Current Edition >> Archive Section >> Special Features >> 16-31 August 2006
Successful business from driving school
The maxim that in any business it’s not the horse but the jockey that counts, was also proven correct in the case of Ralph Bratké of Scorpio Driving School based in Bloemfontein.
Bratké simply started off in 2002 with a driving school as a one person business venture. Naming it Scorpio Driving School, his car was his office and business premises. Through hard work, perseverance and refining his techniques and skills all the time, his good service paid off dividends and through word of mouth the enterprise started to expand.
In 2003 he employed two more instructors, Gert and Henk and later set up office at the corner of Nico van der Merwe Street and Curie Avenue in Bloemfontein. Bratké also aquired the services of Sarie Eggberry, a learner driver who has trained at and qualified through Scorpio Driving School. As learners license instructor she has up to now obtained a 100% pass rate with learners trained by her.
Scorpio Driving School offers a choice of male or female instructors, as well as language choice, including Sotho. Special classes and pick-ups and drop-offs are included in the service package.
Scorpio is also presenting classes on neighbouring towns and is currently opening a branch office at Zastron, with two cars available.
Bratké can be contacted at 072 119 7661 or 072 336 7220.
Free State moving to create better water opportunities
As part of the national Dept. of Water Affairs & Forestry (DWAF), the Free State Division of the Department is actively involved in current moves aimed at creating better opportunities as regards water utilization in the province. This became clear in an interview the Free State Business Bulletin had with the Regional Director of the Dept. of Water Affairs & Forestry, Mr. Tseliso Ntili.
In the first instance Ntili mentioned that the Free State was the first province to institute a scientific system for the testing and monitoring of drinking water being provided by the various local municipalities in the province. This is being done by the CSIR on commission by the FS Dept. of Local Government & Housing, which in turn contracted a private specialist enterprise, Emanti. The Minister of Water Affairs & Forestry, Ms. Lindiwe Hendricks, is meanwhile urging other provinces to follow the Free State's example.
Secondly, a more equitable distribution of water resources in the Free State and central region is currently under review, considering inter alia relief for the stressed Middle Vaal region and better agricultural utilization of the Upper Orange water resources.
Thirdly, pioneering research on more effective utilization and application of ground water is currently being undertaken in partnership with institutions such as the Free State University, the Water Research Commission and other stakeholders. Already results of such research are boding well for small-scale farmers in the Bainsvlei, Petrusburg and Thaba Nchu areas, as well as for certain other water users.
According to Ntili, developments such as these put the Free State right in the forefront of the optimal utilization of water resources.
Water in South Africa: Looming crisis requires dexterous management
The Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa (Asgisa) supports the core objective of government to halve poverty and unemployment by 2014. Socioeconomic development depends on the reliable supply of water for industrial, mining, agricultural, domestic and recreational purposes.
These activities also generate waste products that are often discharged to surface water. As a result, South Africa's water resources are coming under pronounced pressures, a trend that, if sustained, could render accelerated socioeconomic development unsustainable.
This in a nutshell is the view of the CSIR water resources manager, Dr. Marius Claasen, as expressed in a recent interview with the magazine Engineering News. “South Africa's use of water resources is delicately balanced,” he says.
This view is supported by the National Water Resources Strategy, which indicates that the requirement for water had already reached 99% of the reliable yield in 2000. All this eventually translates into the quality of water that the person in the street will get to drink.
It is in light of these basic circumstances that in this edition of the Free State Business Bulletin a special feature is published on Water administration in the Free State and central SA. As from page 4 informative inputs is published by the three top water authorities in the province, viz. the Regional Division of the Dept. of Water Affairs & Forestry, Bloem Water and Sedibeng Water.
Global facts about water quality
• Editorial staff
The quality of natural water in rivers, lakes and reservoirs and below the ground surface depends on a number of interrelated factors, including geology, climate, topography, biological processes and land use.
The most frequent sources of pollution are human waste ( with 2 million tons a day disposed of in watercourses), industrial waste and chemicals, and agricultural pesticides and fertilizers. Key forms of pollution include faecal coliforms, industrial organic substances, acidifying substances from mining aquifers and atmospheric emissions, heavy metals from industry, ammonia, nitrate and phosphate pollution and pesticide residues from agriculture and sediments from human induced erosion to rivers, lakes and reservoirs.
It is estimated that the volume of wastewater produced by each continent has given a global total in excess of 1 500 km3 for 1995.
Then there is the contention that each litre of wastewater pollutes at least 8 litres of freshwater, so based on this figure some 12 000 km3 of the globe's water resources are not available for use. If this figure keeps pace with population growth, then with an anticipated population of 9 billion by 2050, the world's water resources would be reduced by some 18 000 km3.
Levels of suspended solids in rivers in Asia have risen to a factor of four over the last three decades. Asian rivers also have a biological oxygen demand of some 1.4 times the global average, as well as three times as many bacteria from human waste as the global average. A recent study suggests that Bangladesh is grappling with the largest mass “poisoning” ( concentrates of arsenic in drinking water ) in history, potentially affecting between 35 and 77 million of the country's 130 million inhabitants.
Excessive amounts of fluoride in drinking water can also be toxic. Discoloration of teeth occurs worldwide, but crippling skeletal effects caused by long-term ingestion of large amounts are prominent in at least eight countries, including China, where 30 million people suffer from chronic fluorosis.
Information from: World Water Development Report 'Water for People, Water for life'.
Role of the Free State branch of the Department of Water Affairs & Forestry
• Editorial staff
Cornerstone
The cornerstone of the Department is the National Water Act (36 of 1998), which sets out the framework for the management of water resources in South Africa. From this flows the following basic premises:
Mission
The mission of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry is to serve the people of South Africa by:
Conserving, managing and developing our water resources and forests in a scientific and environmentally sustainable manner in order to meet the social and economic needs of South Africa, both now and in the future;
Ensuring that water services are provided to all South Africans in an efficient, cost-effective and sustainable way;
Managing and sustaining our forests, using the best scientific practice in a participatory and sustainable manner;
Educating the people of South Africa on ways to manage, conserve and sustain our water and forest resources;
Co-operating with all spheres of Government, in order to achieve the best and most integrated development in our country and region;
Creating the best possible opportunities for employment, the eradication of poverty and the promotion of equity, social development and democratic governance.
Core bsuiness
The Department is mandated by the National Water Act, 36 of 1998:
• To ensure that South Africa's water resources are protected, used, developed, conserved, managed and controlled in a sustainable and equitable manner, for the benefit of all persons.
• The Act establishes the National Government, acting through the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry, as the public trustee of the nation's water resources, with power to regulate the use, flow and control of all water in the Republic.
• The Water Services Act, 108 of 1997: To create a developmental regulatory framework within which water services can be provided. The Act establishes water services institutions, and defines their roles and responsibilities. Schedule 4 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996) vests the responsibility for water and sanitation services, limited to potable water supply systems and domestic waste-water and sewage disposal systems, in Local Government.
However, the National Government has a constitutional responsibility to support and strengthen the capacity of municipalities to manage their own affairs, to exercise their powers and to perform their functions.
It also has the authority to see to the effective performance by municipalities regarding their functions as listed in Schedules 4 and 5 of the Constitution. The Water Services Act gives substance to these constitutional requirements and provisions, whilst acknowledging the authority of Local Government in respect of water services.
The Department works according to a matrix management system in which the policy, strategy and regulatory work undertaken at the Pretoria Head Office, and the implementation work undertaken by the Regional Offices combine to achieve the key focus areas and strategic objectives of the Department as a whole.
There are nine Regional Offices that deal with water-related issues (resource management and services provision), one in each Province. Three of the Regional Offices including the Free State, deal with forestry issues in the northern, eastern and southern areas of the country.
Water resource management
Water Catchment Management
South Africa has been divided into 19 Water Management Areas (WMA) as part of the progressive development of the National Water Resource Strategy. A Catchment Management Agency (CMA), which is a statutory body, manages water resources within its WMA. DWAF Free State is responsible for the management of both the Upper Orange and Middle Vaal WMA. CMAs must also develop and implement a catchment management strategy (CMS) for the water resources within their area, which must be in harmony with the National Water Resource Strategy. Until the CMAs are in place, DWAF must fulfill the functions of the CMAs. A CMS was developed for the Sand/Vet area (Welkom) and DWAF Free State is in the process of developing a CMS for the Modder/Riet area (Bloemfontein), as well as the Schoonspruit area (Klerksdorp) as part of the progressive development of CMS for the two WMA.
The current processes for the development of catchment management strategies and associated plans are adequate to address sustainable water use at a regional level. These strategies and plans will provide the mechanisms for balancing environmental values and the eventual translation of these into resource quality objectives.
• Water supply and Abstraction control
This entails the operation of water schemes with a view to ensuring that the legal water use allocations of persons is adhered to and that such persons do receive their rightful volume of water. The rest of the catchment area above the dams may only withdraw the volume of water allocated to them. In order to legalize this, persons must be registered with DWAF.
