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Assessing the radiological hazards due to radionuclides in sediments and tailings around Kilembe copper mines,Western Uganda
Full text linkJournal Article, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Centre for Applied Radiation Science and Technology-- Mahikeng CampusCopper mining in Kilembe Valley, Western Uganda, between 1956 and 1982 resulted in multiple tailing sites, raising concerns about potential increases in the natural background radiation. In this study, the radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in 31 sediments and tailing samples from the Kilembe copper mines area were determined using HPGe-based gamma spectrometry. The mean activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in sediment samples were 38.6 ± 8.9, 37.4 ± 7.8, and 708.0 ± 147.3 Bq kg−1, respectively. While in tailing samples, the mean values were 171.3 ± 31.7, 34.8 ± 14.9, and 792.4 ± 208.2 Bq kg−1, respectively. These values exceeded global averages of 35, 30, and 400 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K, respectively. To assess the radiological hazards due to radionuclides in sediments and tailings, several parameters such as the radium equivalent activity (Raeq), external hazard index (Hex), internal hazard index (Hin), gamma representative index (Iγ), absorbed dose rate (D), total annual effective dose (Etot), and total excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCRtot) were determined. In sediments, most of these hazard parameters were above the world’s average values, except Raeq, Iγ, Hex, and Hin. While in tailings, all the hazard parameters surpassed the global average values except Raeq and Hex. Pearson correlation coefficient and hierarchical cluster analysis showed that 226Ra was the main contributor to the assessed radiological hazards. The study suggests potential radiological risks linked to natural radioactivity from sediments and mine tailings, especially when used as building materials.Acknowledgments
We acknowledge UISTF for the scholarship and Kyambogo University for providing equipment, support, and space to conduct the experiments at the Radiation Laboratory in the Department of Physics. The authors also wish to appreciate the Uganda Atomic Energy Council for providing the research clearance certificate that ethically and legally made it possible to conduct the study
Non-compliance to minimum emission standards under air quality legislation and section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996
Full text linkMaster of Laws in Environmental Law and Governance, North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusThe state of air quality in South Africa suggests that air quality management measures might not have been effective. While inadequate enforcement of the environmental law is certainly a significant cause of ineffectiveness, it is demonstrated that proper monitoring of air quality data, and non-compliance with or postponement with environmental management measures are also major contributors. Undoubtably, the government has made progressive attempts to regulate air quality, but there is still a room for improvement. This study examines whether non-compliance to minimum emission standards infringes section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. It is argued in this study that non-compliance with the minimum emission standards has detrimental impacts on health and well-being, particularly for those within or near the industries that are not compliant with the emission standards. This is because minimum emission standards are used as measures to control the concentration of air pollutants that can legally be released into the atmosphere from a single pollutant source. Furthermore, the research analyses how companies such as Eskom and Sasol may misuse the process of postponement and condonation to avoid compliance with the law and the implications these non-compliances have on the community and the environment. A review is conducted on relevant environmental legislation and regulations applicable to environmental protection against air pollution and the measures applied to protect the environment and people. The study concludes with recommendations regarding improving air quality regulation and combating air pollution, based on findings that deficient compliance and enforcement measures remain a real challenge.-North-West UniversityMaster
Exploring cyber risk reporting in South African banks
Full text linkMaster of Commerce in Applied
Risk Management , North-West University, Vanderbijlpark CampusUsing a qualitative document analysis method, this research explored a unique area with actual risk work, in cyber risk reporting by South African banks listed on the JSE. The study used publicly available integrated reports, risk management reports, and corporate governance reports
(collectively referred to as governance reports) from the top five JSE-listed banks, to address the research question: How can South African banks and regulators enhance cyber risk reporting to better inform investors? As a new research area, this question appeals to stakeholders of the banks and investors. Firstly, to address the research question, a literature review was conducted, analysing peer-reviewed academic literature, South African regulations, and SEC cyber risk reporting guidelines and regulations. This review informed the development of a thematic codebook containing themes and subthemes for cyber risk reporting information, useful for investor decision-making. The literature review highlighted gaps in South Africa’s regulatory framework on cyber risk reporting. Secondly, the banks’ governance reports were evaluated against these themes and subthemes to assess whether the information provided is beneficial for investor decision-making. The findings indicated that, while banks report some relevant cyber risk information, there are gaps in the completeness and comprehensiveness. As such, the study recommends that South Africa’s regulators enhance regulatory requirements to mandate cyber risk incident reporting for investor decision-making and to provide more detailed guidance on information to be included in annual governance reports. It is also recommended that banks use these findings to evaluate and improve their reporting for greater transparency. Although this study has limitations, it offers valuable insights into the banking industry, regulators, and academics by providing guidance to the banks to improve their cyber risk reporting practices, suggesting improvements to the regulatory framework, and contributing to the body of knowledge on cyber risk reporting in a South African context.Master
Impact of batch normalization on convolutional network representations
