Eastern Cape Province Research Articles

Blackboard learning prior Covid 19 pandemic era

Eruption of the COVID 19 pandemic era in the preceding years has resulted at learning being infused with technology, hence the emergent of new terminologies or prefixes like ‘e’. For the purposes of this paper, eLearning has since been regarded as an essential aspect targeted towards effective schooling. Teaching-learning approaches had to be re-looked at as universities were held in predicaments to engage on online contact sessions through blackboard as a Learning Management System (LMS). This is a software application that necessitates diverse areas, but not limited to, administration, documentation, automation, delivery of educational courses and training programs. It is for this reason that this paper aims to examine whether Blackboard learning has any substantial influence in relation to learner academic attainment. Little is noted by literature on predicaments entangling rural schooling environments for implementation of eLearning. Examination was administered through a qualitative research approach, embedded in a case study design. Three purposefully nominated teachers from a university located in a rural Eastern Cape Province setting were interviewed as participants. It was divulged by the findings that (i) connectivity glitches, thus having an impact on (ii) contact session attendance, as well as (iii) limitation of eLearning related soft skills, were the major hiccups to this emergent learning platform. As authors we therefore conclude that both teachers and learners are held liable to fully acquaint themselves on eLearning, hence the digital world. This paper recommends for alterations and re-inventing of teaching-learning approaches, thereby curbing situations of rural-urban digital variations.

Multi-ethnicism in a Post-Pandemic Schooling Environment as a Recipient for Language Enhancement:Teacher Perceptions

This study probed the role of multi-ethnicity, a constituent of a multicultural nation, towards university learners’ language development post the COVID-19 pandemic era. Attitudes of learners from diverse backgrounds, hence disbanded social relations as a prerequisite of the current stringent regulations, were investigated to identify how such narcissisms impacted language enhancement. A sample of five English language teachers from a university located in a rural environment of the Eastern Cape Province was purposefully nominated. Semi-structured interviews were administered to obtain data for this qualitative case study. Findings of this inquiry discovered that there are indications of learner segregation where learners discriminate against others from diverse backgrounds. In the same vein, findings divulged distortion in group work where learners from the same linguistic constituency preferred to interact in isolation of learners instigating from a different citizenry. These learner attitudes were observed to undermine others’ cultural traits. Such findings were reported to impact negatively on learning languages as those identified to be having problems in pronunciation and reading abilities were prompted by others. Learners with reading and pronunciation problems fill intimidated, which is a serious concern as these aspects are fundamentals in language learning. The study recommends an emphasis on the infusion of the Bill of Rights in all subjects underpinning the curriculum for learners to observe and respect each other’s cultural diversities. Keywords: English language, Language enhancement, Multi-ethnic, Diversity, Teaching.

The impact of agricultural mechanization on smallholder agricultural productivity: Evidence from Mnquma Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province

Smallholder agriculture is one of the imperative segments in the South African economy and it remains a vital sector for livelihood generation. Despite its numerous benefits and efforts, smallholder productivity has not improved as expected due to many underlying factors. This paper investigates factors influencing and the impact of agricultural mechanisation on smallholder agricultural production in Mquma Local Municipality located in the Eastern Cape Province. The study applied a descriptive survey research design. A stratified sampling procedure was used to gather information from 120 smallholder farmers using a semi-structured survey. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, a Logistic Regression Model, and Propensity Score Matching. The results of the study reveal that about 90% of the smallholder farmers were using agricultural mechanisation for farming. The use of agricultural mechanisation has an impact on smallholder agricultural production. It ensured a proliferation in smallholder productivity, farm returns, and crop intensity. The study recommends that government and relevant stakeholders must develop effective agricultural access to credit by farmers as a strategy for increasing the adoption attitude to agricultural mechanization. The study suggests that reinforcement of the promotion of innovative technology adoption will have a crucial role in improving smallholder agriculture.