• Water allocation
This is the allocation of licenses for new water users not in existence with the implementation of the National Water Act. Water usage during the window period between October 1996 / October 1998 is also under the existing legal provisions. Especially noteworthy is that ground water now forms part of public water and is not private water anymore, as was the case before 1998.
Water allocations are being made according to two categories. Firstly, general authorization, in which case ground and surface water is being reviewed. This requires that a specific area must be evaluated so that the appropriate general authorization could be worked out. A proper investigation is done through the RDM, with the chief director taking the final decision. Ground water applications in a single ground water area could vary, in the Free State the focus being mainly on Areas 9 and 13. Thus, what is particularly important, is the volume of water available to comply with the requirements of the reserve in question.
Secondly, if a larger volume of water would be needed, then a water license has to be applied for. In this respect, License Section 21 A is being issued for “Taking of Water” and License 21 B for the “Storage of Water”.
Although dams and Dam Safety also falls under Water Resource Management, it is being administered as a separate division. Compliance with specific legislation is required in order to ensure the safety of structures. Dams are being classified in terms of applicable regulations. For dams to be licensed or registered in terms of Dam Safety Regulations, it has to comply with two requirements, viz. it has to have a capacity of more than 50 000 m³, while the total wall must be higher than 5 m.
Attention is also being given to the potential threats that dams could pose for the environment, e.g. property, human life, bio-diversity. DWAF and Professional engineers must be consulted about designing standards.
• Water Allocation Reform (WAR)
Launched in April 2005, WAR is aimed at achieving equity as far as water allocation is concerned. This also applies to the Free State. Due to historical reasons, previously disadvantaged communities were not actively involved in water allocation, thus rendering them economically inactive. Consequently Water Allocation Reform forms a tool or mechanism to create opportunities for previously disadvantaged communities to participate effectively in the economy as far as water is concerned.
• Water quality
Water quality management relates to the entire water cycle. Hence, effective water quality management requires consideration of all the water cycle components as well as the involvement of all those whose water use and/or associated development could affect the water resource.
Water quality management primarily entails the assessment of the status of water resources, devising an implementation of strategies and plans of various natures and at various levels to ensure that the water qualities of these resources meet the requirements of recognised water users. Remediation of water resources is done where necessary. Control over water use is exercised by means of authorisations and/or related mechanisms if compliant with adopted criteria.
Apart from monitoring and managing the water resources in the Free State, the DWAF Free State Regional office has set the monitoring of drinking water and wastewater quality as a high priority. The cooperative Free State initiative enables the Regional office to have a hands-on approach on the current status of the quality of water supplied by municipalities to the consumers. This successful collaboration between DWAF and the Department of Local Government and Housing (DLG&H) and other role-players is highly praised in the water sector.
The DLG&H has appointed the CSIR to undertake a drinking water and wastewater consultative auditing programme which takes place monthly at the various municipalities in the Free State Province. Reports on the status of the drinking and wastewater samples are sent to the local and provincial government on a monthly basis. These reports assist in identifying sessions at the Free State Water Quality Management Committee meetings on a bi-annual basis. There is a protocol in place to act on non compliance depending on the impact of non compliance on the users.
Water Services
• Roleplayers
These include basically DWAF / Dept. of Local Government and Housing / Dept. of Public Works / Dept. of Health / Dept. of Education / Dept. of Tourism & Environmental Affairs / Water Services Authorities / Water Boards / Community based organizations / Privately owned companies.
• Water Services Authorities and Providers
A Water Services Authority is any municipality that has the executive authority to provide water services within its area of jurisdiction in terms of the Municipal Structures Act of 118 of 1998.
Water Services Authorities are responsible for ensuring the provision of water services and specifically have the following national targets as set out in the Strategic Framework for Water Services:
-Access to a functioning basic water supply by 2008
-Access to a basic sanitation facility by 2010
-All schools have adequate and safe water supply and sanitation by 2005
-All clinics have adequate and safe water supply and sanitation by 2007
-All buckets toilets are eradicated by 2007
-Hygiene and education and the wise use of water is taught in all schools by 2005
-70% of households with access to basic services can practice safe sanitation by 2005 and 100% by 2010
-Free basic water policy is implemented in all water services authorities by 2005
-Free basic sanitation is implemented in all water services authorities by 2010
A Water Services Provider is any person who has a contract with the water services authority to assume operational responsibility for providing water services to one or more consumers. This function can be performed by a municipality itself, any other public or private body such as a water board, NGO, CBO or a private sector company.
• Transformation
In order to comply with the requirements of transformation, the Department nationally and therefore also in the Free State is currently in a process of refocussing and restructuring. This provides inter alia for the establishment of water management institutions including catchment management agencies (CMA's) and water user associations (WUA's). This restructuring is underpinned by the principles of equity, efficiency, sustainability and representivity.
Free State situation
The Free State regional office of the Department is based in Bloemfontein and serves basically the Middle Vaal and Upper Orange areas.
The Free State Branch is participating fully in national initiatives, such as the 2020 Vision for Water Project aimed at the youth, working for Water Project, National Water Week annually held in March, Sanitation Week annually held in March, National Arbor Week annually held in September, etc. What needs to be highlighted in respect of the province, is the exciting work currently being done by the Institute for Soil, Climate and Water of the Agricultural Research Council on the promotion of water harvesting project in the Thaba Nchu area. This project entitled, IMPLEMENTATION OF EXIT STRATEGY: On-farm application of in-infield rainwater harvesting techniques in Rural Villages in the Central Free State is best practice with the strong potential to be replicated in other parts of the country. The initiative contributes indeed to our country's vision of sustainable agriculture and rural development.
The research undertaken by the Research Institute over a period of six years on field rain water harvesting techniques concentrates on five pillars, i.e. sustainable agronomic productivity, entrenchment of risk, managing of natural resources, social acceptability and economical feasibility. Implementation has commenced and already more than a 1 000 households have implemented the in-field rainwater harvesting technique in 42 rural villages around Thaba Nchu.
The reality facing South Africa is that 33% of the total population living in communal rural areas, as well as 40% of the population living in densely populated informal tenancy and missionary settlements, are progressively experiencing food insecurity and natural resources are being exploited at an alarming rate.
The Free State Province disposes of excellent potential in agricultural land, but rainfall is limited and seasonal. Furthermore, unacceptable high percentages of precious water is lost by run-off and evaporation. Wise water use and nutrients conservation technologies, such as rainwater harvesting, have the potential to a better use of precipitation and to contribute to substantially reducing food insecurity, poverty and unemployment.
Water - a precious national asset
A United Nations report about world availability of water reveals that out of 182 countries, only 30 have less water available per person than South Africa. Many countries that are seen as water stressed, including neighbours Namibia and Botswana, as well as countries such as Afghanistan, Syria and Sudan, have more water per person than South Africa.
There are also basic steps each one of us can take to stretch our available water – fixing leaking taps and pipes, closing a tap properly, using showers more frequently - are contributions we can all make to save water. Such measures will therefore ensure that there is enough water for both human consumption, our ecology, reserve and for growth and development.
Forestry
The Forestry Sector makes a significant contribution to the economy and has enormous potential in the development of some of the impoverished rural areas. Forming part of the bigger DWAF in the Province, the Forestry Section is primarily responsible for:
NFA Oversight: This functional group is overseeing the National Forestry Act (NFA), monitoring and assessing sustainable forest management, advising and supporting those who use the provision of the NFA and institutions who have been delegated sections of the NFA.
National Veld & Fire Forest Act (NVFFA) promotion & co-ordination: Promotion & co-ordination of the NVFFA is currently a core role for DWAF clusters.
Local forestry development & support: This functional grouping deals with the promotion forestry development at local level in various capacities.
National Arbor Week is this year celebrated 1-7 September 2006 under the theme “Plant a tree – grow your future.”
In conclusion
In conclusion, since the Free State is strategically situated as regards the largest rivers and dams in South Africa, viz. the Vaal River, Vaal Dam, Orange River, Gariep Dam, Vanderkloof Dam, Sterkfontein Dam, it is imperative that all stakeholders govern on all three levels, the private sector, communities, yes everybody in the province contribute as best as possible in realising the maxim Water is life, for life.
To this end the Free State branch of the Dept. of Water Affairs and Forestry offers it's full service and co-operation.
Bloem Water - Passionate about water quality
• Editorial staff
Operational scope
In terms of its legislative mandate, Bloem Water, with its head office at Bloemfontein, is a Water Service Provider (WSP), selling water and other related services to mainly Water Services Authorities (WSA's) (municipalities) and, to a lesser extent, to end consumers.
Simply put, that means that Bloem Water acts as a water wholesaler, providing water to water retailers and end consumers.
With municipalities being its main clients, the current consumer groups of Bloem Water consist of Greater Bloemfontein, Dewetsdorp, Botshabelo, Grootvlei Prison, De Brug Military Site, Country Bird Chicken Farm, Thaba Nchu, Reddersburg, Edenburg, Bethulie, Trompsburg, Springfontein, Wepener, Gariep town, Philippolis, some individual farmers, parts of the Eastern Free State up to the town of Ladybrand and the Ukhahlamba District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province.
