South Africa – Norway Programme for Research Co-operation
PROJECT CATALOGUE
2002-2005
1
Project Overview
Project no
Page
152235
152239
152243
152251
152252
152253
152259
152266
152267
152269
152284
152293
152297
152298
152309
152313
152315
152317
152325
157966
157980
157986
157987
157996
157998
152006
158150
158153
158156
158162
158163
158164
158166
158173
158179
158181
158182
158187
158189
158190
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3
3
4
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6
6
7
8
9
9
10
11
12
12
13
14
14
15
16
17
18
18
19
20
21
21
22
23
25
26
27
28
29
30
30
31
32
33
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2
Project Overview
1
Cultural Constructions of
Place: Community
Documentation of Cultural and
Environmental Heritage in the
Greater St. Lucia Wetlands
Region
Project no:
152235/V10
Grant Period:
1.1.2003-31.12.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
University of Oslo, Department of Social
Anthropology
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Berkaak, Odd Are, Professor
Financed by RCN:
2003: 142,400 2004: 100,800 2005: 106,400
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of Natal, School of Music
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Impey Angela M, Dr
Financed by NRF:
2003: 205,000 2004: 210,000 2005: 236,000
Main objectives:
This project proposes to build a Cultural and
Environmental Heritage Documentation process in South
Africa’s first World Heritage Site, the Greater St. Lucia
Wetlands Park (GSLWP). The documentation project is
founded on the premise that culture is as much a part of
the treasure of the landscape as are its faunal, floral and
marine resources.
It proposes that songs, dances and ritual processes are rich
repositories of indigenous knowledge about the
environment, and are particularly relevant signifiers of
local meaning systems in a context where these systems
may no longer be learned due to enforced displacement
and socio-economic transformation.
Through the establishment of documentation nodes, the
project strives to systematically accumulate a body of
cultural data that comments upon interdependencies
between symbolic practices and environmental place. The
long-term objective of the project is to explore ways in
which indigenous knowledge systems can be recast to
generate an organizing paradigm for the sustainable
custodianship of the environment, and herein empower
local communities to participate more equitably in the
development of the region.
Methodology:
The project will operate in 3 cultural/environmental zones
within the GSLWP, namely Sokhulu in the south; Mduku
in the central region; and Mabaso in the north. In each
zone, a school will be selected to operate as a
documentation node: in each will be a research team
comprising a faculty coordinator, 8 student researchers
(16-18 yrs) and 2 unemployed school-leavers. With
guidance from principal researchers and post-graduate
researchers, research teams will progressively build
cultural and environmental documentation centers
following a three-year documentation-reflection-action
cycle, as advanced by PRA: Phase 1 (2003): establishing
archive/data gathering; ion cycle, as advanced by PRA:
Phase 2 (2004): information feedback into community
through localized workshops, public video screenings and
the production of a CD-series; Phase 3 (2005): integration
of materials into broader community based conservation
processes through regional workshops, and into broader
academic processes through an international conference
and documentary film production.
Significance of proposed Research:
The project aims to contribute towards cutting-edge
academic discourse on the symbolic/ritual construction of
natural landscape/place/identity. Materials will have
theoretical relevance across a range of disciplines.
Information will make a particularly significant
contribution to Environmental Studies and emerging
models of Community Based Conservation, which have
yet to effectively incorporate culture into sustainable
environmental development paradigms.
Through application of participatory methodologies, the
project will build community-based documentation
processes, focusing on the re-memorization of indigenous
knowledge systems, hereby building capacity,
empowering communities through awareness of cultural
strengths and environmental place, and linking processes
to a variety of prospective economic outcomes.
Mode of Cooperation:
Dr Odd Are Berkaak (Norway) and Dr Angela Impey
(South Africa) will collaborate as project directors
throughout the 3- year period. While Dr Impey will
manage ongoing liaison with research teams, Dr Berkaak
will conduct field trips to South Africa on a twice-yearly
basis to direct the construction of community archives.
Dr. Impey will spend one month per year at the
University of Oslo, where she and Dr. Berkaak will work
on joint publications, on a CD production and, together
with Ms. Berkaak, participate in post-production of a
documentary film. Both participants will organize/direct
local and regional workshops, and an international
conference in South Africa.
3
2
District health information
systems in South Africa:
Empirical studies and
interventions for improved use
of information in health
management
Project no:
152239/V10
Grant Period:
1.10.2002-30.9.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
University of Oslo, Department of Informatics
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Braa, Jørn, Associate professor
Financed by RCN:
2003: 238,000 2004: 190,400 2005: 142,800
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of the Western Cape, School of Public
Health
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Sanders, David M, Professor
Financed by NRF:
2002: 52,000 2003: 210,000 2004: 210,000
2005: 157,000
Main Objectives:
The objectives of the proposed research are to assess and
analyze the health information systems program (HISP)
ongoing in South Africa since 1994, and to develop “best
practices” to strengthen the practice and research of health
and MIS. The research brings together a unique interdisciplinary perspective of Public Health and Informatics
that synergistically combine to address important thematic
concerns in South Africa related to health management,
the problem of HIV/Aids, the effective deployment of
ICT’s for supporting priorities of social development and
democratization, and to strengthen education and training
processes in both Public Health and Informatics.
An example of this synergy is reflected in the current use
of the HISP systems for tracking information relating to
the transmission of HIV to children from infected
mothers. While an effectively designed system helps to
track this crucial information, education and training
helps to support how this tracked information is used for
action at different levels from social policy formation to
health workers identifying and scheduling target groups
for their field activities. An underlying motivation of this
research is that while HISP has helped to significantly
enhance the capture of correct, relevant and timely data,
the use of this data still remains extremely marginal.
There is urgent need for research to upgrade and
empowering the health structure to a stage of effective
utilization of the health indicators in management. This
upgrading will go a long way to fulfill the objectives of
“knowledge for development” outlined by the World
Bank annual report (1997).
Significance of proposed Research:
The proposed research seeks to address the above need by
analyzing what is the practical status of the use of health
data, what are the institutional and technical constraints to
this utilization at various levels of the health structure,
and develop strategies and approach to strengthen this
process of utilization.
Methodology:
The research methodology involves the selection of a
district each in four provinces where HISP has been
implemented. To facilitate significant inter-case
comparisons, the selection is made to include a diversity
of sites in terms of their infrastructure, contextual
conditions, and period of HISP implementation. Data will
be gathered through in-depth interviews, participant
observation, and the study of processes around data
collection, transmission and flows.
Analysis of data will be carried out within an interpretive
and action research framework involving an iterative and
collaborative process of dialogue between the researchers
and health officials. The research over three years will
include three distinct phases including situation analysis
(first year) intervention (second year), and analysis of
intervention recommendations (last year).
Mode of Cooperation:
This research is proposed through the collaboration of the
School of Public health, University of Western Cape and
the Department of Informatics, University of Oslo.
The research will make significant contributions to both
the theory of public health and informatics and the
practice of public health management in South Africa.
3
Development of
rhizormediation as a treatment
technology in the removal of
PAHs and PCBs from the
environment
Project no:
152243/V10
Grant Period:
1.1.2003-31.8.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
University of Bergen, Department of Biology
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Drønen, Asbjørg Karine Dr.
Financed by RCN:
2003: 155,200 2004: 96,533 2005: 48,267
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of Pretoria, Department of
Microbiology
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Cloete, Thomas E, Professor
Financed by NRF:
2003: 285,000 2004: 255,000
4

Main Objective:
Rhizoremediation of plants tolerant to total petroleum
hydrocarbon (TPH) offers an opportunity to develop a
cheap technology to treat toxic and harmful petroleum
compounds.
The main objective in this study will be to investigate
how effective the utilization of TPH tolerant plants is in
effecting the dissipation of PAHs and PCBs from soil.
Methodology:
Putative TPH tolerant plants will be isolated, identified
and screened for their tolerance range. The microbial
community in the rhizosphere of TPH tolerant plants will
be characterized both with respect to phylogenetic
affiliation and the functionality of PCB, PAH and TPH
degradation. In microcosm experiments the effect of
inoculating plants with certain biodegraders on the PCBs,
PAHs and TPH removal will be investigated, and so
possible effect on the bacterial populations. Freshly
spiked soil will be compared with aged contaminated soil
with respect to bioavailability of PAHs and PCBs.
Finally, field experiments with TPH plants with the
isolated biodegraders will be performed in pilot studies.
Significance of proposed Research:
If TPH tolerant plants can be used in effecting TPH
dissipation from the soil, harmful compounds can be
removed from the environment to low costs.
The experiment will take place in South Africa as a part
of the ongoing research projects on the use of plants to
stimulate the removal of organic
4
The rock art project
Project no:
152251/V10
Grant Period:
1.11.2002-31.10.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
Tromsø Museum, Tromsø University Museum
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Helskog, Knut Professor
Financed by RCN:
2003: 113,000 2004: 203,000 2005: 130,500
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of the Witwatersrand, Rock Art
Research Institute
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Smith, Benjamin W, Dr
Financed by NRF:
2003: 133,000 2004: 330,000 2005: 131,000
Main Objectives:
 To develop a new and integrated approach to
recording rock art in South Africa and Norway,
one that captures the features of the rock itself
and which utilizes advances in digital
technology.

To share methods and experiences of rock art
interpretation and to encourage ScandinavianAfrican comparative rock art studies
To share and analyze experiences in rock art
management and presentation so as to develop
ways of offering a higher standard of public rock
art site in South Africa and Norway and thereby
to grow tourism and appreciation of indigenous
culture.
Methodology:
The methods used will be simple and effective. The
project will combine the expertise of the two respective
organizations and run joint workshops, joint field research
and a joint conference so that younger students and
researchers gain a new depth of international in the
methods and techniques of rock art studies. The problems
faced in each country are different and exposure to
different research material and different research
traditions will leave all concerned stronger.
