Johannesburg Area Research Articles

Characterization of cyanide in a natural stream impacted by gold mining activities in the Witwatersrand Basin, South Africa

Water systems in the Witwatersrand Basin are heavily contaminated with pollutants from gold-mine tailing leachates and spillages. Cyanide speciation was studied in relation to the Natalspruit, a natural stream within a gold mining area of Johannesburg. The part of the studied stream was adjacent to an abandoned gold-mine tailings dump. The results of this study pointed to a variation in surface and groundwater chemistry. The groundwater had low pH and contained elevated concentrations of pollutants including secondary cyanide species, e.g. thiocyanate, cyanate, and ammonium. Metal-cyanide complexes that are weak-acid dissociable (CNWAD) and strong-acid dissociable (CNSAD) cyanides were found to dominate the speciation of cyanide, with iron cyanide complexes being most prevalent in groundwater. Decreases in the concentration of 63% for , 83% for , 69% for , and 47% for were observed from groundwater to surface water largely due to dilution and dissociation (in the case of the first two complexes). Speciation modeling was used to estimate the concentrations of CNWAD and CNSAD based on total cyanide (CNT), total metal, and total anion concentrations. Other cyanide complexes as well as dominant sulfate complexes were also predicted.

Environmental lead exposure and socio-behavioural adjustment in the early teens: The birth to twenty cohort

Lead exposure remains high in South Africa. Environmental lead exposure has been associated with behaviour problems in childhood and adolescence. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between blood lead levels and socio-behavioural problems among young adolescents in the Birth to Twenty cohort (Bt20).The uniquely South African Bt20 cohort started in 1989 and is a long-term prospective follow-up study of the health and well-being of children born in the Greater Johannesburg area. The total analytical sample size consisted of 1041 adolescents (487 males and 554 females). Blood lead levels were obtained from whole venous blood that was collected. Thirty two items representing Rule-breaking and Aggressive behavioural characteristics from the Youth Self Report (YSR) were assessed. Bivariate and multiple regression analyses were conducted to assess for associations between blood lead levels and socio-behavioural problems at 13years of age.The geometric mean blood lead level was significantly (P value<0.001) higher in boys (6.0μg/dl) compared to girls (4.5μg/dl). In the total analytical sample four behavioural items were significantly associated with the geometric mean blood lead levels. When stratifying the sample by sex, the bivariate analyses showed that boys' blood lead levels were significantly associated with four types of aggressive behaviour. There were no significant associations found in girls. The multivariate analysis was conducted in the boys sample and after adjusting for socio-economic factors “Attacking People” remained significantly associated with blood lead levels.High blood lead levels are associated with anti-social and destructive behaviour amongst boys in their early teens. However, the relationships are complex and confounded by other aspects of adversity.

An analysis of perceptions and awareness of risk associated with energy pipelines in South Africa

Worldwide, there has been a rapid growth in the use of pipelines to transport energy products. Due to the strategic nature of energy products that are transported by pipelines, the importance of risk awareness, assessment and management cannot be over-emphasised. With the risk of pipeline disruptions increasing globally, energy pipeline organisations are compelled to incorporate measures that should help to identify and address areas that can lead to energy pipeline disruptions. The incorporation of such measures for any organisation is premised on an understanding and appreciation of the risks involved. Given the strategic importance of energy pipelines, the main purpose of this paper is to establish whether the South African energy pipeline sector and the public at large appreciate the risks associated with energy pipelines. Thus, the paper seeks to ascertain awareness of the risks associated with the energy pipeline's physical environment, not only from the energy pipeline operators, but also from communities who are exposed to such risks. Data for the study was collected from energy pipeline operators and from a selected residential area in Johannesburg using both structured and unstructured questionnaires. The findings show that the corporate energy sector in South Africa is aware of risks associated with energy pipeline supply chains while the general public's awareness is very low.

Adoption of automatic identification systems by grocery retailersin the Johannesburg area

Retailers not only need the right data capture technology to meet the requirements of their applications, they must also decide on what the optimum technology is from the different symbologies that have been developed over the years. Automatic identification systems (AIS) are a priority to decision makers as they attempt to obtain the best blend of equipment to ensure greater loss prevention and higher reliability in data capture. However there is a risk of having too simplistic a view of adopting AIS, since no one solution is applicable across an industry or business model. This problem is addressed through an exploratory, descriptive study, where the nature and value of AIS adoption by grocery retailers in the Johannesburg area is interrogated. Mixed empirical results indicate that, as retailers adopt AIS in order to improve their supply chain management systems, different types of applications are associated with various constraints and opportunities. Overall this study is in line with previous research that supports the notion that supply chain decisions are of a strategic nature even though efficient management of information is a day-to-day business operational decision.