The operational facilities of Bloem Water, revolve around the Welbedacht Dam in the Caledon River near Wepener as the main dam for its functions, supported further by die Knellpoort, Rustfontein, Groothoek and Maselspoort Dams in ranging capacities, together with several water treatment plants.
Water products
The water products and related services being provided by Bloem Water can be summarized as follows:
• Purified water in bulk
• Unpurified (raw) water in bulk
• Effluent treatment and disposal
Water related services such as reticulation, sanitation, catchment management, water consulting services, etc.
Quality of water
Of course quality of water to the consumer stands up front in the whole business of water provision and therefore Bloem Water is passionate about this. For quality of potable (drinking) water, three critical factors underlies the entire process:
Health of the consumer: Since water not conforming with national and international health standards can cause disease and other health risks with consumers, the safe quality of water supplied by Bloem Water, as far as it is within its jurisdiction of control, is non- negotiable. In this respect, although not perfect, the track record of Bloem Water is impeccable.
Esthetical acceptability: Although there is drinking water with, say, a brownish colour but complying with the highest quality standards, it is also so that the look and taste of water should be esthetically acceptable. Thus in this instance too it is a matter of the highest priority for Bloem Water.
Economic / Financial considerations: Of course, if the provision of water is not economically or financially viable, there is no way it could be sustainable over the long term. Therefore Bloem Water has to take this aspect duly into account in its operational activities.
As Bloem Water supplies potable water fully compliant with or that exceeds national standards, as prescribed by the Water Services Act, a comprehensive water quality monitoring and audit process is in place to take and analyse samples of water through the distribution system.
The processing of water has two distictive components, viz. water purification and water treatment. The former implies the removal of undesirable materials, while the latter is particularly aimed at the sensible addition of chemicals to ensure quality.
Quality control
In its area of distribution, Bloem Water applies state of the art methods and technology to ensure the best possible quality of water. What has, however, to be kept in mind is that in supplying mostly to municipalities as WSA's, Bloem Water has jurisdiction over the quality of water only up to where the water flows into the system and jurisdiction of the WSA.
So Bloem Water tests quality of water at its water treatment plants and at various points in the distribution system under its control. In this connection, time and distance are two critical factors affecting quality of water. For instance, good quality water can take a relatively long time to reach its intermediate destination or flow over a long distance before the next processing phase and this can naturally impact on the quality of the water concerned.
Bloem Water is continuously controlling the water quality supply to clients. Since Bloem Water is supplying water in bulk to the Mangaung Local Municipality, quality is measured at the point of sale, which is the water meter downstream of the Bloem Water Brandkop reservoir.
The SANS 241 standard is used for drinking water standards and as an additional measure Bloem Water aims for a minimum free available chlorine level of 0.1mg/liter of the water supplied to all clients. The minimum level of free available chlorine is not a recommended or set standard in the SANS 241 (2005).
In the continuing monitoring of quality of water, Bloem Water works in close liaison with amongst others the Mangaung Local Municipality (as its main WSA), the Dept. Water Affairs and Forestry (as the custodian of water resources in SA) and other stakeholders, while it also has an arrangement with the University of the Free State for specialized scientific testing with a view to determining long term trends, options and objectives.
Water quality testing according to colour coding
Blue
- Ideal water quality suitable for lifetime use.
- No detectable chance of infection.
Green
- Good water quality suitable for use, rare instances of negative effects.
- Insignificant chance of infection.
Yellow
- Marginal water quality - conditionally acceptable. -Negative effects may occur in sensitive groups.
- Clinical infections unlikely in healthy adults, but may occur in some sensitive groups.
Red
- Poor water quality - unsuitable for use without treatment. Chronic effects may occur.
- Clinical infections common, even with once-off consumption.
Purple
- Dangerous water quality - totally unsuitable for use. Acute effects may occur.
- Serious health effects common in all users.
In order to be able to respond instantly and effectively to any eventuality resulting from the above testing, Bloem Water and its clients, associates and stakeholders as a team has an appropriate integrated contingency mechanism in place. As space here does not allow detail about this, suffice to say that the consumer public can rest assured about the quality of drinking water as far as the jurisdiction of Bloem Water reaches. Notwithstanding that, any quality of drinking water in its area of distribution is of concern to Bloem Water.
Be as it may, Bloem Water would welcome any public comment on the quality of drinking water within its area of distribution.
Volume of water
In 2005/2006 Bloem Water sold a total of 55,01 million kiloliter of bulk treated water, the breakdown of which is as follows:
Kopanong Local Municipality 2,65
Mangaung Local Municipality 48,94
Naledi Local Municipality 1,42
Mantsopa Local Municipality 0,05
Other 1,95
Total 55,01
Bulk raw water sales are as follows:
16,35 million kiloliter
Way forward
As for the way forward, realizing that nothing is static, Bloem Water as the leading WSP in central SA, strives to continuously improve and upgrade with a view to providing to client and end consumer the best possible quality. As to achieving that, Bloem Water is moderately
Sedibeng Water - Managing water compliant to 21st century requirements
Background
Sedibeng Water was originally established on 1 June 1979 mainly to service the Free State Goldfields and parts of the former Western Transvaal and currently the operations of the organisation covers an area of 86 000 km² in the Free State Region, delivering water in bulk supply to municipalities (55%) and mines (45%), and from source to tap in the North West Region.
Sedibeng Water is also providing strategic support to the following municipalities in the Northern Cape: Siyanda District Municipality (Riemvasmaak) and !Kheis Local Municipality.
The organization's head office is at Balkfontein, near Bothaville and has two regional offices, one in Virginia near Welkom, and the other in Hartswater in the North West province.
Despite the primary function of providing bulk potable water services as defined in the Water Services Act (108 of 1997), Sedibeng Water has been proactive in ensuring that its services and expertise are extended to other sector role players. To this extent, Sedibeng Water has entered into a range of service provision contracts in order to assist other sector role players.
Contracts and agreements signed with sector role players such as local municipalities range from the provision of management and operations expertise of water supply network and plant operations to capacity building and training and development.
Sedibeng Water values the importance of partnerships for mutual growth in the water sector, and in pursuance of this has entered into agreements and joint ventures that seek to address specific problematic issues in the sector:
• A joint venture monitoring the quality of drinking water entered into with Emanti Management and the CSIR
• A signed Memorandum of Understanding with Blantyre Water from Malawi confirming collaboration between the two water boards
• Participation in Project Consolidate
Operations in Free State Region
Balkfontein Plant
The Balkfontein plant treats water for potable purposes abstracted from the Middle Vaal River. Analytical results of the abstracted raw water, obtained over years, indicate the constantly changing raw water quality. This is due to the eutrophic nature of the water in the Middle Vaal River, seasonal flow variation and upstream pollution.
The purified water is fed to 17 reservoirs through 15 pump stations in a pipeline of approximately 375 km. The plant serves Matjhabeng and Nala Local Municipalities.
Water is also pumped from several boreholes near Wolmaransstad to augment the supply to Maquassi Hills Local Municipality.
Virginia Plant
The plant is situated in the Central Free State and serves the areas of Leeuwbult in the south, Odendaalsrus in the north, Wesselsbron in the west, Ventersburg in the east and the mining industry in Theunissen.
Water is abstracted from the Allemanskraal Dam through a canal system into a balancing dam, from which the water is pumped into the plant and then purified. The plant feeds 20 reservoirs and uses 12 pump stations. Seven of these reservoirs are situated at Koppie Alleen. A pipeline network of approximately 260 km covers the area. Mines served by the Unit are African Rainbow Minerals, Avgold – Target Division, Bambanani, Beatrix, Harmony, Joel, Matjhabeng, Oryx, President Steyn, St. Helena Star Diamonds and Tshepong.
The Balkfontein and Virginia plant are integrated and both deliver water in a ring feeding system.
Statement of Capabilities
Sedibeng Water promotes partnerships with local government in pursuance of realizing water services delivery to the South African community. Essential services delivered covers a full range of services from technical services; water and waste water management; operations and maintenance; and quality management services.
Technical Services
• Evaluation and planning of system
• Project planning and management
• Refurbishment and upgrade of existing infrastructure
• Implementing agency
Water and waste water management services
• Bulk water treatment and distribution
• Retail water services
• Bulk sanitation management
• Water metering and billing services
Social Services and Community Involvement
• Capacity building and training
• Community involvement in water and sanitation facilitation
Operations and Maintenance Services
• Optimization of Operational and Infrastructure efficiencies
• Infrastructure, maintenance and Support services
• Operational training
Services by Scientific Services
The service offered by the Scientific Services Department of Sedibeng Water centres around the analyses of chemical and bacteriological parameters associated with water samples (potable, sewage or industrial). Further to this core service, general consultancy on water related issues such as process control and the training of people is also offered. The specific service associated with the various fields of water treatment is set out below:
Waste water treatment
Chemical analysis
Bacteriological analysis
Chemical treatment and process upgrading
Process problem solving and control
Consultancy
Potable water purification
Chemical analysis
Bacteriological analysis
Process upgrading
Process problem solving and control, process optimization
Consultancy
Training
Water quality management in network
Chemical analysis
Bacteriological analysis
Consultancy
Training
Training Services
Process optimization
Training on unit processes and optimization
Chemical and bacteriological analyses
Industrial cost recovery
Pollution control
Student training programmes
Sampling
Environmental Service
Chemical analysis
Bacteriological analysis
Toxicity testing
Recommendations, reporting and discussions
Consultancy (Waste disposal and pollution control)
Die praktiese waarde van navorsing aan die Universiteit van die Vrystaat
UVS in pas met SA navorsingsvereistes
Die feit dat die Universiteit van die Vrystaat in pas is met die vereistes wat vandag vir navorsing in Suid-Afrika gestel word, blyk uit die openingsrede van die rektor en vise-kanselier, Prof. Frederick Fourie, met die amptelike universiteitsopening in Februarie vanjaar.