Significance of proposed Research:
Rock art research is currently driving tourism and job
creation in South Africa. It has long done so in Norway.
The project will further cement the special role of Norway
and South Africa as world leaders in rock art recording,
interpretation and presentation. By sharing our separate
but related research experiences one will enhance the
value of rock art research in both countries.
Mode of cooperation:
South Africa will organize the day-to-day administration
of the project and involvement of African rock art
researchers where appropriate. Norway will co-ordinate
the technical side of the work and draw in Scandinavian
researchers as and where appropriate. South Africa will
host a conference to showcase the research findings of the
project. South Africa (Rock Art Research Institute,
University of the Witwatersrand) will organize the day-today administration of the project and involvement of
African rock art researchers where appropriate. Norway
will co-ordinate the technical side of the work and draw in
Scandinavian researchers as and where appropriate. South
Africa will host a conference to showcase the research
findings of the project. Both South Africa and Norway
will discuss their finds with the appropriate local
communities.
5
Porphyrin-ferrocene
Conjugates as Potential
Anticancer Agents: Synthesis,
electrochemistry,
spectroscopyu, quantum
chemistry, and biol. test
5
Project no:
152252/V10
Grant Period:
1.9.2002-31.8.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
University of Tromsø, Faculty of Sciences
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Ghosh, Abhik Professor
Financed by RCN:
2002: 27,968 2003: 366,932 2004: 197,500
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of the Free State, Department of
Chemistry
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Swarts, Jannie C, Professor
Financed by NRF:
2002: 197,000 2003: 197,000 2004: 198,000
Main Objectives:
 To synthesize mono-functionalized (e.g. amine
functionalized) tetraphenylporphorins,
covalently anchor ferrocene-containing
carboxylic acids to the porphyrines to generate
new meso-tetraphenylporphyrin-ferrocenyl
conjugates and to anchor the porphyrine
derivatives on a water-soluble polymeric drug
carrier.
 To characterize the electron transfer properties of
these complexes by means of electrochemical
and, if possible, also kinetic studies.
 To carry out thorough spectroscopic
characterization of these complexes
 To carry in-depth quantum chemical studies of
these complexes
 To subject the porphyrin-complexes to cytotoxic
studies that will show the antineoplastic
(anticancer) activity of these complexes.
Methodology:
Synthesis will be performed utilizing well-established
reaction conditions including Lindsey technology for
porphyrin synthesis, nitration, Friedel Crafts acylation,
Michael addition, Vilsmeier formulation, thermal and
interfaolal polymerisation, and amide formation under the
influence of sultable peptide coupling agents. Electron
transfer studies will be mostly by cyclic voltammetry. If
possible, aqueous solution phase stopped flow kinetic
measurements in the UV-VIS speotral region will also be
performed. Resonance Raman spectroscopic studies will
be carried out in Tromsø. Quantum chemical calculations,
using largely density functional theory (DFT), will be
accomplished in Tromsø, using Norwegian national
supercomputer facilities.
Cytotoxic medical studies measurements will be done
under the protection of the Cancer Association of South
Africa, following all ethical guidelines as laid down by
the ethical committee, utilizing inter alla cultured human
colorectal CoLo DM320 cell lines and cultured human
cervix epitheloid, HeLa, cancer cell lines.
Significance of proposed Research:
All the proposed meso-tetraphenylporphyrin-ferrocenyl
(TPP-Fc) conjugates will be new compounds. The
incorporation of the ferrocenyl (Fc) group will give multimetal nuclear complexes. Central to this proposal,
however, is the possibility of demonstrating how the
antineoplastic ferrocenyl and photodynamic active (metal
free) tetraphenylporphyrino (TPP) groups may
compliment each other in a synergistic effect in cancer
treatment. The project will also, for the first time, be
capable to demonstrate if the tetraphenylporphyrino group
can act as an effective carrier to transport the
antineoplastic active ferrocenyl group preferentially to a
cancer cell. This will allow for more efficient cancer cell
death while largely leaving healthy cells undamaged. This
transport effect is a real possibility as the
tetraphenylporphorin macrocycle were shown to have an
increased affinity for cancer cells (i.e. they are
preferentially absorbed by cancer cells, antineoplastic
active material are compounds that have been shown to
kill cancer cells under laboratory conditions but are not
yet in clinical use). The electron transfer studies will show
how the electroactive ferrocenyl and porphyrin groups
can interact with each other under conjugating (good
communicating) or nonconjugating (i.e. a "through space"
field effect) conditions. It will also show if there is any
relationship between the formal reduction potential of the
ferrocenyl group and the expected cytotoxicity of the new
meso-tetraphenylporphyrin-ferrocenyl conjugates (such a
relationship was found for the free ferrocene-containing
carboxylic acid derivatives). The spectroscopic studies,
including optical and resonance Raman spectroscopy and
spectroelectrochemistry, will also investigate the
electronic communication between the porphyrin and
ferrocenyl groups. Regular DFT calculations will be used
to characterize ground-state structures and other
properties of the compounds studied while timedependent DFT calculations will be used to calculate
excited states. As none of the compounds under
investigation possess water-solubility, use of a watersoluble drug carrier will allow the use of these
compounds in cancer therapy while largely making use of
the aqueous central circulation department, i.e. the blood,
of the body.
Mode of cooperation:
Responsibility for synthesis and electron transfer studies
will be shared 50 % by the South African and Norwegian
counterparts. South African Quantum chemistry and
resonance Raman studies will be the sole responsibility of
the Norwegian side. The medical studies - cytotoxicity
studies - will be largely carried out by the South African
side. On the Norwegian side, an attempt will be made to
carry out photodynamic therapy testing in collaboration
with the Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo.
6
6
Information and
Communication Technology:
Computational High Energy
Physics
Project no:
152253/V10
Grant Period:
1.7.2002-30.6.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
University of Bergen, Research,
UNIFOB AS, Bergen Center for Computational
Sciences
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Csernai, Laszlo Professor
Financed by RCN:
2003: 321,300 2004: 214,400 2005: 107,100
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of Cape Town, Department of Physics
Principle Investigators, South Africa:
Cleymans, Jean W A, Professor
Financed by NRF:
2002: 72,000 2003: 188,000 2004: 145,000
2005: 73,000
Main Objectives:
On 2 November 2001 a group of physicists from the
University of Cape Town (UCT) were accepted as
members of the ALICE collaboration at CERN, Geneva,
Switzerland. This group includes Dr. Zeblon Vilakazi, Dr.
Roger Fearick and Professor Jean Cleymans. Several
UCT students have now started work in this new
direction: Mark Homer (Ph.D. student), Bruce Becker
(Ph.D. student), Spencer Wheaton (Phi) student), Nawahl
Razak (M.Sc. student) and Mark Maraja (Ph.D. student).
This opens up numerous avenues for cooperation between
Cape Town and Bergen, since the University of Bergen
(UoB) has a very substantial group working on the
ALICE experiment at CERN.
The group in Cape Town are newcomers to this field, and
considerable guidance will be needed, especially now, in
the early stages. The collaboration between Cape Town
and Bergen therefore comes at a particularly appropriate
moment. For Cape Town this involves a considerable
change in research direction since, during the apartheid
years, it was impossible to collaborate internationally
because of sanctions imposed on South Africa. The main
objective is therefore a collaboration on all the aspects
involving physics of relativistic heavy ion collisions: the
model building part (mainly theoretical in nature), the
analysis part (involving the development of software and
the running of simulations), and the hardware part (the
contribution to the development of detectors).
Methodology:
In the first two years it would be best to concentrate on
the software aspects and on the theoretical models. The
software presently being developed at CERN is of
considerable interest to a wide community, since it
includes the development of GRID (distributed
computing) technologies. The South African government
has declared the development of information technology
as one of its top priorities, and the development of GRID
would fit perfectly into this picture. These technologies
are viewed by many people working in this field as
considerably enhancing the capabilities of the internet,
since it would allow direct access to the CPU of powerful
computers in different parts of the world - including
University of Bergen. One therefore views this as first
priority. Next would be the development of theoretical
models for the analysis of experimental data. At a later
stage, UCT plans to develop its workshop facilities with a
view to being included as an active partner in the
development of detectors.
Significance of proposed Research:
The developments in the software domain will have an
immediate and direct impact of great significance to the
way one does research. Being part of an international
collaboration of this magnitude is a completely new
development for the physics community of South Africa
and should be viewed as a first step to opening new
possibilities.
Mode of cooperation
The Physics Department at UCT would like to send two
to three postgraduate students to University of Bergen so
that they could participate actively in the research efforts.
It would also be helpful if senior staff from Bergen could
visit Cape Town for periods of one to two months. Once
the initial contacts have been established, further
exchange could be maintained via the usual channels.
7
The Role of Courts in the
Consolidation of Democracy
and Social Transformation in
South- Africa
Project no:
152259/V10
Grant Period:
1.9.2002-31.8.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
Chr. Michelsen Institute
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Gloppen, Siri Senior Researcher
Financed by RCN:
2002: 103,950 2003: 149,450 2004: 120,000
Responsible University/Institution: South Africa:
University of the Witwatersrand, Centre for
Applied Legal Studies
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Albertyn, Catherine H, Professor
Financed by NRF:
2002: 176,000 2003: 293,000 2004: 278,000
2005: 65,000
7
Main objectives:
The proposed research project will investigate the role
played by courts in the linked processes of democratic
consolidation and social transformation in South Africa,
concentrating on three aspects in particular:
 The accountability function of courts
 The role of the courts in socio-economic
transformation and the inclusion of marginalized
groups; and Politicization of the courts and the
foundation for judicial legitimacy.
Methodology:
The project will be divided into three phases, each
concentrating on one of the three themes listed above. The
papers written in each phase will be presented at a yearly
workshop, to which international experts in the field will
be invited. The research methods pursued will vary from
paper to paper across the following range of disciplines:
political science, normative legal analysis, critical legal
studies and sociology of law.