Passenger choice decisions at a regional airport in South Africa

The choices made by departing air transportation passengers from multiple airport regions impact on the strategies of competing airlines, airport operators and planners and local authorities. For these stakeholders it is important to understand which determinants influence passenger decision-making. The purpose of this article is to determine the main factors which influence airport choice decisions at a regional airport in the Greater Johannesburg area in South Africa.

Revisiting the 'Leapfrog' debate in light of current trends of mobile phone Internet usage in the Greater Johannesburg area, South Africa

At first glance, mobile technology appears to have the potential to allow countries in Africa to technologically 'leapfrog' across the digital divide and provide much needed Internet access to a wide range of people currently unable to participate in the Information Society. This study investigates whether this potential is being actualized through the survey of a non-purposive sample population living in Johannesburg, South Africa. Studies have shown that aside from being able to engage with the new technology, people must also perceive it as reliable and user friendly. As such, this article examines user's attitudes and current behaviour with regards to this apparently highly accessible and relatively affordable medium. It also seeks to determine whether people believe that mobile technology could eclipse (or leapfrog) the use of computer technology for online activities – and if they believe that to be true, how have their usage patterns shifted, if at all?

The perceptions and occurrence of sexual harassment among male student athletes with male coaches

This article explores the perceptions and the occurrence of sexual harassment among male student athletes with male coaches. Most research in this field of study has been conducted from a male perpetrator-female victim paradigm and has thus been biased towards the study of female student athletes with male coaches. A sample of 98 male student athletes from an inner city university in the Johannesburg area participated in the study. They were asked to indicate their perception of the seriousness and acceptability of specific coach behaviour and how often such behaviour occurred. Through factor analysis four categories of coach behaviour were identified, namely Unwanted sexual behaviour, Physical and verbal behaviour with a sexual undertone, Sexist and discriminatory behaviour, and Acceptable behaviour. The results from the factor analysis indicated that the male student athletes clearly differentiate between coach behaviour that is very serious and unacceptable, or not. One in five of the participants reported that they experienced unwanted sexual behaviour, while two out of five reported the occurrence of unacceptable physical and verbal behaviour with a sexual undertone. The results suggested that the gender bias in sexual abuse research might not be justified anymore.

Provenance of groundwater in the crystalline aquifer of Johannesburg area, South Africa

Recharge dynamics, possible flow path and human impact within the crystalline aquifer of the Johannesburg area have been described based on the hydrogeochemical characteristics and environmental isotopes. The dominant circulation zone has also been identified in the study. Understanding of the groundwater dynamics is very important for strategic management of the resource as the country is dependent on groundwater for its different activities. It has also been observed that mixing of fresh and polluted groundwater takes place at shallow zones within the weathered crystalline rocks and dissolution cavities in dolomites where the rocks are characterized by the lithological and structural complexities. From the compositional features of the groundwater in the Johannesburg area, it follows that the solute composition of the water basically results from two basic contributions: The reaction of meteoric water with weathered zone in the near surface area and direct infiltration through dolomite dissolution cavities. The results further indicate that the main constituent movement mechanism within the crystalline aquifer is through a diffusive process, which could be due to few fractures with depth and possible sealing by calcite precipitation. Therefore, the provenance of groundwater circulation is limited to the depth of 40 m. The natural water quality is found to be highly impacted by acid mine drainage that is derived from gold mining centers distributed in the upper Witwatersrand basin. Key words: Crystalline aquifer, diffusive circulation, dissolution cavities, Johannesburg, water supply.

Groundwater Resource in the Crystalline Rocks of the Johannesburg Area, South Africa

Understanding the groundwater dynamics is very important for strategic management of the water resource as urbanization and population growth put South Africa’s current water supply under tremendous stress. The groundwater resources potential and quality characteristics of the greater Johannesburg area, was thoroughly assessed using hydrogeochemical and environmental isotope techniques. The results of the geochemical and stable isotope investigations help understand the groundwater setting. Mixing process of fresh and polluted water is taking place at shallow zones within the weathered crystalline rocks and dissolution cavities in dolomites, where the rocks are characterized by the lithological and structural complexities. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the solute composition of the water results from two basic contributions: the reaction of meteoric water with weathered zones in the near surface area and direct infiltration through dolomite dissolution cavities. The results further indicate that the dominant movement mechanism of ions is through a diffusive process, which could be due to the limited availability of fractures with depth and its possible sealing by calcite precipitation. Consequently, the provenance of groundwater circulation is limited to shallow depths, however, dissolution cavities, fractured and sheared zones allow deeper circulation of groundwater. Moreover, the natural water quality is found to be highly impacted by acid mine drainage which is derived from the gold mines in the Witwatersrand basin as it has been observed in previous studies.