Fourie het gesê dat die Universiteit van die Vrystaat vanjaar R10 miljoen beskikbaar stel om sekere van sy akademiese en navorsingsaktiwiteite in strategiese fokusgroepe te bedryf. Hy het beklemtoon dat die strategiese fokusgroepe veel meer behels as bloot 'n herorganisering van gevestigde navorsingsgebiede. “Sulke fokusgroepe behels 'n deskundigheidsgebied en nie slegs navorsing nie, maar ook sterk voorgraadse en veral nagraadse onderrig en 'n potensieel sterk wetenskaplike grondslag vir samelewingsdiens,” het Fourie gesê.
Hy het voorts gesê dit is belangrik dat die UVS hom in die volgende fase van sy ontwikkeling posisioneer, nie net as 'n goeie onderrig- en navorsingsuniversiteit nie, maar ook as 'n universiteit wat in strategies belangrike kennisgebiede uitblink. Dit is noodsaaklik om energie en hulpbronne so te rig.
Nie alle akademiese en navorsingsaktiwiteite gaan egter hierdeur geraak word nie.'n Breë ondersteunings-grondslag is die afgelope paar jaar geskep vir uitnemende navorsing deur alle akademiese personeellede in hul eie navorsingsgebiede. Dié inisiatief sal naas die fokusgroepinisiatief steeds voortgaan.
Fourie sê die strategiese fokusgroep-benadering sal in lyn wees met die benadering wat ontwerp word deur die Nasionale Navorsingsraad (NNR) om nasionale prioriteite in berekening te bring. Breedweg is die vyf strategiese gebiede vir UV voorlopig die volgende:
1.Voedselproduksie, voedselgehalte en voedselsekuriteit vir Afrika.
2.Ontwikkeling en streeksontwikkeling binne die Afrika konteks.
3. Maatskaplike transformasie binne die Suider-Afrikaanse en Afrika-konteks.
4. Waterhulpbron- en ekostelselbestuur.
5.Tegnologie vir die toekoms. ('n Aparte fokusgroep rakende die chemiese nywerheid kan dalk bepaal word).
“Binne elk van hierdie gebiede kan 'n aantal nisgebiede geïdentifiseer word. Die fokusgebiede dek sowel die geestes- as die natuurwetenskappe, maar uiteraard kan en moet dit nie alles vir almal probeer wees nie,” het Fourie gesê.
Volgens hom maak dit sin dat 'n medium-grootte universiteit soos die UVS sy menslike hulpbronne, infrastruktuur, finansiële hulpbronne en intellektuele kundigheid sal konsentreer om te verseker dat 'n bydrae gelewer word tot Bloemfontein, die Vrystaat, die land en die Afrika-vasteland.
Hy sê van die uitvloeisels kan 'n belangrike impak op nywerheids-ontwikkeling hê, byvoorbeeld in die chemiese bedryf, en dit mag ook 'n grondslag skep vir samewerking met provinsiale, nasionale en internasionale vennote.
Behalwe die R10 miljoen vir die vestiging van die fokusgroepe is daar die afgelope paar jaar groot bedrae beskikbaar gestel vir talle projekte om gehalte in onderrig en leer, in navorsing en ander gebiede te verbeter.
Noodsaaklik vir ontwikkleing
Naas opleiding is navorsing sedert die vroegste tye een van die twee hooffunksies van 'n universiteit. Navorsing is die gebied waar die beste akademiese breinkrag van 'n volk of nasie aangewend word om nuwe idees en nuwe weë na vore te bring en waardeur nuwe ontwikkeling vir die onmiddelike omgewing, die land en selfs die internasionale gemeenskap geskep kan word.
Die praktykgerigtheid van navorsing is dus nog altyd 'n inherente element vir en basiese rigsnoer van navorsing. In die Suid-Afrika van vandag word die praktykgerigtheid van navorsing al hoe meer aktueel. Hoe realiseer navorsing in terme van ekonomiese groei en maatskaplike ontwikkeling, is van die vrae wat gevra word. Die regering stel trouens ook vereistes in hierdie verband en gebruik kriteria in die toekenning van universiteitsubsidies.
Meer in besonder word ook gelet op watter mate navorsing betrekking het op Afrika en dan ook spesifiek Suid-Afrika. In hierdie spesiale oorsig word spesifiek 'n aanduiding gegee van hoe praktykgerig navorsing aan die Universiteit van die Vrystaat is. Verskillende Fakulteite bied 'n oogopslag op die navorsing wat deur hulle gedoen word.
Altyd moet egter in gedagte gehou word dat navorsing net tot 'n punt van die kant van owerheidsweë voorgeskryf en gereguleer kan word – die akademiese vryheid en element van eie inisiatief daarvan moet altyd gerespekteer word.
Daarby moet altyd rekening gehou word met die feit dat die res van die wêreld buite Afrika op die voorpunt staan van ontwikkeling in globale verband en dat daarmee tred gehou moet word.
UVS Praktykgerigte navorsing - Fakulteit Teologie
Die Fakulteit Teologie bied 'n MA / MTh Program in Pastorale Terapie aan wat studente vir die praktyk oplei.
Om toegang tot die program te kry kan persone met 'n vierjarige of gelykwaardige kwalifikasie in aanmerking kom om 'n Honneurskursus in die Praktiese Teologie-Program te volg. Studente vanuit onder meer Maatskaplike werk, Opvoedkunde, Verpleegkunde en Sielkunde is reeds deel van dié Program.
Die Honneursprogram vestig 'n basis in die Praktiese Teologie en die Teologie in die algemeen. Studente met 'n BTh-kwalifikasie kom dadelik in aanmerking vir die Magister Program.
Die MA/MTh Program in Pastorale Terapie strek oor twee jaar. Vier kontakweke word oor die eerste jaar versprei en drie weke in die tweede jaar.
Curriculum
The Programme is made up of the following five modules: Pastoral Care / Narrative Therapy / Pastoral foundation and Practical Theory of Counseling Law Offenders and Victims of Crime / Pastoral Foundation and Practical Theory of Caring for the Sick.
Samelewingsdiensleer wat deel is van die missie van die Universiteit van die Vrystaat en wat 'n belangrike komponent van die Magister Program vorm, is gerig op spesifieke gemeenskapsbehoeftes en word geïntegreer in die akademiese program. Twee modules in die Magister Program fokus op Samelewingsdiensleer:
In die eerste module word praktiese opleiding in Siekepastoraat by die Onkologie Afdeling van die Nasionale Hospitaal, Pediatrie Universitas Hospitaal en “Ons Plek” ('n tuiste vir MIV/Vigs terminale persone) aangebied. Die twee foto's op die keersy is geneem by Pediatrie Universitas Hospitaal.
In Pastorale Basis- en Praktykteorie vir Wetsoortreders en Slagoffers van Misdaad kry studente die geleentheid om onder andere . wetsoortreders en slagoffers van misdaad pastoraal te begelei. Studente doen diens by Mangaung Correctional Centre, een van twee privaat maksimum sekuriteit gevangenisse in die land.
Experience of students
The Programme is of intrinsic value for academic development, while it provides an opportunity for personal enrichment. It portrays a multi-disciplinary work context.
Die program bied 'n unieke leerervaring omdat dit help met die hantering van die pastorale nood van ons tyd.
Met hierdie Magister Program kan studente:
• kennis maak met nuwe ontwikkelinge in 'n terapeutiese veld;
• leer hoe om nuwe ontwikkelinge binne 'n verantwoordbare teologiese raamwerk te pas;
• verantwoordelik optree as pastorale terapeute.
Faculty of Natural & Agricultural Sciences - Glimpse of applied research in natural and agricultural sciences
Glimpse of applied research in natural and agricultural sciences
Although dealing to a large extent with basic reseach, it goes without saying that the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences is also heavily involved in applied research. With due modesty and without exaggerating, it could be stated that the nature and extent of such research is simply mind-boggling – in any case far too much to be reflected in even broad detail in this feature.
Therefore in this feature some examples, selected at random, are merely highlighted – without down playing other equally or even more important endeavors in the Faculty. Therefore the examples in this feature are presented only to indicate the wide variety of applied research being undertaken and achieved within the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
The Faculty has 16 Departments , 3 Centres and 1 Institute and each produces highly applied research outputs - many of them of a cutting edge nature aimed at improving the competitiveness of the country on a sustainable basis.