The Effect of Distillation Methods on the Chemical Composition of the Essential Oil from Pelargonium graveolens L' Heritier Cultivated in Selected Locations of Amathole District,Eastern Cape Province

Pelargonium graveolens Lʹ Heritier is cultivated in different parts of the world for its essential oil production. In South Africa, small-holder farmers in the Eastern Cape province are cultivating P. graveolens to sustain the high demand for essential oil in the perfumery, toiletries, cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries. The price of essential oil depends on the quality of the final product. Among other parameters, the ratio of major components (citronellol and geraniol) is used to determine the quality of the essential oil. The plant materials were collected and distilled (solvent free microwave distillation, hydro distillation and steam distillation) to obtain the essential oil. The essential oil was analyzed using a gas chromatography/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) configured to Wiley and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) electronic library search for easy identification of the components. Regardless of the location, on average the essential oil yield in solvent free microwave distillation was higher (0.29%) compared to hydro distillation (0.10%) and steam distillation methods (0.09%). The results of the study showed variation in the ratio of citronellol to geraniol in essential oil obtained using different distillation methods. Nonetheless, the essential oils obtained at all cultivation sites were of higher quality, with citronellol to geraniol ratio of less than 3. This demonstrates that farmers in the Eastern Cape produce very good quality essential oil and may, thus, negotiate for better selling prices in the market.

Profitability of cabbage production by smallholder farmers in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Cabbage is one of the most cultivated vegetable crops that are used as a staple crop because of its affordability and nutritional value. Improving profit efficiency in vegetable farming is important for both economic, livelihood, and to certain extent - food security. The crop plays a significant role in reducing the poverty levels of the previously disadvantaged in different parts of South Africa. We argue that cabbage is mostly grown by smallholder farmers whose technical efficiency is not well known. It is for this reason that we take measures towards developing empirical evidence on technical efficiency to enhance its production and advancement. The study estimated technical efficiency and factors of technical inefficiency among smallholder irrigation producers of cabbage. A total of 150 growers were selected from a list of vegetable farmers from Eastern Cape Municipalities using a multi-stage sampling. A stochastic production frontier model was employed while correcting for heteroscedasticity in stochastic and inefficiency error terms. Gross margin was used to determine the profitability of smallholder cabbage farming. The study findings revealed that farming is practiced by the elderly who mainly had primary education. There were increasing returns from cabbage farming and farmer average technical efficiency of about 78%. This implies 21.16% inefficiency level, indicating that there are reserves available to raise revenues through refining practical and allocative competencies of farmers. Farm size (Area), seed and capital were production-increasing variables while fertilizer and labour used were reducing farm returns of cabbage production. Sources of farmer technical inefficiency were age, farm experience, years spent in school, access to extension services, household size and transportation to markets. The provision of formal skills development training and resources for farmers could improve the technical and managerial capacities of farmers.

Health and Safety practices relative to nanomaterial usage in the South African construction industry

Nanotechnology is a recent development within construction, however, exposure to nanomaterials entails exposure to emerging hazards and risk, which is exacerbated by the limited knowledge pertaining thereto. A quantitative survey was conducted among medium to large sized general contractors, and architects in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. The salient findings include: architects and contractors specify and use nanomaterials during the construction process; architects follow ‘designing for safety’ practice to a limited extent; contractors conduct the necessary training, inform their employees of the potential hazards related to the use of nanomaterials, implement safe application techniques when working with nanomaterials, issue employees with the necessary PPE to carry out the work safely, and generally do not analyse the characteristics of materials to a major extent, but do analyse material safety data sheets (MSDSs). Conclusions include: there is a low level of awareness and knowledge with respect to nanomaterials; the responding architects are barely committed to construction H&S; responding contractors are committed to H&S, and there is a need for research to determine the healthiest and safest methods of using nanomaterials. It is recommended that designers and contractors should enhance their awareness of and knowledge pertaining to nanomaterials, including the hazards and risks.

The use of prefabrication in building

Prefabricated construction in the construction industry is a growing technology implemented globally. However, some countries do not implement this new technology. This study sought to identify the barriers hindering the adoption of prefabricated construction in the South African construction industry. The research focused on South Africa, specifically East London in Eastern Cape Province. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews of six prefabrication building firms. The data collected was then analysed and coded using thematic content analysis. The study’s findings indicate the barriers to the acceptance of prefabricated construction as aesthetic appeal, product stigmas and beliefs, financial commitment, product flexibility, public and construction industry knowledge, and effect on construction industry professionals. Thus the lack of understanding of the prefabricated construction method is the primary barrier to adopting this construction method in South Africa. All these factors underpin the lack of prefabricated construction and building methods in the South African construction industry, especially in East London. The study suggests that with the barriers against adopting prefabricated construction, further investigation is recommended to mitigate these barriers.

