The South African Banking Director Network: An Investigation Into Interlocking Directorships Using Social Network Analysis (SNA)

The theory of complex systems has gained significant ground in recent years, and with it, complex network theory has become an essential approach to complex systems. This study follows international trends in examining the interlocking South African bank director network using social network analysis (SNA), which is shown to be a highly connected social network that has ties to many South African industries, including healthcare, mining, and education. The most highly connected directors and companies are identified, along with those that are most central to the network, and those that serve important bridging functions in facilitating network coherence. As this study is exploratory, numerous suggestions are also made for further research

Integrated geophysical investigation of the Karoo Basin, South Africa

A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Johannesburg, August 2015 School of Geosciences, University of the WitwatersrandThe possibility of extensive shale gas resources in the main Karoo Basin has resulted in a renewed focus on the basin, and particularly the Whitehill Formation. The main Karoo Basin has been the subject of geological studies since before the 1920s, but geophysical data provides an opportunity to shed new light on the basin architecture and formation. In this thesis, I use regional gravity, magnetic and borehole data over the basin, as well as vintage seismic data in the southern part of the basin. Modern computational capacity allows for more information to be extracted from these seismic data, and for these data to be better integrated with potential field data. The integration of datasets in a three-dimensional model (3D) has allowed for a better understanding of the shape of the basin and its internal structure, in turn shedding light on basin formation. A new depth map of the basin constructed using this extensive database confirms that the basin deepens from on- to off-craton. The basin is deepest along the northern boundary of the Cape Fold Belt (CFB), with a depth of ~4000 m in the southwestern Karoo and ~5000 m in the southeastern part of the basin. Sediment thickness ranges from ~5500 to 6000 m. The Whitehill Formation along this boundary reaches a depth of ~ 3000 m in the southwest and ~4000 m in the southeast. Despite limited boreholes in this region, the basin appears to broadly deepen to the southeast. These seismic and borehole data also allow for mapping of the Cape Supergroup pinch-out below the Karoo basin (32.6°S for the Bokkeveld and 32.4°S for the Table Mountain Group), with the basin reaching a thickness of around 4 km just north of the CFB. The gravity effect of these sediments in the south is not sufficient to account for the low of the Cape Isostatic Anomaly near Willowmore and Steytlerville. This ~45 mGal Bouguer gravity low dominates the central region of the southern Karoo at the northern border of the CFB. The seismic data for the first time show uplift of lower-density shales of the Ecca Group (1800 – 2650 kg/m3) in this region, and structural and seismic data suggest that these lower density sediments continue to depth of 11 to 12 km along normal and thrust faults in this region. Two-dimensional density models show that these shallow crustal features, as well as deeper lower crust compared to surrounding regions, account for the anomaly. These seismic and borehole data also allow for constraints to be placed on the distribution and geometry of the dolerite intrusions that intruded the basin after its formation, and in some cases impacted on the shale layer, to be constrained. The highest concentrations of dolerites are found in the northwest and east of the basin, pointing towards two magma sources. The region of lowest concentration is in the south-central part of the basin. Here the intrusions are confined to the Beaufort Group, ~1000 m shallower than the shale reservoir, suggesting it should be the focus of exploration efforts. These dolerite sills are shown to be between 5 and 30 km wide and are saucer-shaped with ~ 800 m vertical extent, and dips of between 2° and 8° on the edges. The sheets in the south of the basin extend for over 150 km, dipping at between 3° and 13°, and are imaged down to ~ 5 km. This change in dip of the sheets is linked to deformation within the Cape Fold Belt, with greater dips closer to the belt, although these sheets do not appear to intrude strata dipping at more than 15 to 20°. In order to understand the shape of the Karoo basin and construct a 3D model of the basin, an understanding is needed of the underlying basement rocks. The Beattie Magnetic Anomaly (BMA) that stretches across the entire southern part of the basin forms part of the basement Namaqua-Natal Belt. Filtered magnetic data confirm that the Namaqua and Natal Belts are two separate regions with different magnetic characteristics, which is taken into account during modelling. The BMA is shown to be part of a group of linear magnetic anomalies making up the Natal Belt. The anomaly itself will therefore not have an individual effect on basin formation, and the effect of the Natal Belt as a whole will have to be investigated. An in-depth study of outcrops associated with one of these linear magnetic anomalies on the east coast of South Africa suggest the BMA can be attributed to regions of highly magnetic (10 to 100 x 10-3 SI) supracrustal rocks in Proterozoic shear zones. Along two-dimensional magnetic models in the southwestern Karoo constrained by seismic data, these magnetic zones are modelled as dipping slabs with horizontal extents of ~20-60 km and vertical extents of ~10-15 km. Body densities range from 2800- 2940 kg/m3 and magnetic susceptibilities from 10 to 100 x 10-3 SI. These, as well as other geophysical and geological constraints, are used to construct a 3D model of the basin down to 300 km. Relatively well-constrained crustal structure allows for inversion modelling of lithospheric mantle densities using GOCE satellite gravity data, with results in-line with xenolith data. These results confirm the existence of lower density mantle below the craton (~3270 kg/m3) that could contribute to the buoyancy of the craton, and an almost 50 kg/m3 density increase in the lithospheric mantle below the surrounding Proterozoic belts. It is this change in lithospheric density along with changes in Moho depths that isostatically compensate a large portion of South Africa’s high topography (<1200 m). The topography higher than 1200 m along the edge of the plateau, along the Great Escarpment, are shown to be accommodated by an asthenospheric buoyancy anomaly with a density contrast of around 40 kg/m3, while still mimicking the Bouguer gravity field. These findings are in line with recent tomographic studies below Africa suggesting an “African Superplume” or “Large Low Velocity Seismic Province” in the deep mantle. The basin sediment thickness maps were further used to investigate the formation of the main Karoo Basin. This was accomplished by studying the past flexure of the Whitehill Formation using north-south two-dimensional (2D) profiles. Deepening of the formation from ~3000 m in the southwest to ~4000 m in the southeast is explained using the concept of isostasy, i.e., an infinite elastic beam that is subjected to an increasing load size across the Cape Fold Belt. Load height values increase from 4 km in the southwest to 8 km in the southeast. This larger load is attributed here to “locking” along a subduction zone further to the south. The effective elastic thickness (Te) of the beam also increases from around 50 km over the Namaqua and Natal Belts in the southwest to 80 km over the Kaapvaal Craton and Natal Belt in the southeast. The changes in Te values do not correlate with changes in terrane, i.e., a north to south change, as previously though. The large extent and shape of the Karoo basin can therefore, in general, be explained as a flexural basin, with the strength of the basement increasing towards the southeast. Therefore, while factors such as mantle flow could have contributed towards basin formation, reducing the load size needed, it is no longer necessary in order to account for the large extent of the basin. This flexure model breaks down further to the southeast, most likely due to a very high Te value. This could be the reason for later plate break in this region during Gondwana breakup. It is inferred that this increase in Te is linked to the buoyancy anomaly in the asthenospheric mantle