Significance of proposed research:
The significance of this project is that it brings together
researchers from different disciplines, allowing for the
courts' role to be examined from a number of different,
mutually illuminating angles. Because of its
multidisciplinary nature, the project has the potential to
make important contributions to several academic
disciplines, including political science, sociology and law.
Mode of cooperation:
The South African and Norwegian researchers will
contribute papers in each year under the identified theme,
as well as collaborate on particular papers. Towards the
end of each year, a workshop will be held in which the
papers will be presented, and to which other
(international) presenters will be invited. Throughout the
project, research information will be exchanged, and
researchers from each country (and historically
disadvantaged postgraduate students from South Africa)
will spend time in the other country.
8
Fungi associated with coniferinfesting bark beetles in
Norway and South Africa
Project no:
152266/V10
Grant Period:
1.8.2002-31.7.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
Skogforsk, Norwegian Forest Research Institute
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Krokene, Paal Senior Researcher
Financed by RCN:
2002: 12,950 2003: 117,120 2004: 47,594 2005:
54,148
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of Pretoria, Forestry and Agricultural
Biotechnology Institute
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Wingfield, Michael J, Professor
Financed by NRF:
2002: 102,000 2003: 283,000 2004: 333,000
2005: 250,000
Main Objectives:
Both South Africa and Norway have strong industries
based on forestry. Norway has a long history of forestry
research and is particularly well-known for the work that
has been done in the areas of forest pathology and forest
entomology. It is in this general area that the two partner
institutions hope to collaborate.
Bark beetles represent one of the great threats to conifer
plantations. These insects carry a guild of fungi that
apparently contribute to tree death. Much work has been
done on the bark beetle-associated fungi in Norway, but
little is known regarding these organisms in South Africa.
The main objective of this collaborative project will be to
characterize the fungal pathogens associated with a
number of important bark beetles in Norway. These
insects have relatives in South Africa and the research
will contribute to an understanding of bark beetle biology,
the identification of fungi associated with bark beetles, as
well as the impact of bark beetles and their fungal
associates on forest trees.
Methodology:
Bark beetles, particularly in the genera Ips and Hylastes
are common in Europe including Norway. Some have
also been accidentally introduced into South Africa. The
project will focus this study at two levels:
 It will isolate fungal associates and characterize
these taxonomically, using both conventional
and molecular (DNA sequencing) techniques.
Where appropriate, the fungi will be compared
with those from introduced insects in South
Africa
 Additionally, for a few species of dominant fungi
the project will consider population structures
and compare these between Norway and South
Africa.
This work will be done by producing micro-satellite
markers that are informative at the population level.
Furthermore, Skogforsk has developed outstanding
models to assess the significance of the fungi associated
with bark beetles, and these models will be tested in
South Africa.
Significance of proposed Research:
There are a number of levels of significance for this
collaborative venture including: Development of a deeper
understanding of the ecology of bark beetles and their
fungal associates. Some of the fungi have not been
characterized and poor identifications are already
impacting negatively on trade, which is important to both
Norway and South Africa. Through undertaking
8
population biology studies, one hopes to discover the
origins of fungi associated with introduced bark beetles in
South Africa. This will aid in improving quarantine
measures both in South Africa and Norway. Patterns of
spread of the fungi and their insect vectors will be
discovered. Very little is known regarding the
pathogenicity of fungi associated with invasive conifer
bark beetles in South Africa. The experience of Skogforsk
in this domain will enable us to better understand this
important matter.
Mode of cooperation:
The two partner institutions have mutual and
complimentary interest in the proposed research domain.
Students and staff will be exchanged and research will be
undertaken in both Pretoria and ζs. Forest Entomology is
a seriously neglected area in South Africa and the work
will contribute significantly to increasing capacity. FABI
has a strong focus on training students with disadvantaged
backgrounds and special effort will be made to focus on
this group of students.
9
Developing a normative
framework for effective and
efficient social security
provisioning: An institutional
perspective
Project no:
152267/V10
Grant Period:
1.1.2003-31.12.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
University of Bergen, Rokkan Centre
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Kuhnle, Stein Professor
Financed by RCN:
2003: 264,000 2004: 144,000 2005: 24,000
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
Rand Afrikaans University, Centre for
International and Comparative Labor and Social
Security Law
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Olivier, Marius P, Professor
Financed by NRF:
2003: 136,000 2004: 256,000 2005: 216,000
Main Objectives:
The main objective of the project is to determine the
elements and criteria necessary in an institutional
framework to ensure the provision of efficient and
effective social security in South Africa. The focus is thus
on the development of a normative framework for the
proper functioning of social security institutional
arrangements which enjoy, or at least will come to enjoy,
legitimacy among both the stakeholder community and
the population at large. The project is based on an
inclusive approach, whereby appropriate provisioning and
service delivery will support social inclusion and ensure
adequate protection.
Methodology:
Owing to the multidisciplinary nature of the project,
various research methods will be utilized, including the
review of South African comparative literature, the
traditional analysis of institutions and arrangements and
empirical work (consisting of consultation sessions with
relevant institutional and policy-making stakeholders in
South Africa, based on a semi-structured questionnaire).
More concrete methodologies will be worked out at the
initial planning workshop, contemplated in the proposal
itself.
Mode of cooperation:
The various researchers will reflect on particular issues
within the South African context against comparative,
conceptual and principled perspectives. Each junior
researcher will be under the supervision of a senior
researcher (in South Africa, together with the added
involvement of the Norwegian colleagues). Workshops
will then be held during which researchers will reflect
jointly on the given themes. Progress reports will be
written by the researchers on a regular basis and then
reviewed by a core group of senior research teammembers (comprising Professors Olivier, Kalula and
Mhone). Dr Edwill Kaseke of Harare, Zimbabwe will also
assist in reflecting on the work done from a SADC and
African perspective. Research and training visits to
research institutions in Bergen, Norway by two masters
and two doctoral students are also planned for three and
six months in 2003 and 2004, respectively. In turn, it is
also envisaged that two Norwegian post-doctoral fellows
will visit South Africa
Significance of proposed Research:
The project - through its research - is expected to lead to
the development of ethical and governance issues of
social security provisioning and service delivery. Norms
or standards for social security provisioning may be
identified. Apart from the political contribution/objectives
to be rendered by the project outcomes, however, the aim
of developing a proper framework for institutional system
development will also be well served.
The research has, among others, the following specific
envisaged outcomes:
 Research training and capacity building through
collaboration developed for the purposes of the
project, the undertaking of supervised research at
respectable research institutions in South Africa
and in Norway and the contribution of the
project to post-graduate areas of research of
involved junior researchers.
 Integration of the research findings into the
curricula of a range of social security courses in
which most of the research participants are
involved at their particular institutions
 Exchange of valuable scientific information and
staff.
9


Appropriate publications (in particular, project
publications).
Dissemination of research findings to the
scientific community and the relevant social
security institutional stakeholders themselves.
10 Cellular Mechanisms of
Cardiac Protection
Project no:
152269/V10
Grant Period:
1.9.2002-31.12.2004
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
University of Tromø, Faculty of Medicine
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Larsen, Terje S. Professor
Financed by RCN:
2002: 45,600 2003: 345,100 2004: 84,000
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of Cape Town/Hatter Institute,
Medicine/Faculty of Health Sciences
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Opie, Lionel H, Professor
Financed by NRF:
2002: 179,000 2003: 343,000 2004: 159,000
Main objectives:
A firmly established collaboration exists between the
Hatter Institute for Cardiology Research (Univ. of Cape
Town) and the Department of Medical Physiology at the
University of Tromsø (see PART II - PREVIOUS COOPERATION). In addition the Hatter Institute at Univ. of
Cape Town and the Department of Medical Physiology at
The University of Stellenbosch have collaborative
projects and overlapping seminar series.
To complete the circle, a technician from Stellenbosch
(Mrs S. Genade) spent a month working at the
Department of Physiology at Tromsø in September 2001.
Collectively these three laboratories are ideally placed to
both build on existing strong collaborations and to expand
on the new collaborations that are being developed. This
combined application builds on the above foundation and
will contribute to closer collaborative efforts and shared
research objectives of the three groups.
The overall objectives of the respective laboratories are to
understand fundamental cellular processes effecting
myocardial cellular function that may result in cardiac
disease states. Understanding these fundamental processes
may identify novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of
cardiac diseases. The lead investigators at the three
Universities include: (Uni. of Cape Town — AIProf M.N.
Sack); (Uni. of Stellenbosch — Prof. A. Lochner) and
(Univ. of Tromsø — Professors O.D. Mjos, T.S. Larsen
and K. Ytrehus). Multiple other investigators at the three
Universities will be involved in the research and are listed
in Names and affiliations of other researchers
participating in the project section.
Methodology:
This application has been designed to utilize a
combination of classical pharmacology and biochemistry
combined with state of the art genetic - engineering
technology (conditional cell-specific gene ablation
technology) to answer the questions raised in this study.
Due to the collaboration between three Universities and
multiple investigators, the projects are divided into three
areas of collaboration. The projects are listed below:
 Project 1: Innate immunity activated signaling
in augmenting cardio protection against
myocardial ischemia
 Project 2: Investigation into the effects of
melatonin on the ischemic heart
 Project 3: Reduced cardiac efficiency - a
component of diabetic cardiomyopathy?
Significance of proposed research:
Cellular protection is the new challenge for patient
management in cardiovascular diseases. The objectives of
our proposed studies are to enhance the understanding of
the cellular and molecular events directing intrinsic
programs that promote cellular survival in the context of
ischemia and in response to a highly prevalent risk factor
for heart disease. i.e. in the context of diabetes. These data
may result in the identification of therapeutic targets for
the future development of drugs to promote cell survival
during ischemia and enhanced function in the diabetic
heart.