The Faculty offers wide scope and opportunities especially for post-graduate research with a strong focus on magister and doctoral degrees. More info from Ms CH Havemann, tel: 051 401 2490, email: havemach.sci@mail.uovs.ac.za
1. UFS to investigate implementation of quality-monitoring system for SA food industry
At a workshop to discuss external quality monitoring in the edible oil industry of South Africa held at the UFS, it was decided that the Dept. of Microbial Biochemical and Food Biotechnology would investigate the implementation of a quality-monitoring service for the food industry in South Africa.
Major roleplayers in the fast-food sector like Nando's, Spur, Captain Dorego's, King Pie Holdings, Black Steer Holdings, etc and various oil distributors like Felda Bridge Africa, Refill Oils, PSS Oils and Ilanga Oils attended the workshop. Keynote speaker was Ms Ina Wilken, Chairperson of the SA National Consumer Union (SANCU), representing the consumer. These roleplayers all pledged their support to the implementation of this quality-monitoring system for the food industry.
For more information contact Prof. LJF Kock, tel: 051 4012249, email: kockjl.sci@mail.uovs.ac.za
2. Nano-technology producing lubricants for the human body
Mr Olihile Sebolai, an M.Sc. graduate in Microbiology and hailing from Thaba 'Nchu, under the guidance of Prof. Lodewyk Kock, made an important discovery holding exciting promise in the field of nano-technology, a relatively new field that deals with tiny structures at the molecular level. For years nano-technologists have been searching for lubricants that are light enough and suitable for use in humans to enable tiny robots to move through the human body. Mr Sebolai discovered a yeast that produces a cascade of lubricants that may prove suitable for this application.
Mr. Sebolai's dissertation was awarded six academic prizes by the Faculty and UFS, including that of the best dissertation overall and he was awarded honorary colours by the UFS Student Representative Council. Several papers arising from his dissertation have been published in international journals and he was interviewed by the Voice of America as well as by International Reuters TV. He was also featured as SA Young Achiever in the CEO Magazine (Celebrating Excellence in Organisations).
For more information contact Prof. JLF Kock, tel: 051 401 2249, email: kockjl.sci@mail.uovs.ac.za
3. Apparaat om oogfiksasies van rekenaargebruikers te registreer
Die Departement Rekenaarwetenskap en Informatika aan die Universiteit van die Vrystaat (UV) het 'n gesofistikeerde apparaat ter waarde van R230 000 in gebruik geneem waarmee die oogfiksasies van rekenaargebruikers geregistreer kan word. Die UVS is die eerste tersiêre instelling in Afrika wat met hierdie apparaat, genaamd die Eye Tracker, kan spog.
Die Eye Tracker bepaal die presiese punt op die rekenaarskerm waarna 'n gebruiker kyk en sal aangewend word om gebruikerinteraksie met rekenaarprogrammatuur te bestudeer. Terugvoer aan rekenaarprogramontwikkelaars sal verseker dat programme gebruikersvriendelik is sodat gebruikers nie noodsaaklike interaksie-elemente miskyk nie. Die Eye Tracker sal ook onder meer deur die UV se Departement Mikrobiese-, Biochemiese- & Voedselbiotegnologie gebruik word om te bepaal of studente na die korrekte data in grafieke kyk.
Vir meer inligting, skakel Prof. CJ Tolmie, tel: 051 4012605, epos janse.sci@mail.uovs.ac.za
4. Project to light up townships
The Department of Physics is involved in a project that could make life easier in townships through the use of artificial light. “The project is based on the use of sunlight to activate nano material in, for example, cement and paint during the day. At night the cement or paint can then radiate light,” says Prof. Hendrik Swart, Departmental Chairperson of the UFS Department of Physics. According to Prof. Swart an amount of R3,9 million has been made available by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for the further development of the project.
Nano-particles are developed and linked to infrastructure materials in order for these materials to be charged during the day by sunlight and then to emit light during night time. “The nano material is of such a nature that it can be mixed with materials, such as paint or cement. The yellow lines of roads will be able to, for example, emit light in a natural way at night.”
For more information contact Prof. HC Swart, tel: 051-4012926, email : swarthc.sci@mail.uovs.ac.za
5. R1,8 million available to create employment
USAID South Africa has made more than R1,8 million available for the implementation of a programme to create employment through agribusiness SMME's. The programme was established at the Lengau Agricultural Development Centre of the UFS Sydenham Experimental Farm by the Free State Department of Agriculture, the National African Farmers Union (NAFU), the Mangaung Local Municipality, the University of the Free State (UFS) and ECIAfrica.
The aim of the programme is to create an agribusiness model which will mainstream historically disadvantaged farmers into high value markets. In this way economic growth and market driven employment will be stimulated in this economic sector.
For more information contact Dr MC van der Westhuizen, tel: 083 453 9364, e-mail: mcvdw@telkomsa.net
6. Research in controlled circumstances
Research under controlled circumstances at the University of the Free State (UFS) turned a new page with the inauguration of four modernised controlled environment cabinets of the Department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences.
The controlled environment cabinets are used by the Department to control factors such as the temperature, the intensity and quality of light, synthesis and humidity. This can be done 24 hours a day over extended periods of time.
The cabinets are ideally suited to determine the joint and separate effects of these factors on the growth of plants. The adaptability of plants to climate can also be investigated under controlled circumstances. All of this leads to a better understanding of the growth and development process of plants, including agricultural crops.
For more information contact Mr A Hugo, tel: 051-4012494, email: hugoab.sci@mail.uovs.ac.za
7. New challenges for animal science discussed
In April this year, the SA Society for Animal Science (SASAS) in April this year presented its 41st Congress at the UFS Main Campus in Bloemfontein, attended by delegates from inter alia the USA, Iran, Turkey, Germany, the Netherlands Portugal, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, etc. The congress was specifically industry-orientated so that scientists could interact with farmers through their respective producer organisations.
In her welcoming address, Prof Magda Fourie, Vice-Rector: Academic Planning at the UFS said that the Food Safety and Security Cluster of the UFS will focus on the production of food in all its varieties within the African context, encompassing the entire value chain – from production to consumption and nutrition related issues. This would include a strong emphasis on sustainable production systems.
For more information contact Prof J Greyling, tel: 051-401 2211, email: greylijp.sci@mail.uovs.ac.za
8. First tertiary institution in the world to mechanise agricultural technique
The University of the Free State (UFS) is the first tertiary institution in the world to mechanise the in-field rain water harvesting technique on a commercial scale. The technique was recently demonstrated to about 100 small-scale farmers at the UFS Paradys experimental farm outside Bloemfontein. With this technique rain water is channeled to the plant and in this way food security is increased. The advantage of the technique for commercial farmers lies in reduced cultivation of land.
Small farmers will benefit from this because they can now move out into the fields and away from farming in their backyards.
The project is funded by the UFS and the National Research Foundation (NRF), while the farmers' day was funded by the Water Research Commission.
For more information contact Prof. LD van Rensburg, tel: 051 4012957, email: vrensbl.sci@mail.uovs.ac.za
9. Praktiese streeks- en ruimtelike ontwikkeling
Die Departement Stads- en Streeksbeplanning het in 2005 twee kontraknavorsingsprojekte afgehandel. Die eerste, met dr. Maléne Campbell as studieleier, was 'n ondersoek na die moontlikheid van 'n ontwikkelingskorridor tussen Bloemfontein en Welkom. 'n Span studente met Prof. Das Steÿn was ten nouste betrokke by die navorsing en het bevind dat so 'n korridor nie lewensvatbaar is nie. Verder is uitgewys dat die nasionale regering ekonomies sal moet help om die Vrystaatse Goudvelde van ondergang te red.
Tweedens, het Prof. Das Steÿn en Mnr. Piet Potgieter aan die hoof gestaan van 'n departementele span wat 'n herontwikkelingsplan vir die middestad van Bloemfontein moes opstel. Dit was deel van 'n groter multi-dissiplinêre span onder leiding van Vela VKE Raadgewende Ingenieurs se Mnr. Kobus Botha maar het ook argitekte soos Kobus du Preez (Dept. Argitektuur) en die Sentrum vir Ontwikkelingsteun ingesluit.
Meer inligting skakel Prof JJ Steyn, tel: 051 401 2486, epos: steynjj.sci@mail.uovs.ac.za
10. Leading water research
Research at the Centre for Eviromental Management, with its focus on the Bloem Water Chair in Water Management also forms an important part of its Masters programme. While the Centre has a number of research contracts and appointments, its anchor contract is with Bloem Water to biomonitor the Modder and associated rivers, forming an important contribution to the national River Health Programme.
This study provides the most comprehensive data base of any River Health Programme study in the country yet. The study covers the geomorphology, riparian vegetation, water quality, algae, invertebrates and fish, ensuring that a broad base of expertise is developed by the Centre.
The Centre has also been contracted by the Water Research Commission to examine “Environmental water requirements in non-perennial systems” as an ultimate basis for water allocation in the drier half of South Africa. The majority of team members is mainly from the UFS, with contributions from the CSIR, the University of Cape Town and Rhodes University.
