Africa’s First Alpine and Transboundary Long-Term Socioecological Research Platform

The austrotemperate alpine system of southern Africa's Maloti–Drakensberg is the only alpine system south of Mount Kilimanjaro, making it unique on the continent. With a difference in elevation of only 300–600 m and characterized by an undulating Gondwanan mature erosional land surface plateau around 2865–3500 masl, it is threatened by unsustainable land uses and climate change. To better understand these challenges, the Afromontane Research Unit of the University of the Free State, South Africa, is setting up the 1200 km2 Mont-Aux-Sources Long-Term Socio-Ecological Research (LTSER) platform. It is the first alpine-focused, long-term monitoring protocol implemented in the Maloti–Drakensberg. Straddling the border between South Africa and Lesotho, it is also the only alpine and transboundary LTSER area in Africa

Faith seeking understanding

The debate between faith and science is an ongoing and dynamic conversation marked by the need to consistently factor in new data generated by the sciences, and new perspectives developed in theology. In this book, a group of theologians and ethicists provide insights into the debate from a faith perspective. The basic thesis permeating the discussions is that faith and science are capable of enriching and complementing each other, albeit in their own unique way. What unifies faith and science is the search for truth. What differentiates them is the unique lenses they employ to find the truth. In the end, both scientists and theologians must take into account all the pathways and lenses that lead us to a better understanding of reality. This study presents concrete examples of how theological knowledge and scientific data can be fruitfully used and integrated to develop new horizons of understanding. The general aim of this contribution was to narrow in on some of the burning themes that are driving the faith or science scholarly debate. Each contributor highlights a different aspect of the debate. The topics addressed include theoretical perspectives on the science-faith relation, the ancient scientific worldview of the creation narratives in Genesis, evolution and human origins, science and African Pentecostalism, faith and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, science and transhumanism, science and traditional medicine, and the role that faith and science can play in the human quest for meaning. Most of the contributors approach the topic from a post-foundationalist and postpositivist epistemological point of view. A wide range of hermeneutical methods is employed, ranging from systematic biblical-theological perspectives to literary and source criticism. Analytical, normative and existential philosophical arguments are also utilised throughout the course of the book. The most important contribution of the book lies in the transdisciplinary perspectives that emanate from the discussion. The ways in which the authors go about integrating theological and scientific perspectives to address ultimate questions about meaning and to inform moral discourse show that religion still has an important role to play in a world increasingly shaped by technological rationality. At the same time, it indicates that religion and science do not have to stand in conflict with each other. If the two lenses on reality engage in mature dialogue, they can enrich, inform and, on some occasions, even correct each other. The target audience of this book includes theological scholars, natural scientists and science philosophers. This book contains no plagiarism, and none of the work has been published elsewhere

Faith seeking understanding

The debate between faith and science is an ongoing and dynamic conversation marked by the need to consistently factor in new data generated by the sciences, and new perspectives developed in theology. In this book, a group of theologians and ethicists provide insights into the debate from a faith perspective. The basic thesis permeating the discussions is that faith and science are capable of enriching and complementing each other, albeit in their own unique way. What unifies faith and science is the search for truth. What differentiates them is the unique lenses they employ to find the truth. In the end, both scientists and theologians must take into account all the pathways and lenses that lead us to a better understanding of reality. This study presents concrete examples of how theological knowledge and scientific data can be fruitfully used and integrated to develop new horizons of understanding. The general aim of this contribution was to narrow in on some of the burning themes that are driving the faith or science scholarly debate. Each contributor highlights a different aspect of the debate. The topics addressed include theoretical perspectives on the science-faith relation, the ancient scientific worldview of the creation narratives in Genesis, evolution and human origins, science and African Pentecostalism, faith and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, science and transhumanism, science and traditional medicine, and the role that faith and science can play in the human quest for meaning. Most of the contributors approach the topic from a post-foundationalist and postpositivist epistemological point of view. A wide range of hermeneutical methods is employed, ranging from systematic biblical-theological perspectives to literary and source criticism. Analytical, normative and existential philosophical arguments are also utilised throughout the course of the book. The most important contribution of the book lies in the transdisciplinary perspectives that emanate from the discussion. The ways in which the authors go about integrating theological and scientific perspectives to address ultimate questions about meaning and to inform moral discourse show that religion still has an important role to play in a world increasingly shaped by technological rationality. At the same time, it indicates that religion and science do not have to stand in conflict with each other. If the two lenses on reality engage in mature dialogue, they can enrich, inform and, on some occasions, even correct each other. The target audience of this book includes theological scholars, natural scientists and science philosophers. This book contains no plagiarism, and none of the work has been published elsewhere

Analysis of energy metering effectiveness in rural municipalities : a case study

Thesis (MIng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013Management of any aspect of life remains the single determining factor for success, wealth, growth and prosperity – this is a general truth. Without an effective management system, nothing will have direction and no milestone can be achieved. The most important management section of any organization is the management on ground level. If ground level management of an organization is defective, the organization will not function and will soon only serve as a reference to a valuable lesson. The sustainability of local government is determined by the same principle, with the success thereof ascribed to the management of infrastructure and processes within a municipality. One such functioning aspect of municipalities is the electrical energy metering system. A wellmanaged and maintained electrical energy management system is one of the few capital resources of any municipality. The electrical supply system can however also be one of many constraints, impeding development if mismanaged. This research study shows the effects of management, or the lack thereof, on selected rural municipalities. Research was done to determine the current state of technology and the associated financial impact on these municipalities. Although it is not possible to generalize, it is evident from this research study that an underlying problem is the lack of proper ground level management. Design science research was used to add value in the form of a capability maturity model for rural municipalities. Such a model can be used to score a municipality in terms of its capability maturity at national level. When applied correctly, this model can be used as a management tool. By the implementation of certain management strategies based on technical principles, the impact of an electrical energy metering management system was also illustrated by this research study. This research study also covers the applied method and results as implemented by several municipalities within the Republic of South Africa.Master