Mode of cooperation:
This application is based on common research interests
and on already established cooperative research
initiatives. The application will draw on expertise in the
three laboratories and the projects are designed to be fully
integrated with components of current studies being
undertaken at the Universities of Cape Town,
Stellenbosch and Tromsø.
11 Behaviour and management of
two important estaurine
fishery species
Project no:
152284/V10
Grant Period:
1.1.2003-31.12.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
NINA, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Næsje, Tor F. Senior Researcher
Financed by RCN:
2003: 184,800 2004: 164,000 2005: 179,200
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
SAIAB, Research Division
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Cowley, Paul D, Dr
Financed by NRF:
2003: 246,000 2004: 176,000 2005: 172,000
10
Main objectives:
The project seeks to investigate the movement behavior
and its implications for management of South -Africa’s
two most important estuarine fishery species (spotted
grunter Pomadasys commersonnli and dusky kob
Argyrosomusjaponicus) in the Great Fish estuary (Eastern
Cape Province).
an MSc degree (A. Hitula -Rhodes University), and (ii)
training to junior researchers and post-graduate students
from Zululand University.
In many poorly developed areas, the availability and
capture of estuarine fishery resources plays a major role
in the local economy. Due to the poor status of many
estuarine-associated fish stocks, the sustainability of these
fisheries is in question. Sound management practices are
therefore required. This cannot be achieved without
thorough knowledge of the population biology, including
movement and migratory behavior of the targeted species.
Project no:
152293/V10
Grant Period:
1.9.2002-31.8.2005
Responsible University/Institution:
Oslo University College, Faculty of Education
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Breidlid, Anders Researcher
Financed by RCN:
2003: 79,728 2004: 79,728 2005: 99,440
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of Cape Town, School of Education
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Baxen, Jean
Financed by NRF:
2003: 268,000 2004: 229,000 2005: 241,000
Significance of proposed research:
The data obtained on the spatio-temporal availability of
fish in the estuary will be used to assess the potential
impact of the various fishery sectors, as well as the
potential value of area closure or estuarine protected areas
as an alternative management tool. The management of
estuarine fisheries in South Africa has been seriously
neglected in the past; hence the project will make a
significant contribution to ensure sustainable utilization of
these heavily targeted species. Furthermore, the
introduction of new methodologies and expertise will
provide innovative insights into ecosystem (estuarine) and
fisheries management initiatives in South Africa.
Methodology:
With recent advances in biotelemetry, individual fish can
be continuously tracked for reasonable periods of time.
Making use of telemetry methods, the movement
behavior, activity patterns and home range size of spotted
grunter and dusky kob tagged will be assessed in the
Great Fish estuary. The periodicity and duration of
migrations between the estuary and the sea will also be
investigated by the use of automatic listening stations.
The obtained data will be coupled with fishery related
data (biological, social and economic) already collected
from this estuary (Cowley, unpublished data) to address
the management needs.
Mode of cooperation:
The project will be carried out in close co-operation
between all the participants of the project, under the
leadership of Dr Paul Cowley from South Africa and Dr
Tor F. Næsje from Norway. The South African team
constitutes the main expertise on biology of the species
studied and the local conditions, whereas the Norwegian
team constitutes the main expertise on telemetry methods.
The co-operation of all team members, via fieldwork and
joint publication of results, will encourage a long-term
collaborative research arrangement between the South
African and Norwegian scientists. The project involves
researchers from both historically disadvantaged and
advantag&1 institutions in South Africa and will provide
(i) an opportunity for one female black student to obtain
12 Schooling, Cultural Values and
HIV/AIDS in South Africa
Main Objectives:
Using HIV/AIDS as the major focus, the project’s main
objectives are to examine the interrelationship between
the values underpinning concepts of tradition, modernity
and education as articulated within schools and
communities, and between local communities and schools
and to explore the interrelationship between specific
educational programs and changes in sexual, behavioral
patterns during the three year period in which the research
is undertaken.
Methodology:
The methodology will be largely qualitative employing
case study approaches and using ethnographic methods
such as: life history interview, focus group, teacher and
pupil diaries and documentary analysis.
Significance of proposed Research:
Provide evidence of HIV/AIDS within a holistic and
purposeful manner; revealing the inter-relationships
between cultural values and the pandemic, and in
critically examining the role schools, and particularly
teachers, can play in responding to the disease.
Mode of cooperation:
The mode of cooperation will build on existing
collaboration and will take the form of exchange visits
between principal and senior researchers. A particular aim
of the co-operation is to build up South African research
capacity through support and guidance throughout the
research process.
This application is a joint application between the
University of Western Cape (UWC), Cape Town, the
University of Cape Town (UCT), Cape Town and Oslo
University College (OUC), Oslo. All three institutions
within the respective Faculties of Education have a
11
special interest in education and HIV/AIDS The two
researchers from the OUC are already conducting
educational research on schooling and values in South
Africa (funded by the NFR), and the UWC as well as the
UCT are engaged with the question of schooling and
HIV/AIDS in South Africa, both in teaching and research.
The present research project seeks to develop added
competence and knowledge in the field of education and
HIV/AIDS through this research project. The project thus
covers two of thematic are as for this research cooperation.
13 Biodiversity, rarity, life history
and phylogeny: a case study in
the hepatic family
Lophoziaceae
Project no:
152297/V10
Grant Period:
1.1.2003-31.12.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and
Technology, Department of Biology
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Söderström, Lars Professor
Financed by RCN:
2003: 90,200 2004: 117,800 2005: 155,200
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of Cape Town, Department of Botany
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Hedderson, Terry A J, Dr
Financed by NRF:
2003: 233,000 2004: 254,000 2005: 204,000
Main objectives:
 To study the phylogeny, distribution and rarity
patterns of taxa in the family Lophoziaceae.
 To study the life history parameters and genetic
variability for as many species of the family as
possible
 To evaluate the effect of different life history
parameters and life history traits on distribution
and rarity, in a phylogenetic context.
Methodology:
An ability to understand diversity and rarity of species is
crucial in both species and biodiversity conservation, as
well as in understanding responses to environmental
changes such as global warming or deforestation. A true
understanding of rarity requires information on genetic
variation, rarity/abundance patterns, distributional
patterns, and the phylogenetic context in which these
patterns have originated. Whilst understanding the
connections between all these facets of species biology is
of fundamental importance for the study and conservation
of biodiversity and for effective environmental
management, studies that incorporate more than one of
these aspects are rare or lacking. We propose a case study
of the liverwort family Lophoziaceae. It integrates
information from all of these areas in an assessment of
rarity, its consequences and correlates, and their
implications for understanding current biodiversity and
predicting the effects of future natural and man-made
changes.
Our study addresses the following questions:
 What life history parameters are most
characteristic of widespread vs. restricted species
 What life history parameters are characteristic of
rare and abundant species
 Are there any relations between genetic variation
and rarity or distribution
 What are the phylogenetic relations between life
history parameters
 What are the relations between phylogeny,
distribution and variation
To this end we will aim to complete the following tasks:

to study the phylogeny, distribution and rarity
patterns of taxa in the family Lophoziaceae
 to study the life history parameters and genetic
variability for as many species of the family as
possible
 to evaluate the effect of different life history
parameters and life history traits on distribution
and rarity, in a phylogenetic context.
Significance of proposed Project:
This project will contribute significantly to the
understanding of rarity patterns, and to the possibility of
truly conserving biodiversity. This is the first study of this
kind with lower plants and the results will therefore be
useful for an array of other organisms. The integrative
approach that we propose is novel, and should have wide
applicability to other groups of organisms. We expect that
the result will have a direct influence on the conservation
strategy adopted for many plants. We also anticipate
producing more reliable models of the effects of
environmental change. Capacity building in these areas is
absolutely vital to the continued conservation of South
Africa's wealth of natural diversity.
The phylogenetic and genetic analyses, which rely on use
of DNA-based approaches, will be conducted in South
Africa.
Mode of cooperation:
The life history and rarity assessments will be coordinated
through the Norwegian partner. Both will require
reciprocal field studies. The final integrative component
will be the joint responsibility of the two partners. South
African students involved in the life history and rarity
assessment phases will need to spend substantial time
working with the Norwegian partner. Those investigating
phylogeny and genetic variation should benefit from field
experience with non-South African members of the
family.
12
14 Social Capital, Local
Government and Poverty
Reduction
Project no:
152298/V10
Grant Period:
1.10.2002-30.9.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
NIBR, Norwegian Institute for Urban and
Regional Research
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Tesli, Arne Senior Researcher
Financed by RCN:
2003: 259,200 2004: 125,400
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of Natal, School of Development
Studies
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
May, Julian D, Professor
Financed by NRF:
2002: 166,000 2003: 260,000 2004: 230,000
Main Objectives:
 to know more about how ‘developmental’
relationships between local government and poor
communities are created and contribute to
sustainable reduction of poverty, and ,in
particular,
 to know more about the modalities of social
capital in the construction of such relationships.
The local social context is a vital, but poorly understood,
requirement for sustainable poverty reduction. Because
key markets tend to exclude people (especially the less
well-off) local social relationships and structures take on a
fundamental economic significance as they potentially
permit people to mutually insure, capitalize and take care
of one another where markets fall. In addition, when
governance capacity is weak, social networks may
function as important service providers and facilitate the
implementation of poverty reduction policies. At the same
time, social relations and networks can themselves be
exclusionary, leaving out individuals who Iack requisite
social assets as surely as financial markets can bypass low
wealth individuals who Iack the requisite economic
assets.
The correlation of class and ethnicity and of economic
and social assets that characterizes South Africa raises the
specter that social exclusion may compound market
failure, creating durable inequality and poverty that are
not easily mended.
Methodology:
To answer the questions, the multi-discipline, crossnational research cooperation proposed here will
undertake a systematic program of research designed to
deepen our understanding of local social and political
forces that shape the income distribution and poverty
reduction consequences of national economic and
political change.