For more information contact Prof. MT Seaman, tel: 051-4013958, email: seamanmt.sci@mail.uovs.ac.za
11. Workshop: Agricultural Research for Development in FS
The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences and the Directorate Research Development at the University of the Free State presented a workshop to discuss Agricultural Research for Development (ARD) in the Free State.
The project is part of the institutionalisation of ARD within the South African education, research and development framework and is lead by a national ARD task team and managed by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in collaboration with the International Centre for Development Orientated Research in Agriculture (ICRA), based in The Netherlands.
For more information contact Miss L Botha, tel: 051 4013570, email: bothal.sci@mail.uovs.ac.za
12. Research into industrial applications of cactus pear plant
In March 2006 the Centre for Plant Health Management (CePHMa) in the Department of Plant Sciences presented in Bloemfontein the first conference on cactus pear (or prickly pear) in South Africa since 1995. It coincided with 2006 being declared as International Year of Deserts and Desertification by the UN General Assembly.
During the opening session of the conference a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between CePHMa and the University of Chapingo (Universidad Autonoma Chapingo) in Mexico.
Plantations of cactus pear grown for fruit, forage and vegetable production, as well as for natural red dye produced from the cactus scale insect known as cochineal have over the last two decades been established in many countries in South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. The crop and its products have not only become important in international markets, but also in local markets across the globe.
For more information contact Prof. WJ Swart, tel: 051-4012383, email: swartwj.sci@mail.uovs.ac.za
13. Fulbright fellowship for research on the application of microsatellites
Prof. Neil Heideman, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences has been awarded a Fulbright Senior Researcher Fellowship to visit the laboratory of Prof. Jack Sites, a fellow herpetologist at Brigham Young University, Utah, in the United States of America (USA), from October 2006-January 2007. The Fulbright programme is a flagship programme of the US government focusing on exchange of international experts.
Prof Heideman will use the opportunity to develop an understanding of the application of microsatellites (short repetitive sequences in DNA molecules) to population genetics questions. In recent years microsatellites have become the marker of choice for measuring genetic variability in populations.
Faculty of Natural & Agricultural Sciences - The Northern Cape IDC Nguni Cattle Development Project
The University of the Free State (UFS) was approached by the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC) in 2005 to launch a beef cattle project in the Northern Cape Province. The concept proposed by the IDC was based on a project with Nguni cattle that has been launched for communal cattle farming in the Eastern Cape Province in partnership with the University of Fort Hare and the Provincial Government of the Eastern Cape.
Preparatory meetings were held with representatives of the IDC and the Provincial government and the proposed project adapted to suit the predominantly commercial beef cattle production farming practiced in the Northern Cape Province. The necessary documents were drafted by representatives of the IDC, Northern Cape Department of Agriculture and Land Reform (NCDALR) and UFS. On 7 June 2006 the Trust Deed was officially signed in Kimberley by the principles and designated Trustees of the three partners to the Northern Cape IDC Nguni Cattle Development Project.
The Northern Cape IDC Nguni Cattle Development Project is a development initiative and each partner plays a specific role. Funds are provided by the IDC through the Northern Cape IDC Nguni Cattle Development Trust to procure registered Nguni cattle and transfer them to the identified beneficiaries. The extension and research staff of NCDALR contributes by identifying groups of beneficiaries and thereafter ongoing training and transfer of technical expertise to the farmers. The UFS provides Project Management and coordinates training and technical support as required.
The IDC provides funds to implement the Project over a period of five years. Each year groups of at least five non-related black male and female farmers will be identified by the staff of NCDALR in the Northern Cape. During a series of participating meetings between the Project Management, staff of NCDALR and the farmers, the implementation of the Project will be discussed in detail and commitment of the prospective groups of farmers secured by establishing several Farmers' Trusts.
Once the necessary agreements and Trust Deeds have been signed and registered, each group of farmers will receive a nucleus Nguni herd comprising 10 pregnant heifers and two bulls. These cattle will be procured by the Project Management and processed before being delivered to the farmers. These seed animals and their offspring remain the property of the Project for a period of five years. During this period the farmers will receive ongoing training in relevant aspects of beef cattle production in the Northern Cape. Veterinary control will be implemented to prevent the transfer of contagious venereal diseases to the Nguni herds. With the prior written consent of the Project Management, culled Nguni cattle may be sold for the account of the Project.
At the end of the five year period, the farmers return in kind 10 pregnant female and two male Nguni offspring of the seed animals to the Project which may, if the project is successful, be used elsewhere in the Northern Cape to benefit more farmers. Ownership of the remaining Nguni herd that accrued over the five years is then transferred to the recipient farmers. At this point the farmers should be well trained and capable of running a commercial beef cattle enterprise. However, they will continue to be clients of and eligible for all services provided by the NCDALR.
Even before the official signing ceremony on 7 June 2006, preparatory arrangements have been initiated to identify a number of prospective farmer groups in the Northern Cape. Once the Trust Deed has been registered, funds from the IDC will be transferred and the Project will kick into higher gear.
It is very important that this Project is placed on a sound footing from the start to ensure the greatest degree of success. There are a number of very good reasons why the partners in the Project are enthusiastic about the successful outcome:
Firstly, the current format for specific implementation in the Northern Cape was conceived jointly and in close partnership between the three partners.
Secondly, great care is being taken in identifying and recruiting prospective beneficiaries to maximize the prospect of success in implementing the project and achieving sustainable rural development in the Northern Cape.
Thirdly, training and aftercare will be provided by the close involvement of staff from the UFS and the NCDALR. By providing continuous aftercare and support to the beneficiaries a greater measure of success is ensured.
Fourthly, the focus provided by this project will also create ideal opportunities for rural development in the Northern Cape, thus promoting sound principles of beef cattle production and sustainable utilization of natural resources with a view to establishing commercial beef cattle farming enterprises and wealthy livelihoods.
The IDC, UFS and the Free State Department of Agriculture are in negotiations to see whether a similar project can be implemented in the Free State.
Faculty of Health Sciences - Current research highlights
School of Medicine
Practice-orientated research is inherent and vital to the functionality of the School of Medicine. Amongst numerous examples in this respect, the following few are mentioned:
Ischaemic heart disease as one of the most common causes of death in the Western world and a major health problem in South Africa. Prof. Henretha van Jaarsveld and co-workers from the Department of Chemical Pathology found that the oxidative state of the LDL particle can be used to discriminate between hypercholesterolaemic patients with and without symptoms of coronary heart disease.
Bartonella species in red blood cells infecting the blood of their hosts. Prof. Anna-Marie Pretorius from the Department of Medical Microbiology and co-workers attempted to extend this exploration by studying bartonellae associated with small mammals endemic to South Africa. This was the first study to confirm the presence of bartonellae in rodents endemic to Southern Africa and the first to investigate the diversity of organisms associated with these infections across the entire African continent.
Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) as the most common neuro-behavioural disorders of childhood. Prof. Andre Venter and co-workers from the Departments of Paediatrics and Child Health and Biostatistics successfully investigated the knowledge, attitudes and current practices of South African psychiatrists and paediatricians regarding the management of children with ADHD.
In Africa patients with cancer tend to present late with large tumours and in poor general condition. For this reason Prof. David Stones of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health elected to use pre-operative chemotherapy in selected patients with nephroblastoma. Prof. Stones found that both pre-operative protocols gave event free survival rates of 60% and that pre-operative chemotherapy can be used in conjunction with either SIOP or NWTS protocols.
The pathophysiology of essential hypertension in black South Africans is still unknown. Prof. Willie Mollentze and co-workers of the Department of Internal Medicine investigated a possible association between the serum uric acid levels and hypertension in two groups of healthy adult Africans residing in the Free State. This study produced the first epidemiologic evidence of an association between high serum uric acid levels and hypertension in an African population.
For more info, contact Prof. PN Badenhorst at tel: 051 405 3043, email:gnhmpnb.md@mail.uovs.ac.za
School for Allied Health Professions
Department of Physiotherapy: Research on the correlation between the strength of the pelvic floor muscles and pelvic organ prolapse is in progress. If a threshold can be established, gynecologists will be able to identify women at risk and to refer her to physiotherapy in the time period that conservative treatment can still be effective, to prevent progression of this debilitating problem. The knowledge that a woman can influence the outcome by strengthening her pelvic floor muscles, can be empowering.
For more information contact Ms. C. Jardine tel. 051-4013290, e-mail: gnftcm.MD@mail.uovs.ac.za.
Department of Occupational Therapy: The focus of research in Occupational Therapy addresses needs of people and communities pertaining to problems that people experience in occupational activities i.e. work, interpersonal relationships, personal independence and recreation. These needs are thoroughly investigated by the occupational therapist, validated and ethically weighed for research purposes. Communication with research stakeholders and potential clients is of utmost importance in the research process.
For more information contact Mrs Prinsloo tel. 051-4012829, e-mail: gnatsmp.MD@mail.uovs.ac.za.
Department of Human Nutrition: Research focuses on improving quality of life through nutrition. The project, “Nutrition info on wheels”, is implemented with final year dietetics students traveling to needy communities in a well-equipped minibus to make dietetic services more accessible. Other research includes nutritional risk screening in academic hospitals, Diabetes Mellitus as a chronic disease of lifestyle, infertility within the black community, the assessment of the nutritional status of sportsmen and women and the role of pre-and probiotics in the treatment of HIV/AIDS.
