sampling density. After this, the same sets of maps were created using the ML DSM techniques Cubist and Random Forest (RF), the accuracy of which was tested by splitting the data into a training and validation set. The ML DSM maps were then also compared to the OK maps through visual inspection. It was found that soil properties varied between Fields and each other. In Field 1, only the OK map of Mg was somewhat accurate enough for use in PA. More success was found in Field 2 with the OK maps of pH, K and Mg being accurate enough for use in PA. Based on the semivariograms of these properties, a smaller inter-sample range is needed than the 2-ha grid provides. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that sample grids no larger than 70 by 70 meters be used, in line with the findings of Brouder and Morgan (2000). None of the ML DSM maps proved more accurate than the OK maps on field scale in this case, meaning that legacy soil and yield data could not be used on field scale to create comparable soil property maps for use on field scale PA.Master
Climate justice and litigation in the context of South Africa
Full text linkMaster of Laws with Perspectives on Law, North-West University-- Potchefstroom CampusThis study interrogates the intersection of climate justice and litigation in the South African context. It addresses the urgent need for legal methods to address the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalised communities. As climate change has become one of the greatest global challenges, marginalised communities most keenly feel its impacts, particularly those historically disadvantaged by socioeconomic inequalities rooted in apartheid. What follows is a critical examination of the most important international climate frameworks, in particular the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (hereinafter UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, which have shaped the global discourse on climate change. The increasing recognition of the rights of historically marginalised and vulnerable communities underscores the potential role of climate litigation in achieving climate justice for all by holding both government and corporations accountable for their actions and lack thereof in mitigating climate change. The study examines the South African legal framework and recognises its progressive constitution that guarantees environmental rights. On the other hand, the study highlights significant barriers to effective climate action, particularly for the country’s most vulnerable, poor and marginalised populations, who often lack access to legal resources and skills needed for climate action. Using decided climate cases such as Earthlife Africa v. Minister of Environment, the study highlights the problems that plaintiffs often face when it comes to proving causation and the need for expert evidence in such litigation. Finally, the study concludes that while climate litigation offer opportunities for climate justice, the challenges identified need to be addressed to ensure the effectiveness of climate processes in achieving climate justice. The study therefore makes recommendations for strengthening legal aid, promoting public climate litigation and improving community capacity. By implementing these recommendations, climate justice will be achieved so that South Africa can effectively utilise climate litigation to demand climate justice for both current and future generations.-North-West UniversityMaster
Enhancing children’s understanding of algorithmic biases in and with text-to- image generative AI
Full text linkArticle, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (Research and Innovation)--Northwest University, Vanderbijlpark CampusDespite the growing concerns surrounding algorithmic biases in generative AI (artificial intelligence), there is a noticeable lack of research on how to facilitate children and young people’s awareness and understanding of them. This study aimed to address this gap by conducting hands-on workshops with fourth- and seventh-grade students in Finland, and by focusing on students’ (N = 209) evolving explanations of the potential causes of algorithmic biases within text-to-image generative models. Statistically significant progress in children’s data-driven explanations was observed on a written reasoning test, which was administered prior to and after the intervention, as well as in their responses to the worksheets they filled out during a lesson that focused on algorithmic biases. The article concludes with a discussion on the development and facilitation of children’s understanding of algorithmic biase
A theoretical analysis of the phenomenon of xenophobia in South Africa
Full text linkDoctor of Philosophy in Social Sciences with Political Studies, North-West University-- Potchefstroom CampusIn the past three decades, many foreigners have experienced discrimination on South African soil, which has been and still is of critical concern. Over the past two decades, there has been an increase in xenophobic violence on foreigners residing in the many townships sprawled across South Africa, particularly those found in the metropolitan municipalities. It is further estimated that ten per cent of South Africa's almost 60 million inhabitants are African foreigners from other African countries. Consequently, even though many nationalities from around the world reside in South Africa, those who often find themselves at the apex of xenophobic attacks generally are black African immigrants from countries north of the Limpopo River. Consequently, in South Africa, the contradictions of the ideologies of Pan-Africanism, Africanism, and African nationalism as held by the current South African government (ANC) is diametrically opposed to the occurrences of xenophobia in poor townships. Given the facts as explained above, an analysis of factors such as Pan-Africanism and African nationalism as opposed to xenophobia is necessary, as reality indicates that South Africa is currently struggling to assimilate foreign immigrants into its communities – therefore indicating a need for urgent academic analysis. Against this brief backdrop of the study, the research intends to provide a theoretical dichotomy of the occurrence of the phenomenon of xenophobia in South Africa. This will be done by looking at the relationship between theories of xenophobia, ideology (Pan-Africanism), and the politics of survival, and how these factors subsequently lead to xenophobia, especially considering South Africa’s history and current political climate