The characteristics and costs of severe theophylline toxicity in a tertiary critical care unit in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

Severe theophylline toxicityrequiring haemodialysisaccounts for approximately one-third of drug toxicity cases admittedto theLivingstone Tertiary Hospital (LTH) intensive care unit (ICU) in Gqeberha, South Africa, imposing a significant resource burden. To investigate the characteristics and burden of severe theophylline toxicity in an Eastern Cape Province tertiaryhospital adult ICU. A retrospective review of all severe theophylline toxicity admissions to the ICU from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2018 was conducted. Demographic and clinical data were captured and analysed. The National Department of Health 2019 fees schedule was used to calculate costs based on duration of ICU stay and number of haemodialysis sessions received. Of the 57 patients included in the study, 84% were cases of deliberate self-harm. The majority were aged <40 years (77%) and female (79%). The mean (standard deviation (SD)) initial serum theophylline level was 612 (269) µmol/L. Complications included convulsions (n=12; 21%), arrhythmias (n=9; 16%), need for mechanical ventilation (n=7; 12%) and death (n=4; 7%). The main risk factors for these complications were age ≥30 years, an inappropriately normal or elevated initial serum potassium level, an elevated serum creatinine kinase level and an elevated initial serum theophylline level. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis assessing the initial serum theophylline level as a discriminator for life-threatening complications produced an area under the curve of 0.71 for serum theophylline >400 µmol/L (sensitivity 88%, specificity 12%). All the 4 patients who died had an initial serum theophylline level >1 000 µmol/L. The mean (SD) cost per admission amounted to ZAR16 897 (10 718), with a mean of one 4-hour dialysis session per admission. Severe theophylline toxicity, usually in the context of deliberate self-harm, is a preventable yet life-threatening toxicity encountered at LTH. Demographic risk factors include young females from certain areas in and around Gqeberha. Risk factors for complications include olderage, paradoxically normal or elevatedserumpotassiumlevels, elevatedserumcreatinine kinaselevelsandan initial serum theophylline level >400 µmol/L.Patients with these clinical features should be closely monitored and treated timeously at an appropriate level of care.The need for ICU admission and dialysis, both limited resources, makes the treatment of severe theophylline toxicity costly. Further studies of the underlying psychosocial drivers, local prescribing practicesand preventive interventionsrelated to severe theophylline toxicityare required.

Diabetes in the public healthcare sector of four South African provinces: A comparative analysis.

The growing burden of diabetes has long been under the radar in developing countries such as South Africa (SA). In recent years, there has been an unprecedented and exponential increase in recorded and undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM) cases. Unreliable data collection, overburdened health systems and poor infrastructure have all proved to be barriers to achieving optimum disease management. The District Health Information System (DHIS) serves as the data collection tool for the SA public healthcare sector. It is used in all nine SA provinces to gather data without individual patient identifiers. To analyse and compare the DM data collected by the DHIS in the Western Cape (WC), Eastern Cape (EC), KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Gauteng provinces of SA. An audit of diabetes-related data from the DHIS for 2016 was conducted. The data were then analysed using Excel. Time-series and cross-sectional analyses were made possible using pivot tables. Graphics were designed using Thinkcell software. Of the four provinces surveyed, Gauteng recorded the highest incidence of DM, 67% higher than the reported global DM incidence estimate, while the WC had the lowest incidence. A similar pattern was also noted regarding the incidence of DM in people aged <18 years, with Gauteng having the highest and WC the lowest prevalence results. When comparing the number of DM-related consultations conducted in each province, the metropolitan districts were highlighted as hotspots of activity for DM care. This study found a moderate inversely proportional relationship between the incidence of DM in all provinces and education deprivation (p<0.05). Among the provinces that collected data on screening (excluding EC), KZN recorded the highest number of diabetic screenings. Metropolitan areas were highlighted as areas to be targeted, further reinforcing the current connection observed between urbanisation and DM in SA. The presence and recording of screening efforts is an excellent step in the right direction for the SA public healthcare sector and the DHIS. With improved interprovincial co-ordination regarding standardisation of the criteria and specifications of data collection fields, and enhanced training for data officers and primary collection agents, good quality and rich data is a very close possibility.

Passerina ternata (Thymelaeaceae): A new species from the Baviaanskloof, South Africa

• Passerina ternata Magee & D.I.W. Euston-Brown is formally described. • New species a resprouting shrub, with leaves distinctly ternate. • 21 species of Passerina now recognised. • Taxonomic key of Bredenkamp and Van Wyk (2003) revised. Passerina ternata Magee & D.I.W.Euston-Brown is described as a new species from the Baviaanskloof mountains, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The species is currently known from a single population within Kouga Sandstone Fynbos. It is a multi-stemmed resprouting shrub to 1.5 m, with linear leaves arranged in whorls of three, the leaves and bracts sticky, yellowish-green flowers with green anthers, and apically falcate bracts with the inner surface densely villous in the lower three-quarters and shortly setose in the upper quarter. Passerina falcifolia has similar apically falcate bracts but entirely villous on the inner surfaces . Passerina falcifolia differs further in that it is large shrub to 3 m, with lax, flaccid willowy lateral flowering branches, the opposite leaves are spreading and usually strongly falcate and the anthers are cream. The addition of Passerina ternata brings the number of species currently recognised within Passerina L. to 21 and the taxonomic key of Bredenkamp and Van Wyk (2003) is revised to accommodate the new species.