The main theme of the proposed collaborative project is
the political economy of social capital - the relationships
that determine the creation, access and effectiveness of
social capital as a poverty reducing force.
Significance of proposed Research:
In South Africa there is accumulating evidence that local
communities, norms and social relationships (or what can
be loosely construed as social capital) systematically
shape the ability of families to improve their economic
situation over time, much like having large endowments
of conventional wealth. These findings are necessary, but
not sufficient to conclude that social capital can redress
the legacy of inequality in the presence of imperfect
markets and the retrenched state. We want to address the
key policy-relevant challenge to researchers, namely:
 to know more about how 'developmental'
relationships between local government and poor
communities are created and contribute to
sustainable reduction of poverty, and ,in
particular,
 to know more about the modalities of social
capital in the construction of such relationships.
Mode of cooperation:
The research program detailed above draws on critiques
from a number of disciplines. To carry out this merger of
disciplines and regions into a shared research program,
the proposed research group will rely on multi-level, peer
research partnerships that will link both junior and senior
researchers. Researchers from each region and discipline
will be integrally involved in the design and
implementation of qualitative and quantitative research.
The study will consist of an analysis of existing
qualitative and quantitative data with some additional
fieldwork undertaken. The principle source of data for the
quantitative analysis will be the KwaZulu-Natal lncome
Dynamics Survey. An annual work planwill be agreed to
every year. Four workshops will be held and the exchange
of staff and students is planned. Fieldwork is planned in
South Africa that will be undertaken by researchers from
both countries. Two South Africans will receive
mentoring from s senior researchers in both countries.
Joint publications are planned, including the preparation
of two PhD. proposals. (515 words)
15 Ecology of Gobies in the
Benguela Ecosystem
Project no:
152309/V10
Grant Period:
1.1.2003-31.12.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
University of Bergen, Department of Biology
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Salvanes, Anne Gro Vea Professor
13
Financed by RCN
2003: 260,000 2004: 158,000 2005: 76,500
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of the Western Cape, Department of
Zoology Faculty of Natural Sciences
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Gibbons, Mark J, Professor
Financed by NRF:
2003: 246,000 2004: 100,000 2005: 120,000
Main Objectives:
Investigate the feeding ecology, and the reproductive and
population biology of S. bibarbatus, and its role of the
Benguela ecosystem
Methodology:
Feeding studies will be of both a laboratory and field
nature, and will be focused on 1) the vertical distribution
of predator and prey, and 2) how this varies throughout
the day, as well as on 3) how diet and distribution is
related to sex and size. Material will be collected through
participation on cruises of opportunity, and through short
dedicated cruises. Laboratory experiments will be
conducted to explore feeding preferences and to
determine gut evacuation rates.
Material for studies on the reproductive and population
biology of S. bibarbatus will be collected at the same time
as the data needed for the tropic work. It is intended to
use acoustic measurements and trawling from identified
echo-layers throughout day and night along with plankton
and CTD--stations. Issues in focus will be vertical and
horizontal distribution patterns, genetic heterogeneity,
demography, size composition of the population, growth
rate, sex ratio, mortality and maturation age by sex. We
will try to keep individuals in aquaria to evaluate if
experiments can be used to validate field estimates of
growth.
Significance of proposed Research:
The pelagic goby Sufflogobius bibarbatus is one of the
most numerous pelagic fishes in the central region of the
Benguela upwelling ecosystem. Although currently
unexploited, it has the potential to become the subject of a
targeted fishery. Preliminary ECOPATH models indicate
that the pelagic goby plays an important role in the
transfer of pelagic production to demersal and
mesopelagic fisheries, and that any targeted fishery could
have far reaching implications for the structure of the
ecosystem. This and other models of the ecosystem are
built on speculative and preliminary data, because our
understanding of the biology and ecology of this species
is negligible. We aim to correct this ignorance by
implementing a collaborative research project that focuses
on the feeding ecology and reproductive and population
biology of S. bibarbatus.
Mode of cooperation:
The research will be a collaborative venture between the
University of Bergen (Norway), the University of the
Western Cape (RSA) and the University of Cape Town
(RSA). It will link in with the regional fishery institutes of
South Africa (Marine and Coastal Management) and
Namibia (National Marine Information and Research
Centre), and will compliment the work currently being
undertaken in the region by other funded research
initiatives (Nansen Programme, BENEFIT Programme
and the BEP). In addition, the project will provide an
opportunity for the training of Norwegian and southern
African scientists in marine ecology, through focused
research on the biology and ecology of S. bibarbatus and
of its role in the Benguela ecosystem, and will strengthen
our understanding of regional pelagic processes, and
provide input to models of fishery's management for the
Namibian Benguela.
16 The Dynamics of Land Reform
and Poverty in Namaqualand
Project no:
152313/V10
Grant Period:
1.1.2003-31.12.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
Norwegian University of Life Sciences,
NORAGRIC – Department of International &
Development Studies
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Sjaastad, Espen Researcher
Financed by RCN
2003: 190,000 2004: 190,000 2005: 216,000
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of the Western Cape, School of
Government
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Lahiff, Edward, Dr
Financed by NRF:
2003: 124,000 2004: 160,000 2005: 160,000
Main Objectives:
 Identify how the South African reform process
has affected distribution of power in
Namaqualand, through the forging of new
alliances, the disintegration of old ones, or
through a redistribution of influence among
already existing stakeholders.
 Determine how underlying factors related to
authority and interests, conflicting or
complementary, influence the composition and
effectiveness of the new Commonage
Committees.
 Examine how processes within the Commonage
Committees affect choices related to tenure and
management of the old and new communal
areas.
14

Determine how tenure and management regimes
influence wealth creation and equality among
users of the commonage.
Methodology:
The methodology will involve a literature survey,
structured interviews with farmers and livestock owners
in two communal areas for three years running, and key
informants.
Significance of proposed Research:
The study will shed light on how power, livelihoods, and
environment are affected as the objective of increased
self-governance inherent in South Africa's land reform
process is pursued on the ground.
Mode of cooperation:
Co-operation will be an essential ingredient both in terms
of fieldwork and in terms of analysis and writing.
17 Language of instruction in
South Africa
Project no:
152315/V10
Grant Period:
1.1.2003-31.12.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
University of Oslo, Institute for Educational
Research
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Brock-Utne, Birgit Professor
Financed by RCN:
2003: 115,200 2004: 80,000 2005: 80,000
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of the Western Cape, Faculty of
Education
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Desai, Zubeida K, Professor
Financed by NRF:
2003: 245,000 2004: 277,000 2005: 163,000
Main Objectives:
There are two principal objectives:
 To describe and analyze the language in
education policy in South Africa, as well as its
implementation or lack thereof. (Please note that
this part will be covered by other funding.)
 To empirically test the effect of extending the
use of learners’ mother tongue, in this case
isiXhasa, as a medium of instruction throughout
the intermediate phase of schooling, that is from
Grades 4-6. Currently learners switch to English
as medium from Grade 4.
Methodology:
The study will be a longitudinal study spreading over
three years - Grades 4-6 and will involve two primary
schools, one in an urban area and the other in a semi-rural
area. In each school we will select approximately 100
pupils (from two classes) entering Grade 4 and assign
them to one of two streams - experimental group and
control group. The experimental group will be taught
Science and Geography/Environmental Studies in
isiXhasa while the central group will be taught these
subjects in English. The same pupils will be part of the
project from Grades 4-6. The project will keep a record of
all learners and monitor their progress in the two
languages and Science and Geography. In addition,
qualitative data will be collected through classroom
observations and interviews with teachers, pupils and
parents. This experiment depends on the production of
quality teaching materials in isiXhasa in the chosen
subjects, as well as on the training of teachers.
Significance of proposed research:
The question of which language should be used far
instruction in schools in a multilingual country is as
pressing today as it was in 1953 when UNESCO
produced its seminal report; The use of vernacular
languages in education.
It has eluded clear solutions throughout the postcolonial
world. The proposed research also articulates well with
recent developments in the Western Cape where the local
Minister of Education, Advocate Gaum, is in the process
of setting up a task team to investigate the possibility of
extending the mother tongue as a medium of instruction
throughout primary school. It is hoped that the empirical
data provided by the project can assist the Western Cape
Province (and other provinces) in its quest far an effective
language in education policy.
Mode of cooperation:
The project will utilize existing strengths in the two cooperating institutions. The materials will have to be
produced/translated by isiXhosa-speaking teachers. South
African researchers will do the training of teachers, with
assistance from Norwegian researchers. We hope to have
advanced Norwegian and South African students involved
in the classroom observations.
18 Organochlorine pesticides in
Paleractic migratory birds in
South Africa
Project no:
152317/V10
Grant Period:
1.6.2002-31.12.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
Norwegian School of Veterinary Science,
Institute for Food Satety and Infection Biology
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Skåre, Janneche Utne Department Director
Financed by RCN:
2002: 28,000 2003: 117,000 2004: 78,000
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
15
Northwest University, Environmental Sciences
and Planning
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Bouwman, Hindrik, Professor
Financed by NRF:
2002: 107,000 2003: 110,000 2004: 76,000
student will primarily be responsible for the data
collected, for the statistical preparation and for biological
and migratory risk determination. The student will also
visit the Norwegian Laboratory in order to learn chemical
analyses of POEs, toxaphenes and brominated
flameretardants.
Main Objectives:
The primary aim of this study will be to determine the
current levels of DDT and its derivatives, as well as other
POPs of significance (e.g. dieldrin, BHC, aldrin, PCBs,
toxaphenes and brominated flameretardants) present in
comparable migratory and non-migratory wading birds in
South Africa. Many of these wading birds are of
Scandinavian origin. These levels will be compared with
known trends world wide, as well as comparing with
known levels of concern (such as for reproduction and
endocrine disruption where applicable), using available
techniques such as hazard assessment.