Regulating Unconventional Oil and Gas Production: Towards an International Sustainability Framework

Many of the emerging literatures on unconventional oil and gas production have taken the form of arguing for and against its positive and negative impacts. Studies have taken the form of exploring how it could result in increased energy production, energy security, financial returns and profits to local entities, increased investments in priority sectors, and generation of local employment opprtunities. On the other side, there have been explorations of the costs of fracking to the environment, human health, long term sustainability and contamination of drill sites. Less attention have been paid to exploring the possibilities of an International framework through which we could achieve a win-win scenario, i.e maximizing the economic potentials of unconventional oil and gas by reducing the environmental side effects. This paper discusses an International framework built on the theory of sustainable development, through which the environmental concerns associated with unconventional oil and gas production can be addressed

Regulating Unconventional Oil and Gas Production: Towards an International Sustainability Framework

Many of the emerging literatures on unconventional oil and gas production have taken the form of arguing for and against its positive and negative impacts. Studies have taken the form of exploring how it could result in increased energy production, energy security, financial returns and profits to local entities, increased investments in priority sectors, and generation of local employment opprtunities. On the other side, there have been explorations of the costs of fracking to the environment, human health, long term sustainability and contamination of drill sites. Less attention have been paid to exploring the possibilities of an international framework through which we could achieve a win-win scenario, i.e maximizing the economic potentials of unconventional oil and gas by reducing the environmental side effects. This paper discusses an international framework built on the theory of sustainable development, through which the environmental concerns associated with unconventional oil and gas production can be addressed

ExxonMobil in Europe’s Shale Gas Fields: Quitting Early or Fighting It Out?

