https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/132 2026-10-06T00:18:20Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/33101 Physicochemical and microbio effects of coal mining on the quality of Naauwpoortspruit river, Mpumalanga, South Africa Seletisha, Moses Shimo Coal mining has been shown to affect both surface water and groundwater quality, primarily because of the presence of acidity in mine drainage, heavy metals, and microbial contaminants. Hence, this study aimed to determine the environmental impacts of coal mining and processing activities on the quality of water of the Naauwpoortspruit River in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga Province. This study used an integrated mixed-methods approach to capture the responses and lived experiences of residents as to how coal mining influences water quality within the Naauwpoortspruit River in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga, South Africa. Qualitative data on perceived water quality and associated health risks were obtained from focus group discussions. Quantitatively, we collected 18 water samples from Masakhane, Coalfield, and Boat Camp during both dry and wet seasons. Qualitative feedback showed that the residents perceived the water as discoloured, foul-smelling, and not safe, with frequent diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and skin irritations. The physicochemical analyses indicated a pH within the range of 7.17-7.35. Iron (Fe) ranged between 0.10-0.30 mg/L, manganese (Mn) within 0.00-0.04 mg/L, while aluminium (Al) ranged from 0.04 to 0.22 mg/L and sulphate (SO₄²⁻) within 143 to 188 mg/L. Aluminium and iron were found to exceed the permissible limits set by SANS 241:2015 at some sites. Microbiological testing showed significant contamination. Total coliform bacteria ranged from 555 to 920 CFU/100 mL, and faecal coliforms varied between 34 and 766 CFU/100 mL. Of these sampling sites, the Boat Camp site showed the highest level of faecal pollution. The study concluded that coal mining environment and related human activities have degraded the water quality of the Naauwpoortspruit River, presenting notable environmental and public health risks. It emphasized the urgent need for improved mine water management and more effective wastewater control 2026-09-16T00:00:00Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/33081 Guild structure and population dynamics of small mammal assemblages in suburban patches of KwaZulu-Natal Sandstone Sourveld grassland within eThekwini Mwelase, Zamawelase Immaculate The KwaZulu-Natal Sandstone Sourveld (KZNSS) landscape is one of the Critically Endangered ecosystems that forms part of the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany (MPA) biodiversity hotspot. It is a biodiversity hotspot which supports important assemblages of endemic fauna and flora and provides social and ecological services to the eThekwini assemblages. More than ~90% of this landscape has been completely altered and modified, and only ~0.1% is under statutory protection. To understand and improve conservation efforts for this threatened ecosystem, it’s important to understand the effects of anthropogenic and environmental factors on biodiversity in this vegetation type. The Durban Metropolitan Open Space System (D’MOSS) initiative is one of the eThekwini efforts to conserve areas with high biodiversity value. Small mammals are key components in terrestrial ecosystems and their abundance and diversity are key bioindicators of ecosystem health, habitat quality, and the impacts of fragmentation. This study aimed to assess small mammal guild structure, species richness, diversity and population dynamics between D’MOSS and protected areas within this landscape. A Capture Mark Recapture (CMR) approach was used to monitor the seasonal dynamics of the native small mammal assemblages. Live trapping transects and H.B. Sherman™ live box traps were implemented inside and outside three protected areas (Krantzkloof Nature reserve, Giba Gorge Nature Reserve and Doornrug and Uitkomst Conservancy (reference site)) between July 2018 and June 2019. Over 16 586 trap nights, 890 unique individuals representing 11 small mammal species from 8 families and two Orders, were captured. The haul was dominated by rodent species. Mastomys natalensis (54%) and Rhabdomys dilectus (28%) suggesting that these species form the core of the small mammal assemblage in this threatened landscape. Local elevational gradients, regional variation and habitat management regimes (treatments) had a significant influence on total captures, trap success, minimum know alive (MKA), species richness and diversity Slope aspect, one of the under-surveyed environmental variables in small mammal studies significantly influenced total captures, trap success, MKA, and species richness, while seasonal variation significantly influenced total captures and MKA. Grassland condition significantly influenced total captures, MKA, and species richness. The body size of several small mammal species varied in response to changes in elevational gradients, slope aspect, seasonal variation, grassland 2026-07-01T00:00:00Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32898 Exploring Eswatini’s environmental compliance management, monitoring, and enforcement issues of construction projects Manyatsi, Mason Isaac This study explored issues of environmental compliance management, enforcement, and monitoring in Eswatini’s construction industry, focusing on case study construction projects in the Hhohho Region. Although legal frameworks do