The second aim of the project will be an evaluation of the
risks faced by migratory birds by comparing the pollutant
profiles of migratory and non-migratory birds and to
prepare joint studies of effect of POPs in these particular
spices.
19 Applied Geodynamics:
Understanding earth
processes using combined
physics, chemistry & geology
in South Africa and Norway
Methodology:
The determination of the pollutant levels will be done by
collecting blood from the birds using established
techniques, and analyzing with gas chromatography. The
birds will be ringed and released. Birds will be caught and
sampled using established methods, at the beginning and
end of the summer season in South Africa.
Significance of proposed Research:
PCBs, DDE and other organochlorine pollutants are
chemicals common to both countries, both of which have
signed, but not yet ratified, the Stockholm Convention on
Persistent Organic Pollutants. The birds spend most of
their time at either end of the migratory route, where they
are exposed to different conservation efforts, as well as
different pollutant (POP) profiles. The risk profile of
these birds could therefore be different at either end. In
addition, during the long flights between the two
destinations, pollutants will most likely be picked up in
countries that have less effective pollution control
measures, and are likely to be still using POPs. This can
add to the risk that these birds experience.
The project will therefore link up shared environmental
and conservation concerns from both countries. It will
also establish a network for future collaboration and
research on similar topics and concern. Chemicals
management and research is becoming one of the major
international focus areas, within which the results of
studies like these will assist in policy and decision
making.
Mode of cooperation:
One envisages that one South African M.Sc. student will
collaborate on this project. The student will participate
with sample collection and analyses of the POPs. The
Project no:
152325/V10
Grant Period:
1.7.2002-31.12.2004
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
Norwegian University of Science and
Technology, Department of Petroleum
Engineering and Applied Geophysics
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Torsvik, Trond Helge, Professor
Financed by RCN:
2002: 125,600 2003: 153,000 2004: 94,666
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of the Witwatersrand, School of
Geosciences
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Ashwal, Lewis D., Professor
Financed by NRF:
2002: 269,000 2003: 242,000 2004: 213,000
Main objectives:
We propose a cross-disciplinary, multi-institutional,
international geo-scientific research project specifically
designed to foster collaboration between the University of
the Witwatersrand (South Africa), the Geologieal Survey
of Norway and the University of Oslo (Norway). An
important component is the training of South Afriean
post-graduate students and young scientists.
Two sub-projects are proposed, both of which involve
application of multidisciplinary research methods to the
understanding of tectonomagmatic processes in Norway
and South Africa; the results will have-direct applications
to the natural resource potential for both countries
(petroleum in Norway and precious metals in South
Africa).
The first sub-project (Understanding the teetonie,
magmatic and palaeogeographic evolution of the NW
Norwegian margin [Finnmark]) involves field and
laboratory studies of the Seiland Ignenus Province, a
poorly characterized region in the north Norwegian
Caledonides. The project involves unravelling of the
complex magmatic, structural and metamorphic
evolution, using precise geochronology,
petrology/geoehemistry and palaeomagnetic methods.
16
The second sub-project (Characterization of dyke
emplacement processes in the Bushveld Complex, South
Africa, with practical application to the Platinum mining
industiy) involves detailed analysis of multiple dyke
swarms that cerosscut platiniferous horizons of the
Bushveld Complex, using similar approaches as above, in
addition to mathematical modelling of high-resolution
aeromagnetic data. The results will be vital as a predietive
tool to the active and planned mining operations in the
eastern Bushveld Complex, as well as an important
contribution to the understanding of southern African
geodynamics. An immediate benefit for South African
scientists and students will be the upgrading of the
palaeomagnetic expertise and facilities, including
databases and software.
Methodology:
Combined fieldwork, sampling, petrology, geochemistry
(ineluding isotopes), precise geochronology (U-Pb, ArAr, Sm-Nd, Rb-Sr), palaeomagnetic studies, applied
geophysical techniques (ground and airborne magnetic,
gravity methods), analysis of remote sensing imagery
(satellite, airborne magnetic and gravity images), use of
advanced signal processing techniques.
Significance of proposed research:
 Seiland-contributions to the detailed
understanding of a poorly characterized
tectonomagmatic province in northern Norway.
 Implications for Caledonide and pre-Caledonide
tectonic assembly and evolution of
Fennoscandia.
 Relevant to petroleum industry as results will
allow evaluation of potential hydrocarbon
reservoirs offshore in a frontier exploration area.
 Bushveld dykes-use of combined data sets to
characterize and fingerprint multiple
emplacement episodes of poorly studied dyke
swarms.
 Direct relevance to platinum mining industry in
exploration efforts, effective siting of new mines
and practical application for mine operations
planning and practical application.
Mode of cooperation: Participants from South Africa and
Norway will form research teams that will interact in all
aspects of fieldwork, data collection, interpretation and
timely publication of results. Leadership is to be provided
by professor Ashwal (South Africa) and professor Torsvik
(Norway). A key component of the research plan involves
travel of participants, including students, between South
Africa and Norway, both for fieldwork and acquisition of
analytical data. Analysis and interpretation of the results
will take place collaboratively, using electronic media and
where necessary, physical get-togethers. Publication of
the results as a series of joint articles co-authored by all
participants involved, will take place in a timely fashion.
This project will strengthen the highly successful and
fruitful research association already established between
the professors Ashwal and Torsvik. One expects this
Norway-South Africa collaboration to continue and grow
far beyond the 3-year period of support requested.
20 Convergence and divergence
in the media and
communication landscape: a
comparative study between
South Africa and the Nordic
region.
Project no:
157966/V10
Grant Period:
1.1.2004-31.12.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
University of Oslo, Department of Media and
Communication
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Rønning, Helge Professor
Financed by RCN:
2004: 208,374 2005: 152,061
Responsible University/Institution South Africa:
University of Natal, CCMS
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Teer-Tomaselli, Ruth
Financed by NRF:
2004: 135,000 2005: 121,000
Main objectives:
The prime research question is:
What are the contours of convergence and divergence that
mark out the cultural and communication terrains within
two comparable regions?
The regions in question are the Nordic countries and
Southern Africa. The fields in question are information
and communication technologies, content and cultural
production. How does a comparative study between a
developing media and cultural economy on the one hand,
and a developed northern economy on the other, both of
which include elements of First nation’s communities,
advance an understanding of these processes?
Methodology:
The methodology used by each subproject will
necessarily be specific to the particular project, and be of
a multidisciplinary nature. In general, however, the theory
and methods to be applied will be grown from that strand
of cultural and media studies which admits political
economy, and extend and refine those methods already
developed by the contributing researchers to the ongoing
partner subprojects. These range from methods of
measuring political economy, reception analysis to
ethnographic research. The general theoretical approaches
will also draw on Mosco (1996), Garnham (1990),
Castells, (1997, 1998, 2001) and so on, while Southern
African work will apply the methods and approaches
developed by various authors in Tomaselli and Dunn
(2001) and Teer-Tomaselli (2001, 1998). The Norwegian
17
approaches are already well developed (e.g. Storsul
2002).

Significance of proposed Research:
This is one the few major comparative projects which
analyze North-South relations in the area of media,
regulation and convergence, which moreover includes the
experiences of First Peoples and indigenous minorities. It
is the only project - in the area of media studies - to
explicitly compare Southern African and Nordic
experiences.

Mode of cooperation:
Mode of cooperation will continue as before;
 Visits to each other's respective institutions by
both staff and students.
 Seminar in Durban, April 2004, under the
auspices of the International Research Seminar
on Political Economy of the Southern African
Media.
 Regular e-mail conferences.
 The principle researchers will coordinate their
periods of writing up the final book.
21 Capacity building in evidencebased dentistry and clinical
practice guidelines, for a
developing country.
Project no:
157980/V10
Grant Period:
1.1.2004-31.12.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
University of Oslo, Institute of Clinical Dentistry
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Jokstad, Asbjørn Professor
Financed by RCN:
2004: 8,100 2005: 8,910
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of
Health Sciences, School of Oral Health Sciences
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Owen, Peter Christopher
Financed by NRF:
2004: 38,000 2005: 45,000
to establish inter-institutional working groups for
the development of Clinical Practice Guidelines
relevant to developing countries
to identify, as a result of the processes initiated,
future and ongoing cooperative research and
development arenas in oral health within South
Africa and between South African and
Norwegian institutions.
Methodology:
A series of workshops will be held to introduce selected
faculty members from each of the 6 dental schools in the
country to the concept of Evidence-based Dentistry
(EBD) and Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines
(CPGs). The Norwegian partner will play a pivotal role in
these initial workshops. Wherever possible, and
depending on capacity and facilities, these workshops will
combine personnel from the same regions, which will also
help initiate inter-institutional links (which generally are
poor in South Africa, for a variety of reasons, not least of
which has been our political past). The emphasis will be
on empowering the Historically Disadvantages campuses
(3 out of the 6 institutions) and faculty, at least initially.
These workshops will then be repeated, so that local
personnel gain capacity to continue holding them, and
new faculty members can be exposed to them. This
cascade model of information dissemination will continue
until there is sufficient capacity in each of the institutions.
In addition, inter-institutional working groups will be
established to develop CPGs suitable for a developing
country, and intra-and inter-institutional EBD projects
will be established. The whole process will be recorded
and evaluated for applicability elsewhere.
Significance of proposed research:
The expected significance of the project is that it will
provide a blue-print for the successful implementation of
similar projects in other developing countries. In addition,
the development, during the project, of cooperative
research projects and clinical practice guidelines pertinent
to developing country conditions, will provide a great
service go oral health world-wide.
Mode of cooperation:
The mode of co-operation between the two teams has
been alluded to in the description of the methodology and
plan of work. There has been substantial co-operation and
collaboration in the drawing up of this proposal and
communication channels have been excellent.