For more information contact Prof. A. Dannhauser tel. 051-4013331/ 2894, e-mail: gnmvad.MD@mail.uovs.ac.za.
Department of Optometry: All research conducted in the Department are seeking to improve the management of optometry patients within the public health sector. For instance, on the Students Research Day in September 2005, research findings on the prevalence of glaucoma in subjects ranging between 30 and 45 years indicated that glaucoma screening needs to be made routine in subjects in this age group, especially amongst the African population. Consequent practical screening programmes resulted in the Optometry Clinic at the National Hospital, making the screening of glaucoma in all patients above 30 years a routine examination.
For more information contact tel. 051 405 2534, e-mail: landmand@fshealth.gov.za
School for Nursing
The Research Initiatives Portfolio, School of Nursing, is committed to quality research that will improve service rendering within the wider community. Academic, clinical and social related research issues are addressed.
Two academic studies are currently being implemented. Firstly, a study of the experiences of nursing students receiving antiretroviral treatment after needle stick injuries or those who were occupationally exposed to HIV and used post exposure prophylaxis. The purpose of this study is to describe the student's experiences and to tailor a support program according to the identified needs. Secondly, a study to determine the reasons for the low throughput of post graduate students. The aim is to improve service rendering by overcoming those impediments.
A clinical trail on different methods of treatment of lower leg venous ulcers was completed at the end of 2005. The results of this project are currently being disseminated through journal articles and conference papers. A doll-parenting project was completed in 2005. The aim of this project was to determine whether a doll-parenting project in conjunction with a Grade 6 Life Skills curriculum would have an impact on the attitude of learners regarding sex and adolescent pregnancy. The research was done in collaboration with the Free State Department of Education. The results are available and recommendations have been submitted to the Department of Education.
Prof. Yvonne Botma, Head of the Research Initiatives Portfolio, can be contacted for any enquiries at (051) 401 3476.
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences - Research translating into economic development and management efficiency
Given its mandate, scope and objectives, the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences is directly involved in delivering practice-orientated and result-driven tuition, research and workshopping. This applies especially to its two main fields of operation, viz. economic and business development on the one hand and governmental management and administration on the other hand.
As for research in particular, with the help of various collaborating partners, research is blossoming in the Faculty as a result of multi-disciplinary research efforts, collaborative and problem-focused research and a needs-driven approach towards national and regional challenges.
Research papers read
With researchers of the Faculty excelling in reading selected papers at national and international conferences, the Faculty is living up to its image of academic excellence and relevance, reinforcing existing networks and establishing new ones. The diversity of subjects and conferences is reflected in the fact that three international and two national conference papers on various development issues like housing, population trends and service delivery were recently read by researchers from the Centre for Development Support (CDS), while the Dept. of Public Management contributed no less than eight papers, of which five was delivered at the conference of the International Association of Schools and Institutes of Administration (IASIA) held 11 to 15 July 2005 in Como, Italy.
This was the fifth time in the history of the Faculty that papers of all members of one department were accepted for an international conference. Researchers from the Departments of Business Management and Industrial Psychology delivered four and six selected papers respectively, while the Centre for Accounting contributed eight and the School of Management four papers in this category.
During September 2005, for instance, the majority of staff in the Department of Economics presented papers at the biennial conference of the Economic Society of South Africa. An all time record of no less than 30 selected papers was contributed by the Department of Economics during 2005, with Profs. Frikkie Booysen and Elsabe Loots each being responsible for 14 and seven papers respectively.
Another example is of members of the Department of Public Management who attended the annual International Association of Schools and Institutes of Administration (IASIA) conference in Warsaw, Poland from 5 to 8 July 2006 held under the theme 'In search of the best: attracting, developing and retaining for the public service'. Six papers were delivered by five members of the Department.
Profs. Philippe Burger and Elsabe Loots from the Department of Economics, as well as Prof. Willie van der Merwe of Business Management, presented a South Africa Day in Bremen, Germany, with the theme Consumer Behaviour, Sectoral Developments and Economic Policy in South Africa – Challenges for German Exporters, Importers and Investors. The event was hosted by the Institut für Weltwirtschaft und Internationales Management (IWIM), University of Bremen, and included presentations by the honorary consul of South Africa in Germany, the head of IWIM and a representative of Deutsche Afrika Linien representing the German business community.
Research publications
In terms of publications, individual researchers and authors properly are making their presence felt by generating no fewer than 14.75 units in the category of accredited journals. The titles submitted, and eventually published, ranged from public finances to public sector service delivery, the impact of a mine closure in a small town, the non-payment of mortgage bonds in South Africa, farm-worker housing in South Africa, manufacturing in former homeland areas of the Free State, E-Governance in South Africa, managerial skills and institutional capacity for municipal service delivery, effective financial management in the public sector, the role of social grants in mitigating the socio-economic impact of HIV/AIDS, various dimensions of commodity dependence in Africa, and measuring the informal economy in South Africa.
From this shortened list of accredited articles it is obvious that the core disciplines embedded in the Faculty are well covered in reporting research outputs. Staff members from the majority of departments were involved in these outputs.
Apart from the significant number of accredited journal articles, several books, contributions to handbooks and a considerable number of popular science articles were also published from the ranks of the Faculty.
Technical research reports
The increase in technical research reports generated by researchers in the Faculty needs also to be highlighted. The Department of Economics and the CDS were jointly responsible for 11 such reports.
Research projects
In the field of research projects, the CDS as a progressive research and development unit within the Faculty with the aim of promoting sustainable human development in the broader South African society, fulfills a pivotal role. For instance, two background documents to be utilised within the context of the Peer Review Mechanism of the African Union, were prepared under the auspices of the CDS. The background document on the socio-economic development in South Africa was done by the CDS, while Prof. Philippe Burger and Ms Marina Marinkov from the Department of Economics prepared the document on economic governance and management in South Africa.
The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) is a self-monitoring tool for member states of the African Union with the primary purpose to promote the adoption of laws, policies and practices which lead to political stability, high rates of economic growth, sustainable development and continental economic integration. This is being done through the sharing of experiences and by identifying and promoting best practices as well as interventions to build capacity.
The Provincial Governing Council of the Free State was tasked to take on the responsibility of implementing the provincial APRM programme to ensure the active participation of government, and all other stakeholders in the APRM self-assessment process. The CDS was commissioned to provide an updated reflection of the community engagement process on the APRM in the province and challenges encountered.
The CDS was also approached by the Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE) to do research on the issue of making markets work for the poor, and also assisted the CDE in fieldwork for a study titled: Beyond maize and gold. This study reflects on the economic development prospects for the Bloemfontein/Mangaung and Welkom/Matjabeng areas.
In collaboration with the Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich (UK), an analysis of entrepreneurial development in terms of the Rural Enterprise and Economic Development (REED) framework was done. The findings suggested that entrepreneurial development has not received adequate attention in the Free State Province, while a lack of focus in rural enterprises in the Local Economic Development efforts of municipalities was also identified.
Technical support is also being offered to the Flemish Government for the development of Business Support Centres in the Free State. Four of these centres will focus on three primary functions, namely, training, making markets work and placement or procurement.
Free State - focused research
Emphasis is consistently placed on research issues in the Free State. The CDS is supporting the alignment of the Free State Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (FSPGDS) with the National Spatial Development Perspective at national level, as well as the alignment of the strategy with municipal strategic plans. The FSPGDS is a nine-year strategy (i.e. 2005 – 2014) aiming to achieve the objectives of Vision 2014 and the outcome of a broad consultation process with all the roleplayers and the research conducted by various experts.
A profile of commonage users in Phillippolis has been developed to investigate emergent farmers, local knowledge and the implications for land reform. The CDS furthermore assisted Sector Development consultants with the housing sector and strategic plans project, the main aim of which was to assist local authorities to develop strategic plans in respect of housing needs and delivery by considering provincial directives and national policy guidelines.
Researching marketing plans
As a further case study, it could be mentioned that SAB Miller was assisted by the CDS in the structuring of their marketing plans. This research focused on a comparative analysis of socio-economic trends and indicators for the Free State, the Northern Cape, North West, the Vaal District (Vereeniging, Bethlehem and Phuthaditjhaba) and South Africa.
Other research-related highlights
Other research-related highlights include the annual conference of the Southern African Institute of Management Scientists coordinated and hosted by the Department of Business Management during 2005. Prof. Frikkie Booysen was elected chairperson of the Bloemfontein Branch of the Economic Society, and served together with Profs. Philippe Burger and Elsabe Loots on the central committee of the Economic Society of South Africa, of which Prof. Loots was the past president. Prof. Koos Bekker served on the editorial boards of the Journal of Public Administration and Administratio Publica, while Prof. Hendri Kroukamp served in the same capacity for the Journal of Public Administration, the International Review of Administrative Sciences and the Chinese Review of Public Administration.