Factors influencing the vitamin D status of 10-year-old urban South African children

Assessment of vitamin D status in a cohort of healthy 10-year-old urban children and the factors that influence vitamin D status in these children. A cross-sectional study. Blood samples were collected across four seasons of the year for the biochemical determination of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. Anthropometric measurements (height and weight), BMI and total fat and lean mass (determined by the dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) were measured. 25(OH)D concentrations were assessed by chemiluminescent assay. Study of children in the Greater Johannesburg area of South Africa who form the Bone Health sub-cohort of the longitudinal Birth to Twenty cohort. Three hundred and eighty-five children who form the Bone Health sub-cohort of the longitudinal Birth to Twenty cohort. White children had significantly higher 25(OH)D than their black peers (120·0 (sd 36·6) nmol/l v. 93·3 (sd 34·0) nmol/l, respectively). Seasonal variations in 25(OH)D levels were found only in white children, with 25(OH)D levels being significantly higher in white than in black children during the autumn and summer months. In multiple regression analysis, season, ethnicity, sex and total fat mass were the factors found to have an influence on 25(OH)D. Vitamin D deficiency (7 %) and insufficiency (19 %) were uncommon among the 10-year-old children. Vitamin D supplementation or fortification is not warranted in healthy children living in Johannesburg. However, further studies need to confirm this in other regions of the country, especially in those living further south and with less sunshine during the winter months.

Evaluating threats to an endangered species by proxy: air pollution as threat to the blue swallow (Hirundo atrocaerulea) in South Africa

The blue swallow (Hirundo atrocaerulea) is one of the most threatened bird species in southern Africa. Among terrestrial birds, its plumage is known to be the most water repellent, an adaptation to foraging on the wing in dense fog. Despite this unique adaptation, the nesting success of the blue swallow at the Blue Swallow Natural Heritage Site (BSNHS) is lower during years with high incidence of fog. As the phenomenon is not observed at other nesting sites, we hypothesized that this is due to changes in the air chemistry at the BSNHS. In the immediate proximity of the BSNHS, plantations of exotic trees (e.g., pines and eucalypts), rich in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are dominant features. In addition, air pollution from the Johannesburg area is transported with the surface winds and mix with VOCs released from exotic trees. Together with the high humidity and high elevation, these conditions may result in the formation of sulphonates. Sulphonates are strong detergents, and the presence of these in the fog could lead to decreased water repellence of the plumage. This study was performed in order to determine the occurrence and distribution of sulphonates in the BSNHS and to compare these with sulphonates formed in other locations in South Africa. Because the blue swallow is endangered, pine needles were used as proxy to detect formation of sulphonates. We sampled pine needles with different exposure to air pollutants, in climates with different humidity, and at different elevation and analyzed these for sulphonates using mass spectrometry. Pine needles from high elevations and the BSNHS, with high humidity, and exposure to air pollution contained significantly higher concentrations of sulphonates than pine needles from low elevations or from high elevations with a dryer climate or a different combination of air pollutants. These findings lead to two conclusions. First, the occurrence and distribution of sulphonates may be explained by chemical reactions between sulphur dioxide and organic compounds in the humid air induced by ultraviolet radiation. Second, elevated concentrations of sulphonates in the fog could affect the water repellence of the blue swallow plumage, possibly decreasing their capacity to forage in the fog. We cannot prove conclusively that this is the reason why the number of blue swallows at the BSNHS has decreased dramatically, but for endangered species, we may have to rely on proxies to draw conclusions about outside threats. All such information should be valuable in devising protection plans for species under threat. The use of proxies to elucidate threats to endangered species should be evaluated in a broad scale. The mist-belt habitat in general is threatened by many human activities. These findings indicate that air pollution and the proximity of volatile organic compound (VOC) sources close to mist-belt habitat refuges may be an unrecognised conservation threat to the animals inhabiting them.