Difference in Contact: Early Music, Colonialism and the Archive

Towards the middle of 2021, the world felt like a shattered place. The fatigue of a little more than a year of social distancing was perhaps at its most acute and resuming a more immediate form of academic exchange seemed all but impossible. It was during this time that we were approached by this Journal’s then newly appointed reviews editor, Amanda Hsieh, to co-author a review article. It was an intriguing request for us both: review articles in the humanities are seldom co-authored and even more seldom by two authors with diverging backgrounds and research interests. George’s work focuses on medievalism and queer theory in contemporary opera, while William works on issues of modernism in post-apartheid South Africa. George is currently at the University of Oxford and William is at Rhodes University in the rural Eastern Cape province of South Africa. We had not written together before and neither of us had ever imagined working together. What were we to make of this request, which would require the reconciliation of so many differences, at a time when establishing the social closeness of thinking together seemed unfathomable?

An analysis of the cases of teenagers dying in taverns in South Africa: Some Biblical and African considerations

According to the Holy Scriptures, parents must care, teach, and guide their children to lead a Godly life. Comparably, the African traditional religion expects parents to do so too. On the morning of 26 June 2022, South Africa woke up to the harrowing news of the death of twenty-one young people in a tavern in East London, in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Later, the number of deaths rose to twenty-two. Young people, the youngest being thirteen years old, lost their lives on this fateful day. First, this research seeks to reflect on the lessons the country should learn from this unfortunate ordeal so that such incidents do not occur again. Secondly, this research draws wisdom from the Christian teachings on parenting and African indigenous knowledge system that has anchored African communities for millennia. The research seeks to draw lessons from the teaching of the Bible and African indigenous knowledge system, exploring a Setswana proverb, Ngwana sejo o a tlhakanelwa, meaning a child is a food around which we all gather, implying that a child's upbringing is a communal responsibility. This research also argues that the Enyobeni Tavern incident reflects that Black African families, communities, and the Church’s societal role have changed over the years and how these changes harm their social fabric. The research uses a literature review as a research method to formulate the data and conclusion of the study. The research concludes that, with the change in Black African family structure and communities, some biblical and African considerations drawn from the proverb Ngwana sejo o a tlhakanelwa are relevant to mitigate various social challenges Black African communities face in South Africa.

Monthly geographically weighted regression between climate and vegetation in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa: Clustering pattern shifts and biome-dependent accuracies

Remote sensing provides cost-effective and unbiased data and thus is ideal for assessing climate–vegetation relationships. Such relationships can be quantified using geographically weighted regression (GWR) approach to account for variations of the relationships across space. This approach was applied in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa that is rich in biodiversity hosting 10 of the country's 11 biomes. The study aimed to determine if the GWR accuracy for relating Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) with rainfall and Land Surface Temperature (LST) shows an optimal pattern with time and space. and to explore if the correlation of EVI with rainfall and LST varies with biome type. Monthly data covering February 2000 to December 2017 were used for the three variables. The coefficient of determination (R2) was greater than 0.5 for 75% of the locations, with month-to-month change of R2 exceeding 25% for many locations. Optimized Hot Spot Analysis returned well-defined broad clusters of high and low R2 values separated by clusters of randomly distributed R2 values. These clusters shifted with month, further stressing the benefit of modelling at the monthly scale. Assessment of R2 by biome showed the importance of biomes in characterizing GWR of climate and vegetation, with better correlations found in low biodiversity (Succulent Karoo and Nama-Karoo biomes) than in higher biodiversity (Forest and Indian Ocean Coastal Belt biomes) zones. Further, the estimation residuals of the Forest Biome varied significantly from 3 to 5 other biomes across the year indicating the complex interaction of this biome with rainfall and LST. The study encourages further research by using high temporal resolution data for detailed monitoring within the GWR framework.