exist, Eswatini still experiences widespread environmental non-compliance in the construction industry, leading to environmental degradation and threatening efforts of environmental protection. The purpose of the research study was to answer the main research question: What are the environmental compliance management, enforcement, and monitoring issues of construction projects in Eswatini? The mechanism for answering the main research question was through the formulation of four sub-questions focusing on global environmental compliance mechanisms, Eswatini’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) obligations, issues experienced by EIA follow-up parties of construction projects, and measures of environmental compliance enhancement. The study employed a qualitative research approach, using an exploratory multiple case study design. Data was collected from four (4) construction projects in the Hhohho Region through in-depth interviews with 21 purposively sampled key informants. The key informants included first, second, and third EIA follow-up parties at the selected construction projects. Secondary data gathered for the study included legal and institutional frameworks and policy documents. Data was analysed with the support of ATLAS.ti software to identify themes and patterns from the data. Findings addressing sub-question 1 show that environmental compliance globally relies on an integrated regulatory cycle encompassing planning, implementation, monitoring, enforcement, and adaptive feedback mechanisms. In response to sub-question 2, the study discovered that while Eswatini has established environmental laws and institutional frameworks governing construction projects, there are constraints due to weak enforcement capacity and limited coordination. Results addressing the sub-question 3 showed that first, second, and third EIA follow-up parties experience challenges including limited financial and human resources, poor compliance attitudes among developers and contractors, political interference, and inadequate authority to enforce compliance. Addressing sub-question 4 identified capacity building measures through training and awareness, as well as the adoption of technological advancements for monitoring and policy reform key measures that can enhance environmental compliance at construction projects. An examination of the findings shows a divide between the application of environmental compliance procedures and policy rules. Environmental compliance management, enforcement, and monitoring across construction projects is compromised by weak institutional capacity, dispersed governance systems, and inadequate accountability mechanisms. The study makes a meaningful contribution by providing practical, evidence-based insights into the key factors affecting environmental compliance in Eswatini’s construction sector. The study demonstrates how challenges such as weak enforcement capacity, fragmented governance structures, and limited accountability work together to hinder effective environmental compliance and EIA follow-up. In addition, the study adds to existing knowledge by offering a clearer understanding of these issues within a developing country context, where resource and institutional constraints are common. It also proposes practical ways to improve environmental compliance, including strengthening institutional capacity, improving coordination between stakeholders, and making better use of technology for monitoring and reporting. These contributions are relevant not only for Eswatini, but also for other developing countries facing similar challenges. 2026-03-01T00:00:00Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32800 An evaluation of sustainable water management practices in wildlife tourism at Ngala, Limpopo, South Africa de Kock, Cornelia Christina The sustainable management of water resources has become an increasingly prominent challenge, not only globally but also within wildlife tourism operations, particularly in water-scarce and ecologically significant regions. This study evaluates the sustainability of water management practices at Ngala Safari Lodge and Ngala Tented Camp, located within the Ngala Private Game Reserve in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Using a mixed-methods multiple case study approach, the research assessed both water quantity and water quality over 28 months (November 2022 to February 2025), supported by qualitative insights from staff interviews. Quantitative analysis included the assessment of water consumption trends, litres per bed-night, and seasonal variation, as well as compliance of drinking and effluent water quality with relevant South African standards, benchmarks and legislation. Qualitative interviews explored staff perceptions, operational practices, and organisational commitment to sustainable water management. The findings indicate that water use at both lodges remains relatively consistent throughout the study period and is largely driven by fixed operational demands rather than seasonal climatic variation. Water quality challenges were primarily linked to naturally hard groundwater and infrastructure limitations, with few physical, chemical, or microbial exceedances observed. While strong management commitment and technical interventions were evident, limited staff awareness and behavioural water-saving practices were identified as key gaps. The study highlights the importance of integrating technical systems with staff engagement and education to enhance long-term water sustainability in wildlife tourism operations. 2025-02-26T00:00:00Z