Technology and entrepreneurial orientation at the organisational level in the Johannesburg area

Orientation: The 21st century is tilting towards an economy that is primarily driven by technology and knowledge, where entrepreneurs have to recognise and anticipate high-technology opportunities so as to join the ranks of future entrepreneurial leaders.Research purpose: This study examines entrepreneurship and its relation with technology, which is often conceptualised as entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and technology orientation (TO). The study is further contextualised by measuring environmental dynamism and hostility.Motivation for the study: Despite the weight of positive empirical findings and observations that EO and TO are strategic imperatives, there is a danger that firms in Africa are lagging behind and subsequently a study of this nature aids in understanding these imperatives.Research design, approach and method: A survey is used to collect data from a population of diverse businesses in the Johannesburg area (n = 1600), yielding a sample of 236 firms. Instruments were subjected to principal component factor analysis and descriptive statistics were calculated. The hypotheses were tested using correlational analysis, with their significance reported in terms of Pearson correlation coefficients.Main finding: Findings reveal significant correlations between EO and environment hostility and dynamism, but not between EO and TO.Practical and managerial implications: The study offers some solutions towards understanding how TO and EO may promote firm innovation, which encourages the diffusion, adoption and application of the very latest technologies. This is particularly relevant in cases where a lot of potential exists in developing countries to ‘import and adapt’ technologies developed in industrialised countries.Contribution of study: Research on firm innovation in the African context may be considered valuable, as very few empirical studies that have been conducted previously focus on innovation and technology in the context of an emerging country.

A techno-economic feasibility study on the use of distributed concentrating solar power generation in Johannesburg

The technical and financial feasibility of small-scale distributed Concentrating Solar Thermal Power (CSP) systems for urban areas in Johannesburg, South Africa, is investigated. The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), located in central Johannes-burg, is used as the basis of a case study for the im-plementation of these systems. A number of proven CSP technologies were identified and a technology screening was performed to identify suitable technologies for possible implementation, for a reference output of 120 kW(e). From these, a number of systems were chosen for more detailed evaluation and the hourly energy production of these systems was analysed, using local weather data. The Compound Linear Fresnel Reflector system (CLFR) proved to be most suitable because of the space and cost benefits it offers. Systems that integrate organic Rankine cycles (ORC) as well as thermal storage and hybridisation were also investigated. The levelised cost of electricity (LEC) was predicted to be between R4.31 and R3.18 per kWh. Currently these technologies cannot compete financially with the price of local, fossil produced electricity, but with the increase in electricity tariffs and demand for clean reliable power CSP technologies, may become competitive in distributed generation systems in urban areas.

Overcoming fieldwork challenges in urban health research in developing countries: a research note

With rapid growth in the global urban population over the next two decades, health will increasingly have an urban bias. The picture of public health is particularly complex in African cities, where rates of urbanisation, poverty and inequity are high. This paper identifies the main data collection problems encountered within a panel study in low‐income areas of Johannesburg, with special emphasis on sampling, access and partnerships. The paper will be of relevance to anyone considering research in the cities of developing countries, especially in Africa.

Civil society responses to homelessness

This article explores how faith-based organisations in South Africa respond to homelessness, using research performed in 2005 with 12 religious organisations that provide services to homeless people in Johannesburg and Pretoria. It describes the organisations' histories, funding schemes and relationships with other organisations, and considers the complexities of defining homelessness. The background to the study was broader and more in-depth work by other researchers in the Johannesburg area. The study provided some insights into civil society responses to homelessness, and revealed that the kind of services the Christian-based organisations provide depends on how they understand homelessness. The article concludes that their services are important because of their broad scope, their capacity to respond to specific local needs, and their role in channelling individuals' interest in social issues.

Characteristics and factors influencing fast food intake of young adult consumers in Johannesburg, South Africa