Positioning Male Teachers In the Foundation Phase In South Africa: A Case of One Education District

Observation and literature confirmed that men are unduly scarce in the count of foundation phase teachers in South Africa and the few that are presented as foundation phase teachers are often criticized and ridiculed with the argument that foundation phase teaching is for women. Therefore, the study sought to understand gendered ideologies in order to address the issue of missing male teachers in the foundation phase, which is currently considered to be feminized. Using Sandra Bem’s Gender Schema Theory, the study explores the perceptions embedded within gender issues and how these influence the appointment of male teachers in the foundation phase in the Amathole Education District of the Eastern Cape Province. A qualitative approach was adopted, and a case study research design was employed where six participants (three males and three females) were purposely sampled and interviewed. Data were analyzed using content analyses where some themes emerged. The study revealed that most males are unwilling to work with younger kids, while the study also confirms their roles as very important in the development of younger kids. The study concludes that male teachers’ positive influence cannot be underestimated; hence the government should devise a way to motivate male teacher educators toward the world of work in the foundation phase.

Risk factors for poor mental health among adolescent mothers in South Africa

ABSTRACT In South Africa, high rates of adolescent pregnancy and HIV pose prominent public health challenges with potential implications for mental wellbeing. It is important to understand risk factors for mental health difficulties among adolescent mothers affected by HIV. This study aims to identify the prevalence of likely common mental disorder among adolescent mothers (both living with and not living with HIV) and explores hypothesised risk factors for likely common mental disorder. Cross-sectional data from adolescent mothers (10–19 years; n=1002) utilised within these analyses are drawn from a cohort of young mothers residing in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. All mothers completed a detailed questionnaire consisting of standardised measures of sociodemographic characteristics, mental health, and hypothesised risk factors. Logistic regression models were utilised to explore associations between hypothesised risk factors and likely common mental disorder. Risk factors were clustered within a hypothesised socioecological framework and entered into models using a stepwise sequential approach. Interaction effects with maternal HIV status were additionally explored. The prevalence of likely common mental disorder among adolescent mothers was 12.6%. Adolescent mothers living with HIV were more likely to report likely common mental disorder compared to adolescent mothers not living with HIV (16.2% vs 11.2%, X2=4.41, p=0.04). Factors associated with likely common mental disorder were any abuse exposure (OR=2.54 [95%CI:1.20–5.40], p=0.01), a lack of perceived social support (OR=4.09 [95%CI:2.48–6.74], p=<0.0001), and community violence exposure (OR=2.09 [95%CI:1.33–3.27], p=0.001). There was limited evidence of interaction effects between risk factors, and maternal HIV status. Violence exposure and a lack of perceived support are major risk factors for poor mental health among adolescent mothers in South Africa. Violence prevention interventions and social support may help to reduce risk. Identified risk factors spanning individual, interpersonal, and community levels have the potential to impact adolescent maternal mental health.

Projecting the energetic potential and economic viability of renewable power generation from municipal solid waste: Indication from South African Provinces

South Africa's energy strategy has an ambitious target of installing 17.8 GW of renewable energy by 2030. Waste-to-energy has started playing an important role in the recovery of renewable energy from municipal solid waste. The contribution of waste-to-energy techniques to meet this target is of utmost importance. As emerging techniques for renewable energy recovery, their viability for implementation requires technical and economic assessment. This paper, therefore, presents assessments on the energy recovery potential and economic viability of four waste-to-energy technologies for South African Provinces. Some of the main findings indicated that Gauteng Province generated 14.170–46.929 million tons of waste while Western Cape Province generated 5.760–15.555 million tons of waste within the stated timeframe. The power generation potential for Gauteng Province was 537.67 TWh and 230.90 TWh for Western Cape Province. Economically, anaerobic digestion was most feasible in all provinces as it returned the highest positive NPV ranging from $ 25.87 million in Eastern Cape Province to $ 3002.8 million in Gauteng Province while incineration was infeasible as it produced negative NPV in all provinces. The sensitivity analysis showed the sale of heat and electricity under special tariffs and lower discount rates returned positive NPV for all technologies. This research could be useful to potential investors and policymakers at the planning stage of waste-to-energy systems for South African Provinces.

