39624 research outputs found
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Emotional and cognitive influences on alcohol consumption in middle aged and elderly Tanzanians a populationbased study
No full textThe MeerKAT Massive Distant Clusters Survey detection of diffuse radio emission in galaxy clusters at z 1
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Evaluating Air Pollution in South African Priority Areas A Qualitative Comparison of Satellite and InSitu Data
No full textOperationalising the RDM Framework to enhance the Wits Doctoral Academy Project: A Case Study at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
No full textThis presentation presented at the International Data Week, 13-16, October 2025, Brisbane Australia, 2025Introduction: The Research Data Management (RDM) Framework for postgraduate studies, explored as a case study, would be implemented at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University), South Africa. The RDM framework is intended to facilitate and promote Open data practices, guided by the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles, to maximize data curation, reuse, and collaboration, while the CARE principles (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, and Ethics) will focus on ensuring Indigenous data is protected and ethical considerations among postgraduate students are focused on. The study was carried out by librarians to facilitate, intervene, and influence the development, leading to the adoption, and use of the RDM Framework to strengthen Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) produced through the postgraduate research cycle. Methodology: The researchers used the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model as a study lens and a questionnaire as the data collection tool, to collect data from 100 masters and doctoral students, drawn from five faculties of the university, namely the Health Science, Education, Science, Commerce, Law, and Commerce, Engineering and Built Environment. Data was collected using a mixed approach. Findings: The findings of the study were used to detect factors associated with facilitating conditions (FC), performance expectancy (PE), Internet skills (digital skills), and social influence (SI) of their understanding of the fundamentals of research data management principles and significance. Consequently, the study was also used to address the relevance of RDM principles to enhance the WDA project. The study also sought to establish role-players and key stakeholders in the postgraduate studies RDM research cycle. The researchers also wanted to identify relevant skills and tools required to ensure the university’s RDM framework succeeded. The primary data was gathered online, using a questionnaire, and interviews administered by faculty librarians. The findings of the study revealed that the University of Witwatersrand needs to review its RDM policy and provide a robust roadmap for RDM activities in the faculties and among students. It was established that Wits University would need to invest in RDM-focused digital tools and platforms and enlarge the Research Commons Hub at Wits Libraries. Conclusion: This study on the RDM framework for postgraduate studies concludes that they need to be well-equipped with RDM skills, and open data-sharing principles and that teaching RDM should be a continuous programme for the benefit of students, and their supervisors, and the research community. To develop and implement a robust RDM Framework for postgraduate students, at a research-intensive African university such as the University of the Witwatersrand, the library’s Scholarly Communication should play a role in formulating the RDM framework intended to advance the postgraduate research cycle. The alignment of RDM principles and data associated with the submission of theses and dissertations, and research papers associated with ETDs curated in the institutional open repositories should be mandated by policy. This approach will ensure the reliability and validity of datasets, ETDs, and other publications produced through the postgraduate research cycle at Wits University.MMM202
Developing solar vacuum cylindrical cavity receiver for reducing CO2 Pollutant A new approach to energy governance
No full textRISK ASSESSMENT OF SELECTED ENDOCRINE DISRUPTING COMPOUNDS IN SELECTED RAW FOODSTUFFS SOLD ON OPEN MARKETS IN ZAMBIA
No full textThe effect of Tourism competitiveness and destination choices: the case of Durban
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Business Administration, in the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025Durban’s competitiveness as a premier tourist destination is central to South Africa’s broader tourism growth. Durban’s value-for-money offerings, rich cultural heritage and diversity, strategic coastal location, warm weather, distinctive landmarks and iconic attractions position it as a gateway for South Africa’s tourism. However, challenges such as persistent concerns related to safety and security, aging infrastructure, insufficient stakeholder coordination, and inconsistent branding need urgent attention. This study seeks to assess Durban’s competitiveness as a tourist destination by examining tourist perceptions across key competitiveness indicators and identifying the primary constraints and enablers that influence its performance as a tourist destination. To address the research problem, a quantitative research methodology was adopted. A structured questionnaire was administered. The survey instrument measured perceptions on a range of destination competitiveness variables, including natural resources, safety and security, infrastructure, heritage and cultural assets. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted to interpret the data, supplemented by a literature review on tourism competitiveness frameworks, particularly those developed by Ritchie and Crouch (2003) and Dwyer and Kim (2003). Findings from the study reveal both strengths and critical weaknesses in Durban’s tourism offering. While respondents rated the city’s variety of attractions positively, significant dissatisfaction was expressed in areas critical to destination competitiveness. For instance, 70.1% of respondents reported feeling unsafe during their visit, with some respondents indicating that they would not recommend Durban to others and were unlikely to revisit the city. These findings highlight the need for strategic managerial and policy interventions. There is a pressing requirement for the eThekwini Municipality to adopt an integrated and inclusive destination management approach, improve infrastructure delivery and support safety and cleanliness initiatives. On the managerial front, efforts should focus on repositioning Durban’s brand identity, refining its tourism value proposition, and leveraging digital platforms and data analytics to drive targeted marketing and tourist engagement. Strategic investments in infrastructure, technology, and cultural heritage promotion can position Durban as a leading tourist destination in South Africa’s tourism recovery. The study concludes that while Durban holds significant competitive potential, realising this requires a deliberate, coordinated, and innovation-driven approach that addresses the systemic issues undermining the city’s tourism appeal.MM202
A Just Energy Transition: Challenges and Benefits in the South African Coal Mining Industry
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Science, in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, School of Mining Engineering , University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025This research report investigates the transition to renewable energy (RE) in South Africa, focusing on the challenges, benefits and opportunities involved in shifting from a fossil fuel-dependent energy system to sustainable energy sources like solar and wind. The study explores how various stakeholders, including employees from Seriti Resources, Thungela Resources, Glencore, Eskom, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) and community members in coal-dependent regions, perceive the potential of renewable energy and the implications of such a transition on the country’s economy, energy security, social welfare, and environmental goals. The research employs a qualitative approach, gathering data through semi-structured interviews with community members (4) and industry experts (14), including engineers, environmental specialists, and managers working across the energy, mining, and regulatory sectors. Thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring themes from the interview data. Key themes identified included the national energy status, processes of RE transition, opportunities and challenges associated with the transition and its social impacts. Research findings reveal that, while renewable energy offers environmental sustainability and potential to reduce load shedding, several significant challenges need to be addressed. These include the high costs of renewable energy, potential job losses in coal-dependent regions, and the unreliability of solar and wind energy in providing a continuous power supply. Furthermore, participants highlighted the lack of political leadership and regulatory frameworks as major barriers to the successful implementation of renewable energy projects. The findings are based on the analysis of interview content, as highlighted by participants during the qualitative interviews. The report concludes that South Africa’s energy transition must be approached with careful planning, considering the socio-economic implications of moving away from fossil fuels. Recommendations include promoting an energy mix strategy, fostering government-led initiatives to build grid capacity for renewables, increasing public awareness of career opportunities in the renewable energy sector, and establishing policies that attract foreign and local investments. The report suggests that a gradual, well-executed transition, with clear strategies to mitigate job losses, ensuring energy security, and addressing social concerns, is essential for South Africa to achieve a just and sustainable energy futureMM202
