Investigating localisation impacts of manufacturing solar photovoltaics in coal phasing-out regions – a case study of Steve Tshwete Local Municipality

Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract.Ph.D. (Energy Studies

Lines, Landscapes & Lore : Waterval Boven as a case study for regenerative heritage remodelling as a strategy for small towns rejuvenation

Approaches to heritage management in a South African context are often riddled with questions of ownership and who holds the rights to narrate which heritage (Mnyaka & Minkley, 2015, p. 57). As a result there is often an absence of awareness to the potential the built heritage has in the economic and social sustainability of a given place and or its potential to rejuvenate these if used as a resource for (re)development. This dissertation will explore regenerative remodelling of heritage as a strategy to revitalise the economy, ecology and the cultural as well as the social landscape of the 19th century railways town of Waterval Boven in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Regenerative remodelling theory is situated at the intersection of heritage, resilience and future perspectives for the rejuvenation of place. The dissertation is an exploration of this intersection through a bio-technology based additive manufacturing industry as a catalyst for an ecological and sustainable industry that will see the rejuvenation and future proofing of post-company/industry small towns in South Africa.Dissertation (MArch (Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2018.ArchitectureMArch (Prof)Unrestricte

Investigating a sustainable operational method for a micro-scale biodigester in South Africa

Submitted to A dissertation submitted to the School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Engineering. January 2019The adoption of micro-scale biogas digesters can play a significant role in reducing indoor pollution and promoting socio-economic development. This research aims to investigate a sustainable operational method for a South African micro-scale biodigester. The factors affecting a sustainable operation of a digester, the economic and market model analysis and an assessment of the current South African policy is discussed with an objective to improve the biodigester legislative framework. To operate a sustainable micro-scale biodigester, a compact project management should be established and qualitative data collection that could not be collected during the digester needs analysis community meetings should be gathered from community groups. Gathering data through community groups strengthens project integration into communal structures. Community consultation highlights whether there is an interest or not from the rural communities. The findings indicated that a compulsory maintenance contract guarantees a constant digester feeding thus solidifying microorganism sustenance. A routine maintenance plan ensures that all digester mechanical failures are minimised. The economic and market model analysis showed that micro-scale biodigesters are generally government or donor-funded in South Africa. Lack of financial resources ring-fenced for digester maintenance was identified as the cause for digester failure. The reviewed analysis of an economic and market model recognised the lack of digester regulation, poverty levels in rural regions, and lower affordability rates as a limitation for micro-scale biodigester adoption. The existing South African energy policy analysis indicated gaps for a sustainable micro-scale biodigester operation. Overall, the supplementary environmental and socio-economic benefits associated with a sustainable biodigesters operation add value to the livelihoods of rural dwellers through reducing energy poverty and encouraging economic development in rural communities.MT 201