https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/3164 2026-05-12T16:45:39Z 2026-05-12T16:45:39Z Boshoff, Harriët Maria https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/31974 2024-11-28T13:53:48Z 2024-01-16T00:00:00Z

Exploring the potential contribution of organic community food gardens for sustainability: the perspective of cultivators and consumers Boshoff, Harriët Maria The exponential rise in global organic food product sales indicates a transformative shift in consumer preferences towards healthier, more sustainable, and environmentally conscious food choices. This qualitative study, grounded in an interpretivist paradigm, explored community food gardens’ potential contribution to sustainability based on cultivators of such gardens and consumers’ position on organic food products’ consumption in general. The research aimed to mitigate consumer barriers and enhance environmental, social, and economic sustainability for cultivators. Findings revealed South African consumers associated the term ‘organic’ with health and environmental benefits but stressed the need for accessible, affordable, and trustworthy organic food products. Consumers’ views on organic community gardens support sustainability, local engagement, and combating food scarcity. Cultivators emphasised fresh, nutritious produce and proposed educational programmes to overcome identified barriers. A holistic approach can optimise marketing opportunities, integrating word-of-mouth, online presence, education, and accessibility. The study recommends comprehensive consumer education, curricular integration, non-governmental organisation-led initiatives, transparent cultivator practices, supportive government policies, engagement with certification bodies, and targeted awareness campaigns to enhance consumer purchase intent and sustain local organic community gardens.

2024-01-16T00:00:00Z Akugo, Iheanacho Genevive https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/31956 2024-11-28T08:34:45Z 2023-01-31T00:00:00Z

Exploring the influence of perceived consumer value on the decision to purchase fashion products Akugo, Iheanacho Genevive Fashion purchases are a mechanism through which the wearer achieves self-expression and emotional connectedness that is attributed to the value of the fashion products. The value consumers attribute to fashion product purchase has been under-researched. A qualitative exploratory research design was used to determine the perceived economic, functional and psychological value of fashion through in-depth interviews with a purposeful sample of 15 Nigerian female consumers from Ojo. The findings suggest that economic value remains a highly valued attribute of fashion products, drawing on the experience of the wearer in determining the value of the fashion product. The functional value of fashion products is particular to longevity and the sustainable nature of fashion products. The psychological value of fashion products speaks to the importance of the value resemblance of the social standing of the wearer. The study contributed to a better understanding of the important aspects fashion resembles to the group of Nigerian fashion shoppers, which Nigerian retailers may use to improve fashion marketing strategies. More research on fashion values is required from different areas in Nigeria to fully understand the value of fashion products for the Nigerian fashion shopper. The study has concluded that fashion is not a simple product but has a complex value system that is not obvious to the observer but specific to its wearer. By understanding this value system of fashion products the complexity of fashion should not be underestimated.

2023-01-31T00:00:00Z Mnxati, Edward Sifiso https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/31878 2024-11-07T10:51:30Z 2024-02-28T00:00:00Z

A phylogenetic study of the genus Dianthus L. (Caryophyllaceae) in South Africa Mnxati, Edward Sifiso This study addresses the phylogenetic relationships within the genus Dianthus in South Africa, employing molecular analysis approach and the distribution pattern of the genus. We extracted DNA and sequenced South African taxa which were then added into other Dianthus sequence data including Petrorhagia species (outgroup) from GenBank. A robust phylogenetic tree comprising of three plastids (trnH-psbA, trnK-matK and trnK-psbA) and ITS nuclear region was assembled based on 94 taxa of Dianthus species and Petrorhagia using Mr Bayes analysis. Furthermore, we generated the distribution map for each Dianthus species using QGIS, points extracted from BRAHMS database. Our results have revealed Dianthus as monophyletic when Petrorhagia was used as an outgroup (s). Four strongly supported clades were identified (Africa Lineage, Eurasian radiation, Section Verruculosi and Section Armerium), indicating geographical distinctions. We identified potential discrepancies, notably in the placement of D. mooiensis and D. namaensis. An unexpected relationship between D. thunbergii and D. bolusii was also highlighted, challenging current morphological classifications. Defined clades were further observed within African Dianthus (Ethiopia & Northern African species; BS/100), and Western & Eastern region of South Africa; BS/100), while two subclades (BS/100 & BS/72) were observed within the South African clade. Additionally, ITS generated unsupported and unresolved trees independently, as did the three plastids (trnH-psbA, trnK-matK, and trnK-psbA). The identified clades and unresolved species placements warrant further investigation, possibly through additional molecular gene markers or broader taxon sampling. This study sets the groundwork for future research aimed at resolving the taxonomic revision of Dianthus in South Africa.

2024-02-28T00:00:00Z Page, Samantha https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/31846 2024-10-25T10:17:35Z 2024-02-01T00:00:00Z

The investigation of South African MSMEs through the lens of a circular economy Page, Samantha The current economic model is wasteful, linear and unsustainable and there has been a much called for transition to a sustainable development model to guide South Africa’s economic development. To guide the transition, there is growing support and buy in for a circular model that enables the circulation resources and eliminates waste. A circular model, called Circular Economy, is a sustainable development concept that addresses issues of waste. This study investigated South African Micro Small and Medium Enterprises with the use of a Circular Economy framework. The said businesses were investigated to determine what environmentally sustainable practices were occurring within the businesses and the motivation for incorporating the practices. Moreover, projections for more future clothing and textile businesses were explored and a framework for business model types was developed. The framework serves as a guideline for business models that centre on better circularity of resources, a fundamental aspect of a circular model for South Africa. Most of the MSME’s were found to be practicing strategies that extend the lifespan of products and their parts (Reuse, Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture and Repurpose) with two MSME’s having circularity of resources with their product chains.

2024-02-01T00:00:00Z