Full text linkBatch normalization (BatchNorm) is a popular layer normalization technique used when training deep neural networks. It has been shown to enhance the training speed and accuracy of deep learning models. However, the mechanics by which BatchNorm achieves these benefits is an active area of research, and different perspectives have been proposed. In this paper, we investigate the effect of BatchNorm on the resulting hidden representations, that is, the vectors of activation valuesformed as samples are processed at each hidden layer. Specifically, we consider the sparsity of these representations, as well as their implicit clustering – the creation of groups of representations that are similar to some extent. We contrast image classification models trained with and without batch normalization and highlight consistent differences observed. These findings highlight that BatchNorm’s effect on representational sparsity is not a significant factor affecting generalization, while the representations of models trained with BatchNorm tend to show more advantageous clustering characteristics
Exploring the role of financial capital in SMMEs in Gauteng
Full text linkMaster of Business Administration, North-West University-- Vanderbijlpark CampusSmall, Micro, and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) play a critical role in economic growth and development, yet many struggle to access the financial capital needed for survival and expansion. This study explored the role of financial capital in SMMEs in Gauteng, focusing on the challenges and opportunities related to accessing financial support. Using a qualitative approach within an interpretivist paradigm, semi-structured interviews were conducted with four purposively selected SMME owners from the manufacturing, construction, human resource recruitment, and financial services sectors. Data was analysed thematically using ATLAS.ti to uncover key insights.The findings reveal that complex statutory requirements, lack of collateral, and risk-averse financial institutions hinder access to financial capital. Compliance with tax regulations, accurate financial record-keeping, and maintaining creditworthiness emerged as vital strategies for overcoming these barriers. Additionally, participants demonstrated resourcefulness by leveraging alternative financing options such as personal credit and supplier financing. Limited access to financial resources was found to significantly impact SMME survival, operations, and growth. The study concluded by recommending management practices and policy interventions aimed at enhancing access to financial capital. These findings highlight the potential of improved financial support to unlock growth opportunities for SMMEs and contribute to their long-term growth. This research provides actionable insights for policymakers, financial institutions, and SMME stakeholders, emphasising the importance of targeted support to empower this vital sector
Die rol van hoop as teologiese konsep binne hedendaagse pastorale sorg
Full text linkPhilosophiae Doctor in Teologie met pastorale studies, Noordwes-Universiteit-- Potchefstroom CampusThis study focuses on the role of hope within contemporary pastoral care, emphasizing its significance as a theological concept. Modern pastoral practice operates within a holistic and systemic framework, adopting an interdisciplinary and team-based approach to human and spiritual health. The research explores how hope can serve as a pastoral tool, guiding and motivating current pastoral care practices. It brings a theological perspective on hope, rooted in eschatology, into dialogue with cognitive renewal and transformation. The study involves a theologically interdisciplinary approach, engaging with Systematic Theology, particularly Eschatology, and Practical Theology. The central thesis is that the theological concept of hope can inform and strengthen the foundations of contemporary pastoral care, especially in relation to renewal and salvation. It investigates the extent to which hope can motivate the renewal of cognitive thinking,
as encouraged in Romans 12:2, leading to personal transformation. The study posits that hope is a critical element in pastoral care, providing the theological foundation for cognitive and spiritual transformation, and enabling individuals to engage with life’s challenges through a renewed, faith-based perspective
Leveraging risk work to improve risk-based decision-making in a Namibian electricity utility
Full text linkMaster of Commerce in Applied
Risk Management, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark CampusThis study aimed to explore how risk work could be improved to enhance the inclusion of risk in decision-making in a Namibian electricity utility. The study followed a survey-based, mixed methods study design that combined elements of both quantitative and qualitative research. Data was collected from a total of 53 participants – 26 managers and 27 non-managers – with a survey response rate of 20%. The study found that both groups identified risk leadership as the risk area that needed the most attention to improve the inclusion of risk in the decision making of the organisation. Managers were keen to change the risk communication and risk management framework, while non-managers mainly wanted to change risk accountability and risk understanding. In their qualitative, explanatory responses, decision-makers identified challenges to incorporating risk in decision-making, including not being held accountable for not including risk in decisions, blurred risk accountability lines, a lack of risk understanding, inadequate buy-in and commitment from the top leadership of the organisation, inadequate risk management guidance, a silo approach to risk management, and risk-culture-related challenges. The board of directors, senior leadership, and risk management practitioners of
the Namibian electricity utility can benefit from the results of this study, as it highlighted the risk work areas that needed to be improved and the related challenges decision-makers faced to more effectively consider risk when making decisions. This will allow the organisation to enhance its risk-based decisions by designing specific actions to address the priority risk areas identified in this study. This study addressed the lack of literature on risk work in the Namibian context and the Namibian electricity sector, in particular. The study has, therefore, also contributed novel insights into the global body of risk management knowledge.Master
A history of socio-economic change in Sharpeville, South Africa, 1940-2020s