Geochemistry of dolerite intrusions of the southeastern Main Karoo Basin, South Africa: Magma evolution, evidence for thermogenic gas sequestration, and potential implications for the early Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event

The igneous intrusions of the Karoo Large Igneous Province (LIP) provide critical information on the magma plumbing system, which served as source rock maturation agent for organic-rich sedimentary rocks of the Main Karoo Basin as well as pathway and barrier to subsurface fluid flow. Here, we present results from the research borehole KWV-01 drilled in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The intersected succession, spanning the Dwyka to the lower Beaufort Group, provides representative samples of the Karoo LIP magma plumbing system.Using whole-rock and Sr-Nd isotope analyses, our data suggest that primary melts were derived from a sub-lithospheric mantle source and acquired a subduction signature through interaction with a metasomatised lithospheric mantle. Three magma types identified within this study show a geochemical overlap with previously reported data from the Golden Valley Sill Complex, ca. 220 km to the NW of the analysed borehole. The results of MELTS and EC-RAFC modelling on the three magma types reveal that their compositional differences are related to variable degrees of fractional crystallisation and contamination by lower crustal rocks and/or the sedimentary host rocks of the Main Karoo Basin.Our results indicate that at least one of the sills acted as fractured reservoir, thereby providing evidence that igneous intrusions are important for CO2 sequestration. We quantified the implications of this process for the Karoo LIP-related Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event using the thermogenic gas budget produced by state-of-the-art computer simulations and tested various end-member scenarios for partial thermogenic gas sequestration. In agreement with recent studies, we show that all the flat parts of the Karoo sills acted as sequestration reservoirs. Our results have general implications for LIP volcanism in organic-rich basins, suggesting that a good first-order approximation of thermogenic gas emission is half the amount mobilised in the contact aureoles of LIP plumbing systems.

Performance management in South Africa’s municipalities: A case study of Buffalo City Metro

Background: The performance management system (PMS) allows employees and employers to clearly state the objectives and ways through which those objectives must be accomplished in an organisation. Against this background, this study investigated the challenges facing PMS at Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM).Aim: This study examined performance management and organisational success in local government administration in South Africa.Setting: The study was conducted in the BCMM, located in the central business district of the Eastern Cape province in South Africa.Method: In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted with a sample of 20 participants from BCMM. The participants were selected using the purposive sampling technique. The target population of the study was the employees of BCMM.Results: Based on the analysis of data, the study found that the municipality did not have an electronic system; they were using a manual system in their performance management. Furthermore, the participants also highlighted that there was no approved PMS policy framework that had been endorsed by the council of the municipality.Conclusion: This study recommended that the municipality must have an approved PMS policy framework, and it should be implemented at all levels of employment within the organisation.

An assessment of the medium-term reproductive success of an extralimital white rhinoceros population

The white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) is threatened primarily due to continued poaching for its horns. In South Africa, partly to promote the conservation of the species, white rhinos have been introduced into areas where they did not occur historically (i.e. where they are considered extralimital). Few studies have investigated the conservation contribution of extralimital white rhinos to the overall national herd. We aimed to determine whether the white rhinos introduced to a private game reserve in the Eastern Cape province have been successful from a reproductive perspective. We calculated inter-calving intervals, age at first calving, sex ratios of calves, and recruitment rates for white rhinos at a single site between 1992 and 2019. The average net annual population growth rate for the population was 10%, which is higher than the recommended 5% by the Biodiversity Management Plan for white rhinos. Trends in density-dependent parameters such as age at first calving and inter-calving intervals also indicated that the study population is still well below the density at which ecological constraints may manifest. We demonstrate that an extralimital white rhino population in the Eastern Cape can be successful from a reproductive perspective.

Traditional Food Plants Cultivated and Managed in Home Gardens in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province.

This study aimed to document the diversity of traditional food plants in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province. The survey was carried out in six local municipalities in the province, between March 2016 and September 2020. Information on the socio-economic characteristics of the informants and on traditional food plants collected from the wild and cultivated and managed in home gardens was recorded using questionnaires, personal observations, and guided field walks with 145 informants. A total of 58 edible plants belonging to 46 genera and 29 families were recorded. The plant families with the largest number of species were Solanaceae (six species), followed by Amaranthaceae and Asteraceae (five species each), Rosaceae (four species), and Apiaceae, Cactaceae, and Fabaceae sensu lato with three species each. The main uses of the documented species were edible fruits (56.9%), leafy vegetables (29.3%), and edible tubers (12.1%). Species that were categorized as valuable, with relative frequency of citation (RFC) values exceeding 0.3, were Solanum tuberosum, Allium cepa, Zea mays, Beta vulgaris, Cucurbita moschata, Brassica oleracea, Spinacia oleracea, Cucurbita maxima, Daucus carota, and Lycopersicon esculentum. The findings highlight the significance of edible plant species to the well-being of local communities in the Eastern Cape province within the context of food provisioning.