Isaac T. Rampedi

Integrated reporting vs. sustainability reporting for corporate responsibility in South Africa

Abstract Large corporates have come under increasing pressure to conduct their business in a more transparent and responsible manner. In order for business to fulfil its obligations under the ethic of accountability stakeholders must be given relevant, timely, and understandable information about their activities through corporate reports. The conventional company reports on annual financial performance, sustainability and governance disclosures often fail to make the connection between the organisation’s strategy, its financial results and performance on environmental, social and governance issues. Recognising the inherent shortcomings of existing reporting models, there is a growing trend to move towards integrated reporting. South Africa has been one of the most innovative countries in terms of integrated corporate reporting. Since 2010 companies primarily listed on the country’s major stock exchange have been required to produce an integrated report as opposed to the former sustainability report. The aim in this study is to review the development of integrated reporting by large corporates in South Africa and assess the impact of the required transition from sustainability reporting to integrated reporting on non-financial disclosure of eight South African corporates using content analysis of annual reports.

Traditional Beverages Derived from Wild Food Plant Species in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province in South Africa

Beverages derived from wild plant species play an important role in local and traditional food systems in rural communities such as in the Vhembe District, South Africa. Conducting research on such foodstuffs may help to prevent loss of indigenous knowledge on potential dietary sources for needy households. Through surveys and focussed group discussions, 41 different beverage-making plant species were identified. Traditional beverage making processes are of three types. Preparing teas involve a boiling process while juices are manually extracted following overnight soaking of the fruit pulp mixture. Brewing traditional beer usually requires a spontaneous fermentation process lasting 2–3 days.

Integrating biogeography, threat and evolutionary data to explore extinction crisis in the taxonomic group of cycads

Abstract Will the ongoing extinction crisis cause a severe loss of evolutionary information accumulated over millions of years on the tree of life? This question has been largely explored, particularly for vertebrates and angiosperms. However, no equivalent effort has been devoted to gymnosperms. Here, we address this question focusing on cycads, the gymnosperm group exhibiting the highest proportion of threatened species in the plant kingdom. We assembled the first complete phylogeny of cycads and assessed how species loss under three scenarios would impact the cycad tree of life. These scenarios are as follows: (1) All top 50% of evolutionarily distinct (ED) species are lost; (2) all threatened species are lost; and (3) only all threatened species in each IUCN category are lost. Finally, we analyzed the biogeographical pattern of cycad diversity hotspots and tested for gaps in the current global conservation network. First, we showed that threatened species are not significantly clustered on the cycad tree of life. Second, we showed that the loss of all vulnerable or endangered species does not depart significantly from random loss. In contrast, the loss of all top 50% ED, all threatened or all critically endangered species, would result in a greater loss of PD (Phylogenetic Diversity) than expected. To inform conservation decisions, we defined five hotpots of diversity, and depending on the diversity metric used, these hotspots are located in Southern Africa, Australia, Indo‐Pacific, and Mexico and all are found within protected areas. We conclude that the phylogenetic diversity accumulated over millions of years in the cycad tree of life would not survive the current extinction crisis. As such, prioritizing efforts based on ED and concentrating efforts on critically endangered species particularly in southern Africa, Australia, Indo‐Pacific, and Mexico are required to safeguarding the evolutionary diversity in the cycad tree of life.

Understanding the role of socio-demographic and geographical location on pro-environmental behavior in Nigeria

ABSTRACT This study seeks to determine whether socio-demographic and geographical variables matter in understanding pro-environmental behavior in Nigeria. The Wave 6 World Value Survey data on Nigeria were analyzed with t-test, analysis of variance and stepwise regression. Results indicated that significant differences and relationships exist in pro-environmental behavior across socio-demographic and geographical variables of respondents. Social class, membership of environmental organization, region and income were found to be predictors of pro-environmental behavior. The study concluded that these variables are important in understanding peoples pro-environmental behavior and must be considered in the design of any interventions geared to improve pro-environmental behavior amongst Nigerians.

Students’ attitudes to solid waste management in a Nigerian university: Implications for campus-based sustainability education

Purpose Waste management is a critical element of the campus sustainability movement in which Nigerian universities are yet to actively participate. The purpose of this study was to investigate prevalent waste management practices and the disposition of undergraduate students in a Nigerian University. Design/methodology/approach Data collection involved the use of a questionnaire, focus group discussion and participative observation. Respondents consisted of 840 students drawn from four academic faculties of the university. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to address the research questions raised to guide the investigation. Findings Indiscriminate littering, open dumping of waste, weedy and overgrown lawns, proliferation of power generating sets, uncollected refuse sites and defaced walls with postings were the major observed environmental challenges. Open burning of refuse was found to be the single most prevalent way of managing large volumes of waste generated on the university campus. Although the problems were widespread, only 40.5 per cent of the students expressed serious concern for the solid waste practices. Also, while the students were positively disposed to innovative ways of addressing the challenge of waste management in the university, there were significant differences in students’ awareness and disposition according to sex, age, academic level and faculties. Research limitations/implications The implications of the findings for campus-based sustainability education are discussed. Originality/value This study is an original research article which interrogated the students’ attitudes to solid waste management in a Nigerian University. It used a combination of both qualitative and quantitative techniques, such as questionnaire, focus group discussion and participative observation.

Assessing the potential of remote sensing to discriminate invasive Asparagus laricinus from adjacent land cover types

Abstract The utility of remote sensing technique to discriminate Asparagus laricinus from adjacent land cover types using a field spectrometer data was explored in this study. Analysis made use of original spectra and spectra simulated based on Landsat and SPOT 5 bands. Comparisons were made at individual and plot levels using original spectra, and individual and group level using simulated spectra. The near-infrared region showed consistent significant differences between A. laricinus and adjacent land cover types at the individual level analysis. In particular, Landsat- and SPOT 5-simulated spectra showed significant differences in only the NIR band. The findings suggest the potential of upscaling field-based data into airborne or spaceborne remote sensing techniques with more emphasis on the NIR band. However, more studies need to be undertaken that will make up for the shortcomings encountered in this study. In this regard, improvements can be made using large number of samples, stratifying target plants according to phenologies, and taking spectral measurements at ideal times as much as possible. Furthermore, laboratory measurements would help in drawing up conclusive statements on the discriminability of the species.

HEARTED EFFORTS BY THE MOGOGELO COMMUNITY TO PROTECT TRADITIONAL SITES BY MEANS OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION FORUMS: A REVIEW REPORT

ABSTRACT Traditional values, especially those regarding ancestral graves, crafts, beliefs, songs, dances and languages, are part of Africas oldest heritage. These existed prior to knowledge of sustainable development or any legal framework to enforce conservation. Development was, in the past, community-centred without constraints to these antiquities. Current legislation acknowledges the necessity of stakeholders’ consent, that is, the consent of community residents. This was the case with the development of a photovoltaic solar energy project in the Mogogelo community in the North West province in South Africa, where environmental practitioners were required as legislated to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Among these specialist studies was the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA). This article is based on the interest shown by the community and the standoff that arose over the allocation of the project site and the conservation of traditional values. Using a public participation process as a social forum, this report highlights the degree of traditional knowledge and legislative awareness within the community about its right to protect heritage resources.