Main objectives:
 to undertake and at the same time research, a
process of information dissemination and
capacity building in evidence-based dentistry in
South Africa
 to build capacity by cascading out from a few
individuals, to full institutional capacity
throughout South Africa
 to encourage, promote, and assist with specific
research projects in EBD both intra- and interinstitutional
18
22 Bycatch reduction on prawn
trawlers in KwaZulu-Natal
Project no:
157986/V10
Grant Period:
1.1.2004-31.12.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
Institute of Marine Research, Centre for Marine
Resources
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Isaksen, Bjørnar Researcher
Financed by RCN:
2004: 129,376 2005: 139,794
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of
Biological and Conservation Sciences
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Fennessy, Sean Thomas
Financed by NRF:
2004: 190,000 2005: 157,000
Main objectives:
The main objective is to reduce the amount of bycatch
being caught by Tugela Bank prawn trawler in KwaZuluNatal, without reducing prawn catches.
Methodology:
The project leader is an acknowledged expert in gear
technology for bycatch reduction, and will provide the
skills to design and test two Bycatch Reduction Devices
(BRDs) onboard a South African commercial prawn
trawler. The South African researcher Sean Fennessy has
knowledge of the composition of the bycatch from local
prawn trawlers. Together they will test the BRDs and
select the best rigging combination for their use during
two sea trips on a commercial prawn trawler on the
Tugela Bank. A commercial trawler with multiple nets
will be part-chartered for this purpose, so the results will
be directly applicable to conventional commercial
operations. To assess the composition and size of
organisms that are released by the BRDs, catch covers
will be fitted over the escape openings in the experimental
nets. Catch data and trawl information will be entered into
a database onboard and at the Oceanographic Research
Institute (ORI). The species composition data and the
comparative catches from the experimental and control
nets will analyzed by Dr. Fennessy at ORI. Dr. Fennessy
and Mr. Isaksen will investigate gear selectivity at the
Institute of Marine Research in Bergen.
Significance of proposed research:
The project will lead to recommendations for changes in
legislation that will require South African prawn trawlers
to install Bycatch Reduction Devices. The current lack of
capacity in this field of gear technology in South Africa
will also be remedied by the project. The wasteful
exploitation of resources will be reduced, and the quality
of the targeted prawns will be improved. Increased
catches of prawns may result owing to improved
functioning of the gear. The results will be of potential
application to other East African countries, which have
similar bycatch problems to South Africa. The project
will also contribute to our knowledge of the long-term
effects of trawling on the marine community, and will
also increase our knowledge of marine biodiversity on
soft marine sediments. The collection of specimens
presents an opportunity for training of young marine
scientists in taxonomic principles, and the project will
produce one MSc graduate.
Mode of cooperation:
The project represents a collaborative effort using
expertise from the Oceanographic Research Institute in
South Africa and the Institute of Marine Research in
Norway. The Norwegian institute will provide trawl gear
expertise, while the South African institute will provide
local knowledge of the fishery and the biology of the
organisms being caught. The Norwegian expertise
presents an opportunity to build expertise in the field of
bycatch reduction in South Africa, while the South
African expertise provides an opportunity for the
Norwegian researcher to test the experimental gear under
new conditions. Dr. Fennessy and Mr. Isaksen will plan
the research protocol together and will modify it
according to experience obtained at sea. All reports and
publications that emanate from this work will be written
up jointly.
23 Transfrontier conservation and
local community development
in Southern Africa
Project no:
157987/V10
Grant Period:
1.7.2004-31.12.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
Norwegian University of Sciences and
Technology, Faculty of Social Science and
Technology Management
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Lein, Haakon, Associate Professor
Financed by RCN:
2004: 36,410 2005: 36,410
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of Cape Town, Faculty of Research
and Innovation
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Ramutsindela, Maano F.
Financed by NRF:
2004: 49,000 2005: 60,000
Main Objectives:
The funds will be used to organize workshops between
the involved researchers in South Africa and Norway in
preparation for a wider research proposal. The proposed
research is intended to investigate the establishment of
19
trans-frontier parks, as one of the latest strategies for
nature conservation in southern Africa.
Significance of proposed Research:
While the prime objective of these parks is to provide a
holistic protection of biodiversity, it is anticipated that
they will make substantial contribution towards the muchneeded regional and local development through tourism
and related job creation ventures. For these parks to be
established, some local communities will have to be
removed. The establishment of the Great Limpopo transfrontier parks is already facing the challenge of removing
some thousands local residents on the Mozambican side.
Our concern is with number of local communities that
will be affected by the establishment of six trans-frontier
parks in the region, and the extent to which these
communities would benefit from the said parks. To this
end, the main aim of the proposed study is to analyze the
spatial patterns of trans-frontier parks in southern Africa,
with a particular focus on the impact of those patterns on
local communities.
24 Cooperation in the
development of an educational
telemedicine program in
ultrasound technology and
fetal diagnosis for health
personnel in S-A
Project no:
157996/V10
Grant Period:
1.1.2004-31.12.2005
Responsibel University/Institution, Norway:
St. Olavshospital HF, Laboratory Medicine,
Children and Female Diseases
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Eik-Nes, Sturla H. Professor
Financed by RCN:
2004: 150,000 2005: 110,000
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of KwaZulu-Natal, Obstetrics and
Gynecology
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Moodley, Jack Dr
Financed by NRF:
2004: 188,000 2005: 150,000
Main Objectives:
The primary aim of this project is to improve the care of
pregnant women in South Africa in general, and
specifically in Kva-Zulu Natal, with regard to ultrasound
and fetal diagnosis.
The first objective of the project is to strengthen the
competence among health personnel regarding the use of
ultrasound technology. The National Center for Fetal
Medicine (NCFM), in Trondheim, Norway, represented
by Professor Sturla Eik-Nes and The Nelson Mandela
School of Medicine in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa,
represented by Professor Jack Moodley, have established
cooperation and developed a strategy for training and
education for health personnel in Kwa-Zulu Natal. This
cooperation is the foundation for South Africa's education
in fetal diagnosis by means of ultrasound.
The second objective is to establish a telemedicine
solution that will ensure that communication and followup can take place regularly and continuously, in spite of
great geographical distances. The development of such a
program in telemedicine education is of significant
importance in the long-term achievement of the aim of the
project and is regarded to be extremely important for
health personnel in all of South Africa. The major portion
of the funding we seek in this application will therefore
go toward the development of a program in education
through telemedicine.
Methodology:
In participatory action research, the researcher has
influence on both the object of the study and the context
in which the research takes place. The researcher works in
close cooperation with the participants, for example the
teachers, the students and the developers of the
technological solutions. A basic goal for action research is
improvement through change. Dewey's pedagogical
theory of "learning by doing" illustrates this mode of
thought (Miettinen 2000). Participatory action research
will be the core methodological approach in the project.
A major emphasis will be put on the evaluation of the
project. The project will be evaluated regularly to assure
that all aspects, including ethical, technological,
communicative, medical and economic aspects, hold a
high quality and are considered relevant to the users
according to their needs and preferences.
Significance of proposed Research:
The expected significance of the research collaboration
between the NCFM and the NMSM is that it will lead to
assurance of quality regarding ultrasound and fetal
diagnosis in the care of pregnant women and their fetuses.
Raising the level of competence of health personnel in
South Africa will improve the quality of fetal diagnosis
by means of ultrasound. The project is also of great
interest from a research point of view. South Africa is
faced with many challenges regarding HIV and Aids in
perinatal (e.g. gynecology, fetal diagnosis, infancy) care.
Strengthening the competence of health personnel in fetal
medicine will provide a valuable contribution to medical
research in the development of knowledge about HIV and
AIDS. Furthermore, the project will have significant
relevance regarding the development of strategies for this
type of collaborative project. This is an interdisciplinary
project that includes the fields of medicine, technology
and applied linguistics.
Mode of cooperation:
The project will be a meeting point for researchers and
experts from several disciplines and cultures. South
African experts will go to the Norwegian institution to
20
exchange knowledge with the Norwegian experts and vice
versa. Each of the participants represents great resources
for the project; the strength of the project lies in the fact
that the project will be carried out through collaboration
between these various environments.
25 Radiation hardness of different
wide band gap materials used
for UV detectors
Project no:
157998/V10:
Grant Period:
1.1.2004-31.12.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
University of Oslo, Department of Physics
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Svensson, Bengt Gunnar Professor
Financed by RCN:
2004: 191,500 2005: 191,500
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of Pretoria, Department of Physics
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Auret, Danie F, Professor
Financed by NRF:
2004: 184,000 2005: 143,000
Main Objectives:
The main objectives are:
 to determine the radiation hardness of the several
wide band gap materials: (Al)GaN, ZnO and
SiC, to low- hand high-energy particles that they,
as well as the Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs)
fabricated on them, will experience during
typical SBD metallization procedures as well as
during exposure to radiation in space (e.g. in
satellites and spacecrafts)
 To establish a technology for fabricating high
quality SBDs based detectors with optimal
response to specific ultra-violet (UV)
wavelengths on these materials. The second
objective can be realized by understanding how
low energy particle induced defects influence the
materials and SBD properties.
 The radiation-induced defects in these materials
will be analyzed, and their introduction and
removal kinetics will be determined.
 This information will be used to model the
influence of particle irradiation on UV detector
characteristics
 To design radiation-hardening processes for
these materials, using strategies to those
currently employed for Si detectors.
Methodology:
Radiation induced defects are usually unintentionally
introduced during several processes, including
metallization during SBD fabrication and detector
operation in radiation environments, e.g. in space. In this
study the effect of radiation induced defects introduced
during different metallization processes will be
investigated and the metallization conditions will be
optimised to yield high quality SBD UV detectors.
Subsequently, these devices will be subjected to
irradiation by different low- and high-energy particle
types, whereas their removal rates will be determined
during conventional and rapid thermal annealing (RTA)
experiments in vacuum and in an Ar ambient.The effect
of these defects on the UV detector characteristics will be
determined by I-V, C-V and spectral response
measurements, and these results will be compared with
those obtained by modelling (using the defects' electronic
properties).