No full textDoctor of Philosophy in History, North-West University-- Vanderbijlpark CampusSharpeville is one of the oldest of six townships in the Vaal Triangle, located between Vanderbijlpark and Vereeniging in southern Gauteng, South Africa. The construction of houses in Sharpeville began in 1942, when people were relocated from the "Top Location" to an area further removed from the central business district of Vereeniging. Famous for the massacre of civilians by the apartheid government on 19 March 1960, the Sharpeville Massacre is commemorated, remembered, and celebrated as a pivotal event in South Africa’s political history. While Sharpeville has been contextualised in national and international politics and received substantial academic attention, there remains a notable gap in historical analysis regarding its role in the development of the region. This thesis addresses this gap by incorporating contemporary history, unpacking not only how residents practised agency in making homes under the constraints of apartheid social engineering mechanisms but also how they reshaped their homes after 1994. This thesis uses oral history methods to enunciate the histories often neglected by academics who are traditionally fixated on the massacre. Guided by a history from the below approach, the thesis traces people’s social and economic experiences in Top Location and how the lengthy process of forced removals disrupted and changed resident’s lives. The forced removal from the Top Location and the lengthy process of displacement disrupted and changed residents' lives. The thesis highlights how residents circumvented or mitigated the impact of apartheid in their homes and communities. Fundamentally, it focuses on ways in which music, sport, recreational activities, religion, and ubuntu fostered a sense of homeliness and belonging. The ongoing development of the Vaal River City is seen as a 21st-century victory for humanity. It serves not only as a bridge construction and a post-apartheid housing scheme but also as a symbol of how Sharpeville residents, once confined to a Group Areas zone, are now able to access the former White suburbs and purchase property of their choice. Township tourism, which attracts visitors from Europe, America and Asia, is seen as a symbolic bridge or connection with Sharpeville's rich history, which encompasses tangible and intangible symbols, people, infrastructure, vibrance and culinary culture for the economic and social benefit of the residents The thesis contributes to the neglected historiography of Sharpeville by examining the area's post-1994 social history, which reflects continuities, discontinuities, parallels, and paradigm shifts. It further conceptualises processes embedded in Sharpeville’s evolution, the reconstruction of past and present lifeways, and particularly the merging and uniting of Black and White communities and spaces following the 1994 democratic elections
God's transformational engagement with His chosen people for the sake of His global Mission
Full text linkDoctor of Philosophy in Theology with Missiology, North-West University-- Potchefstroom CampusA significant crisis has emerged in the current discourse on challenges facing Western culture. This crisis, often referred to as 'the mother of all crises' and Western culture's 'civilisational moment,' is also characterised by a shift from Western Christendom to Global Christianity. This marks the ‘dechristianisation of the West and the Christianization of the non-Western world’. This study addresses the incomplete understanding within Western theological circles regarding this historical transformation. Christianity has profoundly influenced Western culture by providing a moral framework and shaping education. However, through secularisation and the Enlightenment, Christianity became
compromised as it adapted to cultural influences. This led to a gradual decline into what is now referred to as Christendom. The rejection of faith by intellectual elites further contributed to this crisis. The culmination of this growing confusion was evident after the World Wars, which eroded the Christian identity of Western civilisation. Missiological research during this period exposed inadequacies within Western theology that contributed to the current crisis in Western culture. This study argues that the crisis is not only due to external circumstances but also represents a providential work of God rescuing Christianity from its compromised state. A biblical perspective on religious delusion throughout history may reveal the valid reason for Christendom's dissolution. Western Christians must awaken from their complacency and engage with the evolving global Christian landscape. Only then can they actively contribute to furthering God's mission. In conclusion, this study seeks to illuminate the crisis in Western Christianity and urges theological scholars to reassess their perspectives. It emphasises understanding historical context and divine providence and encourages active participation in God's mission for a fresh beginning aligned with the foundation of the Church
Enhancing sustainable development in South Africa through the efficient utilisation of SPS measures
Full text linkMaster of Law in International Trade Law, North-West University-- Potchefstroom CampusSustainable development is increasingly vital in international trade, highlighting the need to align economic growth with environmental and sustainability goals. This study explores the role of Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures in fostering sustainable development within international trade, focusing on their application in Africa, particularly South Africa. Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures aim to balance the facilitation of global trade with the protection of human, animal, and plant health, supporting environmental sustainability and public well-being. International organisations and agreements, including the World Trade Organisation’s Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade are cited as frameworks that empower countries to implement scientifically sound health and safety standards. These measures help ensure that trade progresses without compromising environmental integrity or consumer safety. Furthermore, harmonising sanitary and phytosanitary measures may be crucial for improving trade efficiency, driving policy alignment across Africa. This alignment is underscored by the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement and the African Union’s Sanitary and Phytosanitary Policy Framework. These initiatives seek to enhance intra-African trade by reducing barriers, improving agricultural sustainability, and fostering regional economic growth. South Africa, one of Africa's leading trading nations, is committed to aligning national regulations with international standards while addressing local challenges, such as resource constraints and trade inefficiencies. By leveraging SPS measures effectively, South Africa and the broader African continent can boost sustainable agricultural practices, expand trade opportunities, and contribute to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The study concludes that well-implemented SPS measures are critical in promoting a sustainable trade environment, ensuring long-term economic and environmental benefits