This article focuses on the oil and gas supermajor, ExxonMobil, and its business in the unconventional gas field in Europe. The purpose was to investigate whether and how ExxonMobil runs its natural gas operations differently among European countries and possible reasons for divergent strategies. After a brief introduction of the firm, ExxonMobil’s approach in Europe in general will be discussed. Two countries are in focus: Poland and Germany. The key finding is that the firm indeed has shown different approaches and strategies. In Poland, ExxonMobil faced a supportive, positive environment but quit quickly when its small investment resulted only in disappointing results. The firm, however, was a newcomer which had not much to lose. In contrast, its German unconventional gas operations are connected to broad conventional activities and are being defended by an extensive effort to win back public support

The nature of public participation in the decision to implement shale gas mining : a case study of the Karoo Basin.

M.A. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg 2015.Since 2008 the African National Congress has been making preparations to legalise Shale Gas Mining in South Africa. Shale Gas Mining and its single process of unconventional oil/gas extraction called fracking, has sparked immense controversy both locally and internationally. This has made fracking and Shale Gas Mining a highly politicised topic. Due to uncertainties of the sustainability of fracking, which is evident in factors such as the lack of scientific evidence, and public opposition, states such as France and Bulgaria, have banned fracking. Currently the USA, Canada, Argentina and China are the four major countries in the world that are fracking for unconventional shale gas and oil at commercial levels. Opponents of fracking and SGM emphasise its long term negative socio-economic and environmental consequences. Proponents of fracking and SGM promote it on the basis that it harnesses the potential to bring economic growth and energy security. Further exacerbating the contentious nature of the fracking debate is the lack of accountability, transparency and good governance regarding its proposed implementation around the world including South Africa. The South African Constitution affords all its citizens the right to participate in political decisionmaking. This research interrogates the nature of public participation in the African National Congresses decision to legalise Shale Gas Mining in the iconic landscape of the Karoo basin. This research employs desktop study aided by 90 journal articles, 40 electronic pdf documents, 71 websites, 19 books, 6 online videos comprised of fracking documentaries news reports, 4 government publications and 2 conference papers. Findings from this study reveal a prevalent lack of transparency and a lack of genuine public consultation and public involvement by South Africa’s national government regarding the proposed implementation of shale gas mining and fracking. Although public consultations had been conducted by Shell falcon and Bundu as is required by the National Environmental Management Act, October 2014 saw the first public consultations initiated by the South African government – over five years after fracking was proposed

Geology and logistics issues in a densely populated area

The recent exploration of hydrocarbon source rocks in Europe and indeed in the rest of the world has looked to the US for guidance on the shale attri- butes, the new techniques, the effects of exploration on the environment and new regulations required for successful and safe exploitation. But this has been a steep learning curve even for major oil companies, which were slow to respond to the early success in the Barnett Shale. They have bought and taken over companies in order to gain expertise in the US basins and can now apply this to the rest of the world. It seems likely that exploration will only be as easy as in the US in those countries near the bottom of the population density list and those where investment in nuclear and renewable energy has been or is lower. The incentive of a high gas price and security of supply will however drive exploration in the higher density populated countries. Peter Voser, CEO of Royal Dutch Shell plc, has stated that ‘We underestimate what [shale gas] could do to the world in the next 10 to 20 years. It’s a big deal and necessary – globally.’ Gerhard Roiss, chief executive of Austrian oil and gas company OMV AG, is quoted as saying that ‘While Europeans worry about the potentially negative environmental aspects of exploiting shale gas, OMV has a simple message: Shale gas is a necessary part of a sustainable European energy mix. Not to embrace shale gas risks the future competitiveness of European industry’. Already cheap gas in the US is regenerating their energy intensive industries and providing chemical feedstocks. The US has also used shale gas to displace coal in their energy mix, thereby probably reducing their carbon dioxide emissions