Objectives: To determine fast food consumption patterns, socio-economic characteristics and other factors that influence the fast food intake of young adults from different socio-economic areas in Johannesburg, South Africa.Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was undertaken, using an interviewer-administered, validated questionnaire to elicit the characteristics of the study population (adults aged from 19 to 30 years), their reasons for and frequency of fast food consumption, their specific fast food choices, and their attitudes towards health.Results: The study population (n=341) consisted primarily of young working adults (n=242) with at least a secondary education. Almost half (42%, n=102) of the employed participants earned less than R5 000 per month, but spent more than R200 on fast food per month. Twenty-one per cent of all participants had fast food at least once a week, while 27.6% had it two to three times a week. Socio-economic group (SEG) and gender were significantly related to fast food intake (p < 0.01), with a larger proportion of participants (65%, n=76) in the lower socio-economic group (LSEG) showing more frequent use. Males consumed fast food more frequently than females. The most popular fast foods consumed were burgers (69.5%), pizza (56.6%) and fried chicken (38.4%). Soft drinks were the most popular beverage consumed (56%). The main reasons for choosing fast food were time limitations (58.9%), convenience (58.2%) and taste (52.5%). The majority of the participants were concerned about their health (93.3%) and indicated a fear of becoming overweight (44.3%). Seventy-eight per cent of all the participants would have chosen a healthier option if it had been available on the menu. Television was reported to be the most effective medium influencing their food choices.Conclusion: Fast food intake appears to be very common in this group of young South African adults. Various factors that influence fast food intake were identified that provide health educators and policy makers with useful information for health promotion.

Gender repetition: school access, transitions and equity in the ‘Birth‐to‐Twenty’ cohort panel study in urban South Africa

Using data collected by the Birth‐to‐Twenty child cohort study in urban South Africa, this paper describes the patterns of schooling of a population of children born in the Greater Johannesburg area in April to June 1990. This paper examines the patterns of initial enrolment in Grade 1, transitions through grades, and trends in primary school completion. The vast majority of children in the Birth‐to‐Twenty cohort entered school in the year they turned 6 or 7, and almost all were still enrolled at the age of 15, the end of compulsory schooling in South Africa. While only a very small number of children in the study are excluded from formal schooling, the study reveals relatively high rates of repetition, specifically for boys living in working‐class and poor neighbourhoods.

The Justiciability of Water Rights: Mazibuko v. City of Johannesburg

This paper uses the case of Mazibuko v. City of Johannesburg, now set down on appeal in the Constitutional Court of South Africa, as the basis of a discussion of judicial enforcement of social and economic rights, with special emphasis on the right of access to sufficient water. The paper compares the conditions of the black township residents who brought the lawsuit and residents of wealthier, white areas of Johannesburg and calls attention to trends in water policy in South Africa running counter to egalitarian goals of the Constitution. The paper argues that judicial enforcement of social and economic rights can (although it does not necessarily) advance democracy by affording every person the minimum conditions necessary for meaningful political participation and enjoyment of his or her political, social, and economic rights. The paper proposes a new legal approach for analyzing access-to-water and other socioeconomic rights issues—the ‘developmental-reasonableness’ test which incorporates equality principles—as better suited than existing approaches to the transformative aspirations of the South African Constitution. The proposal urges that socio-economic rights jurisprudence emphasise redistributive measures.

Sex work, reform initiatives and HIV/AIDS in inner-city Johannesburg

The on-going criminalisation of sex work in South Africa, concurrent sexual partnerships, socio-economic vulnerability, migrant status and gender-based violence intensify sex workers' risk of contracting HIV. These factors combine to restrict the skills, ability and resources of sex workers to negotiate safer sex and to access HIV prevention, treatment and healthcare services. The paper situates the living and working conditions of sex workers in Hillbrow, an inner-city area of Johannesburg, within the South African legal context, especially in regard to current law reform initiatives regarding sex work, as well as the increasing anxiety about the influx of (sex) tourists during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. In addition, the paper describes an intervention by the Reproductive Health & HIV Research Unit at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, an innovator in providing mobile healthcare services and education to hotel-based sex workers in Hillbrow. The paper contends that a legal-rights-approach to HIV risk and vulnerability, together with powerful public health considerations, render decriminalisation an imperative response to sex workers' material conditions.

Affordable and middle-class housing on Johannesburg's mining sites: a cost–benefit analysis

This paper examines the redevelopment of former gold mining land close to the downtown area of Johannesburg for affordable and middle-income housing. This could provide savings for out-of-pocket costs, time saving for commuting costs and better property appreciation. However, the properties may be costly to remediate and may still pose some health risks from exposure to radon. A cost–benefit analysis examined these issues from the perspective of the home occupant. The present value of the net benefits over a 20-year study period indicated very positive cost–benefit ratios, in excess of five units of benefit for each unit of cost, suggesting that the affordable and middle-income housing markets would see the area as desirable, could price the additional risk and would accept housing modified to reduce the potential health risks. The policy implications supported the release of former mining land for housing on a careful case-by-case basis.