Technology-supported cooperative learning professional development (tscl pd): Hope for a new teacher professional development strategy
Full text linkFaculty of Education ( School of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education), North-West University, Mahikeng CampusThis conceptual paper aims to present a novel approach to teacher professional development that involves teachers in the acquisition of information and skills to enable them to deliver instruction that meets the needs of the 21st century. The literature on a technology-supported, cooperative learning approach for the professional development of teachers suggests that it is an effective way to enhance teacher knowledge, attitudes, and skills in cooperative learning. For teachers, the key benefits o f TSCL PD are information sharing, taking part in participatory decision-making, and accepting and supporting one another. These elements could most likely be replicated in any school or through cooperation between teachers and other stakeholders. Future research should continue to explore the effectiveness of TSCL PD in different settings and with different populations of teachers
The influence of nominal prefixes on the formation of compound words in Xitsonga
Full text linkArticle, Faculty of Humanities (SA Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLar)--Northwest University, Potchefstroom CampusNominal prefixes play a crucial role in Xitsonga grammar by shaping word formation, categorisation and meaning. These affixes that are attached at the beginning of nouns convey crucial information about number, possession and noun class. While the influence of nominal prefixes on simple word formation has been explored to some extent, their impact on compound word formation in Xitsonga remains relatively understudied. This study delves into this underexplored area, investigating the intricate relationship between nominal prefixes and compound word construction in Xitsonga. The study used convenience sampling to collect data from secondary sources such as Xitsonga grammar books, dictionaries and academic articles. This study is grounded on a functional linguistic approach, which provides a robust framework for analysing the interactions between nominal prefixes and compound word formation. The findings unveil the profound influence of nominal prefixes on compound word construction in Xitsonga. These prefixes not only shape word categories and meanings but also express quantity, indicate location and convey time. These insights emphasise the significant role of nominal prefixes in defining Xitsonga’s grammatical structure, expanding its vocabulary and reflecting its cultural context.
Contribution: This study contributes to the existing literature of compounding by highlighting the pivotal role of nominal prefixes in Xitsonga grammar, particularly in shaping word formation, categorisation and meaning. It examines how prefixes influence the creation of compound words in Xitsonga and their morphological functions
The application of a strategic integrated communication framework: The case of Mosaic SA and international donor organisations
Full text linkMaster of Arts in Communication, North-West University-- Potchefstroom CampusThis study investigated the communication dynamics of Mosaic Community Development South Africa (Mosaic SA) and its international donor organisations, focusing on the applicability and implementation of a strategic integrated communication (SIC) framework. South Africa is home to approximately 5.2 million orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) – a figure that is challenging to ascertain precisely due to its magnitude. Mosaic SA, a non-profit organisation, aims to support as many OVC as possible through its Potchefstroom, Gqeberha, and Paarl operations. The organisation emphasises a family-based care model, initiating support with the families of OVC. As the number of beneficiaries increases, Mosaic SA faces significant challenges in securing sufficient funding within South Africa, exacerbated by a competitive environment among nonprofits, a weak economy, and a decreasing number of donors. Consequently, Mosaic SA has sought funding internationally, establishing partnerships with people in the USA, Germany, and Sweden, which have registered non-profit organisations in their respective countries to raise funds and recruit volunteers for South African initiatives. Given the substantial contributions from these international donor organisations, they are considered key stakeholders in this study. The primary objective of this research was to examine the communication practices between Mosaic SA and its international donor organisations, assessing the perceptions of these practices. The study suggests that employing a strategic integrated communication (SIC) framework could enhance communication efforts. The core research question addresses the extent to which Mosaic SA and the international donor organisations adhere to the SIC guidelines. The research methodology comprised two main components. First, a literature review identified
relevant SIC guidelines from the Degenaar (2021) SIC framework applicable to Mosaic SA and its international donor organisations. Second, empirical research evaluated the current implementation of these guidelines and gathered perspectives from the involved parties regarding their communication practices. The empirical research included qualitative semi-structured interviews and qualitative content analysis. The study found that while Mosaic SA and its international donor organisations demonstrate a foundational commitment to communication as a strategic asset, they face challenges in fully implementing an SIC framework. Key areas for improvement were identified as enhancing
personalised two-way communication, improving digital platform usage, and instituting consistent monitoring and evaluation processes. It was concluded that addressing these areas should enable Mosaic SA to achieve its communication goals, strengthen stakeholder relationships, build brand recognition, and make significant progress towards becoming a sustainable organisation