For 2005 the Faculty's prizes for excellent research were awarded to Prof. Philippe Burger from the Department of Economics in the category for established researchers, while Dr. Lochner Marais of the CDS won the prize in the category for upcoming researchers. However, external recognition for research stature forms the final yardstick that should be taken into account.
Some latest research
As a latest project to meet modern-day research requirements, the Unit for Leadership Studies (ULS) has been established within the Faculty. The ULS originates from the need for co-ordinated research on leadership, the creation of a related data bank of information and relevant issues arising. The ULS strives to support leadership in South Africa through specific research and appropriate assessment. In doing so, needs are not approached with an answer in mind.
The Unit for Leadership Studies in co-operation with PE Corporate Consultancy and Management Today are currently conducting a survey on leadership in the working environment. This survey is available on the web. To complete the survey, go to www.management-today.co.za and click on the logo of the Unit for Leadership Studies. The results of this survey will be published in Management Today.
If however any person or organization would like a tailored survey or more information, contact Prof. Ebben van Zyl at tel: 051-401 2152, email vanzyles.ekw@mail.uovs.ac.za or Clinton Massy at tel: 051-401 3345, email massync.ekw@mail.uovs.ac.za
To summarize
To summarize then, the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences is strongly guided and is benchmarking itself by the measure to which specifically its research translates into economic development and raising the efficiency of public management within its immediate and wider environment.
Women's Month August 2006 - Women in charge of business
Moitsebeletsi Mofokeng - Uniglobe New Dawn Travel
Better known as Tshebi, is the managing director of Uniglobe New Dawn Travel Agency, based at 25C Markgraaff Street, Westdene, Bloemfontein.
Uniglobe New Dawn Travel opened office end of 2005 in Bloemfontein as a travel management company specializing in travel and accom-modation solutions anywhere in the world for business and governmental clients, including SMME's, leisure and specialised clients. Uniglobe New Dawn Travel is able to do this because of their international connectivity and superior technology system.
Besides Tshebi, Rosy Makhubalo is the other director of Uniglobe New Dawn Travel, making the business 100% black women-owned.
Uniglobe Travel International, with headquarters in Vancouver, Canada, is the largest single brand travel franchise group in the world with approximately 800 outlets in 40 countries.
Originally a teacher by training, Tshebi taught at a secondary school for more than 10 years, before assuming a position at the Free State Development Corporation. Having tasted the business world, Tshebi could not resist the itch to start her own business.
Her business philosophy is to have integrity in all deals and to find and keep good customers. “We don't sell tickets – we are a travel management company offering to our clients in the corporate world customized solutions to their particular travel and accommodation needs”, she says.
Tshebi is married and is mother to two boys and a girl. Her goal for the future: “Be the best that I can be and to live a fulfilled life.”
Ina Reyneke - Reyneke Park en Reyneke Karavaanverhuring
Sy is al van 1977 saam met haar man, Louwtjie, in besigheid. Ina het by Louwtjie begin werk toe hy nog Televisa in die stad gehad het, maar in 1993 het hulle die Les Reyneke Trust gestig en op hul Kwaggafontein-hoewe 3 km buite Bloemfontein op die Kimberley-pad met Reyneke Park begin.
Laasgenoemde het karavaanstaanplekke en chalets te huur aangebied. In 1995 is oornagkamers aangebou en in 1996 'n lapa en 'n saal en vandaar het hierdie netjiese en moderne akkommodasieproduk net van krag tot krag gegaan. Beide Ina (gebore Rossouw) en Louwtjie stam uit families wat geslagte in besigheid was. Nadat Louwtjie in 'n ernstige motorongeluk was, het hy met Reyneke Karavaanverhuring as besigheid op die perseel langs Reyneke Park aangegaan.
In 2004 het die karavaanstaanplekke van Reyneke Park 3-ster status verwerf en so ook die chalets in 2005. Die karavaanstaanplekke beskik oor 12 x ablusieblokke 1 tot 1 koppeling en wat tot 'n maksimum van 40 karavane kan akkommodeer (in besig tye word geriewe gedeel). Daar is 6 luukse ten volle toegeruste chalets en 13 oornagkamers met elk eie badkamer en braaigeriewe. Dan nog 'n restaurant met etes op bestelling asook die saal en lapa vir funksies. Personeel is in totaal 10.
Voorsiening karavane by byeenkomste, soos die Bisley, perde-uithouwedren by Fauresmith, Bloem Skou, ens.
Sy en Louwtjie het twee seuns en 'n dogter.
Haar besigheidsfilosofie: “Harde werk, jou hand op alles hou en 'n spanpoging.”
Pabi Mokuele - Pabi's Guesthouse & Pabi's Catering Services
Having started from scratch, Pabi Mokuele of Phuthaditjhaba could indeed be described as a full-blooded entrepreneur.
It all started in 1991 when having qualified as a teacher, Pabi could not find a salaried job. So she started to bake bread and confectionary at home in Phuthaditjaba, using her mother's recipes. This was so successful that Pabi was requested to provide catering services for groups of people, e.g. at workshops, functions, etc. and that is how Pabi's Catering Services came into being. This in turn led to many a visitor to Phuthaditjaba expressing to Pabi the need for a place to overnight. Pabi heeded the call and converted her three-bedroomed home into a guesthouse and in time expanded into the current Pabi's Guesthouse consisting of two adjacent houses with 12 bedrooms.
Apart from her three businesses, each with it's own bank account, Pabi has a passion to empower and train people from the community and is currently providing training within the framework of the National Skills Development Strategy.
Says Pabi: “I have learned the hard way, but I can't be anything else than an entrepreneur. It is also my passion to empower other people to become entrepreneurs in their own little or big way. My motto is: 'Work hard and be smart'. I'm striving to be professional in what I am doing.” Currently Pabi is also involved in a farming project near Harrismith, as well as in a developmental project for emerging entrepreneurs.
Pabi says she likes to network, especially from grassroots level upwards and well- intended people are welcome to contact her.
Renay van der Berg - PoComm
Renay van der Berg is the sole proprietor of PRoComm - a Welkom-based public relations and communications management consultancy providing comprehensive communication, public relations, marketing and media management services.
Renay studied journalism at the Pretoria Technikon and after gaining experience in the media and public relations field in various capacities, she established ProComm in 1992.
Today she is an accredited public relations practitioner allowing her to use the acronym of APR behind her name. She is also a full member of Prisa and a Prisa approved lecturer teaching at Damelin part-time. She has also qualified as a SETA/SAQA assessor.
PRoComm offers a range of services to help you build brand value, identify and target prospects, communicate with customers and promote your business. PRoComm places a high premium on detail, ongoing evaluation and programme adjustments, while the innovative approach ensures that the client experience the difference.
Although small, this focused and creative consultancy offers hands-on personalized service, with a national networking back up available. Her approach of “NEVER ASSUME” ensures that the client experience the difference.
Renay says she is fortunate, because “what makes me kick, also ensures my income”.
Another Municipality opts for Komatsu workhorses
Yet another Municipality, the Ngwathe Local Municipality headquartered at Parys in the Northern Free State, has opted for the workhorse quality and effectiveness of Komatsu backhoe loaders and graders. This confirms the consistent trend of choices not only from industrial enterprises, but also from institutions at various levels of government.
Ngwathe Local Municipality took delivery of two Komatsu backhoe loaders and a Komatsu road maintenance motor grader as extensions to its fleet. The Municipality, which operates and maintains the earthmoving equipment for the Parys area as well as those of four other towns in the region, viz. Vredefort, Heilbron, Koppies and Edenville, decided to acquire new equipment to improve the level of service and maintenance of roads and other facilities for local communities in its area.
Before selecting and purchasing the additional equipment, Ngwathe municipal officials and technicians examined and tested most available brands of backhoe loaders and graders. “We selected the Komatsu WB93R-5 backhoe loaders because we found them to be the most powerful machines available and ideal for our purposes,” said Henk Coetzer, Ngwathe's Manager: Technical services. In the case of the new grader the municipal personnel responsible for making the selection chose Komatsu's 15 t GD555-3 maintenance class grader after finding it during test operations to be a highly versatile and high performing machine.
“A further factor that worked in Komatsu's favour when we made our decision was that we already have in service a number of old Galion graders, originally supplied by Komatsu, that have proven extremely reliable over the years and some of them are still in operation. In addition, the backup service Komatsu SA has provided on these machines has been very satisfactory,” Coetzer commented.
As a result Ngwathe Municipality has decided to standardise on Komatsu equipment and plans to acquire more Komatsu backhoe loaders and motor graders in future to replace its older machines. It took delivery of the new machines in early July 2006. The two new 7,5 t WB93R-5 units have joined five other machines of other makes in the municipality's backhoe loader fleet, while the GD555-3 motor grader is an addition to three old Galions still in service.
One of the new backhoe loaders is working in the Heilbron area doing a variety of work, including trench digging for extension of sewerage reticulation in a local township and loading gravel for use in road making and maintenance. The new grader and other backhoe loader are both being used to rehabilitate gravel roads that were washed away or eroded by heavy rains in the previous rainy season in townships in the Vredefort area. “They have already done about 10 km of roads since we got them about three weeks ago. We are very happy with the performance of these machines,” Coetzer remarked.
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