Significance of proposed research:
Knowledge of the radiation hardness of wide gap
materials will facilitate the best choice of a material for
the fabrication of UV detectors for specific applications,
including health care, and communication and
information technology. Globally, the use of these
materials for UV detectors will result in more sensitive
and robust imagers in missions such as the Solar Probe of
NASA or the Solar Orbiter of ESA, where spacecrafts are
exposed to tremendously high heat and radiation fluxes.
In South Africa, with its harsh sunlight and high incidence
of skin cancer, UV sensor technology can profoundly
influence health care by facilitating novel design and
fabrication of sensors for specific applications, e.g.
personalized monitoring of UV levels of people exposed
to the sun for prolonged periods of time, like open shaft
mine workers. Perhaps most important, this project will
expand the scientific expertise of personnel and students
in both teams, including two historically black
universities (HBUs) in S.A., by exposing them to
complimentary research facilities, and further, ensuring a
high level of post-graduate student education.
Mode of cooperation:
The success of this project will depend strongly on the
utilization of complimentary fabrication methods,
irradiation sources and analytical techniques. For
example, SBDs will be fabricated by different
metallization methods at University of Pretoria (UP) and
University of Oslo (UoO), respectively, on AlGaN and
ZnO form UP and SiC from UoO. Particle irradiation at
various temperatures, T (low T at UP (radionuclides in the
DLTS cryostat as well at a DLTS system coupled to a van
de Graaff accelerator), high T at UoO) will be carried out
at both institutes to provide a wide range of particles with
energies form keV to MeV. keV noble gas ions, 5.4 MeV
alpha-particle and in-line MeV proton irradiation/DLTS
in a van de Graaff accelerator will be done at UP, while
UoO will perform MeV electron and MeV heavy ion
irradiation. The radiation-induced defects and the SBD
detectors will be characterized by complimentary
techniques (including high temperature DLTS at UoO and
high-resolution DLTS at UP) while modelling will be
done at UP/MEDUNSA. The objectives of this project
will be realized via regular exchange of personnel and
21
students in order to gain access to complimentary
facilities not locally available.
26 Mathematical Modelling of
Financial Assets
Project no:
158006/V10
Grant Period:
1.1.2004-31.12.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
Norwegian School and Economics and Business
Administration, Department of Finance and
Management
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Aase, Knut K. Professor
Financed by RCN:
2004: 88,000 2005: 88,000
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of Natal, School of Mathematics, Stats
& IT
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Ng, Siu-Ah Dr
Financed by NRF:
2004: 132,000 2005: 132,000
Main objectives:
 To contribute to economic growth through
improvement of efficiency of the economy via
better mathematical modeling techniques
 Understanding of a spectrum of financial assets.
Methodology:
Use mathematical methods from stochastic analysis,
white noise analysis and non-standard analysis to
investigate and model financial assets which are
particularly relevant to the economy of Southern Africa;
calibrate results using real data from markets of Southern
Africa, popularize the benefit of mathematical finance to
students and academics as well as practitioners in the
market.
Significance of proposed research:
A good understanding of various financial assets is crucial
for policy makers in the government and practitioners in
the financial market to:
- improve economic efficiency and productivity
- design fair and rational regulations of the market
- help greater participation in the global economy.
Mode of cooperation:
Exchange of researchers, training of postgraduate
students, organization of workshops, and as far as
possible these are done in conjunction with a NUFU
program headed by professor Øksendal.
27 Characterization of type II
GnRH receptor internalization.
Project no:
158150/V10
Grant Period:
1.1.2004-31.12.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
University of Bergen, Department of Anatomy
and Cell Biology
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Combas, Anna M. Argay Associate professor
Financed by RCN
2004: 100,000 2005: 50,000
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of Cape Town, Department of Clinical
Laboratory Sciences
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Katz, Arieh Anthony Dr
Financed by NRF:
2004: 184,000 2005: 215,000
Main Objectives:
The type II GnRH receptor degradation will be
investigated by measuring half life of receptor protein in
the presence and absence of GnRHII ligand and the
degradation pathway will be identified by testing effects
of specific inhibitors on receptor turn-over.
In addition to the gonadotropin-releasing hormone
(GnRH) which regulates reproduction, most vertebrates
have a second form of GnRH, designated GnRHII which
is conserved from fish to man. Recently, the South
African group cloned the gene encoding the type II GnRH
receptor from human and marmoset monkey. The cloned
type II GnRH receptors have a C-terminal tail, in contrast
to the mammalian type I GnRH receptors which uniquely
lack a C-terminal tail. As the C-terminal tail of many G
protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is important for
receptor signalling, internalization, recycling and
degradation we intend to study these processes in the type
II GnRH receptor.
The project will investigate the functional role of the Cterminal tail on the internalization and signaling of the
receptor and will characterize the molecular mechanism
governing the internalization, signaling and degradation
of the type II GnRH receptor.
Methodology:
In general two complimentary approaches will be
employed; the first takes advantage of the expertise and
facilities available to the Norwegian group. They will
follow internalization of a fluorescent-tagged type II
GnRH receptor with a confocal microscope and live
imaging, while the South African group will employ a
pharmacological approach and will follow internalization
of a radio-labeled GnRH ligand.
The internalization of the type II GnRH receptor will be
characterized in two model cell lines (COS-1 and
HEK293). The role of the C-terminal tail will be
investigated by following/measuring internalization of
transfected wild-type type II GnRH receptor and receptor
22
mutant having C-terminal truncations and specific point
mutations.
The internalization pathway of the receptor will be
identified by measuring/following the internalization of
the presence of proteins known to mediate internalization
(wild type, constitutive active and dominant negative
forms of these proteins will be employed) and in the
presence of specific inhibitors of internalization.
The type II GnRH receptor degradation will be
investigated by measuring half life of receptor protein in
the presence and absence of GnRHII ligand and the
degradation pathway will be identified by testing effects
of specific inhibitors on receptor turn-over.
Significance of proposed Research:
Elucidation of these processes will shed light on the
activity and regulation of the type II GnRH receptor and
can provide a basis for development of compounds that
will be able to modulate the activity of the type II GnRH
receptor.
Mode of cooperation:
The collaboration between two laboratories that have
complimentary expertise is important and necessary for
the successful completion of this project. The South
African group are experts in GPCR receptors function and
pharmacology, whereas the Norwegian group are experts
in GPCR signalling and internalization. Moreover the
Norwegian partner will provide with the stat of the art
molecular imaging techniques required to perform these
studies. The methodological knowledge acquired in
Norway in turn will help to bring these techniques to
South Africa.
28 Comoputational neuroscience:
Mechanistic modelling of LGN
in the early visual system.
Project no:
158153/V10
Grant Period:
1.1.2004-31.12.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
Norwegian University of Life Sciences,
Department of Mathematical Sciences and
Technology
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Einevoll, Gaute Professor
Financed by RCN:
2004: 116,925 2005: 28,125
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Physics
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Chetty, Nithaya Dr
Financed by NRF:
2004: 45,000 2005: 15,000
Main Objectives:
The main objective for this proposal is to establish a longterm collaboration in computational neuroscience
between the research groups of the two applicants. A
significant component of the initiation of this
collaboration is the plan to have two South-African
students do their Master’s thesis work on collaborative
projects in computational neuroscience on a brain part
called LGN in the early visual system. These two students
will work on problems directly connected to the current
research interests in the group at the Agricultural
University of Norway.
As a long-term goal, it would be ideal for the South
African theoretical physics community to be exposed to
the burgeoning field of computational neuroscience.
Chetty and Lindebaum are organizing the Chris
Engelbrecth Theoretical Physics Summer School
scheduled for January 2005 on the topic of ‘Advanced
Scientific Computing – a focus on algorithmic
development’. Einevoll and one other Norwegian
computational physicist will deliver a series of lectures
and in so doing help develop a greater interest in this
subject in South Africa.
Einevoll and Chetty have embarked on a new initiative of
electronic interviews of South African physicists. These
interviews seek to find out from the SA physicists: Who
are we? What are we doing? Why are we doing what we
do? What are our views about physics in the country? Etc.
These interviews will be published as a catalogue in print
form. We will distribute the catalogue throughout South
Africa, and elsewhere in Southern Africa, as well as to
interested parties in Norway and possibly to a number of
physical societies in the world.
We believe that these interviews will be informative and
useful to the physics public, the funding agents, industry,
etc. We will learn of the views of physicists at a personal
level at a time when we seem to know so little of each
other. Only a select group of physicists are being invited
to participate in this project.
Methodology:
SA Masters student Cavero is being jointly supervised by
Einevoll, Plesser, Chetty and Lindebaum. The expertise in
the field of Computational Neuroscience within this
collaboration resides in Norway. The master’s candidate
will learn the basics of modeling of the LGN in the early
visual pathway. The anatomical, physiological and
physical understanding of this subsystem is central to the
study. The use of various neuronal simulators will be
mastered. Cavero's master’s project will be an extension
of on-going work at the Agricultural University of
Norway. He will need to spend up six months at the
Agricultural University of Norway to capture the
necessary knowledge, skills and experience.
SA student van Wyngaard will complete her Honours
degree at the beginning of 2004. She will need to spend
up to six months at the Agricultural University of Norway
to capture the knowledge, skills and experience as
outlined above.
23
Einevoll and one other Norwegian Computational
physicist will deliver a series of lectures at the Summer
School in Theoretical Physics on the topic of
Computational Biology. The school is being organized by
Chetty and Lindebaum, and will be held in the Natal
Drakensberg from 20 - 30 January 2005. The title of the
School is 'Advanced Scientific Computing - a focus on
the algorithmic development'.
Chetty or Lindebaum will travel to Norway to discuss ongoing collaborations and to plan future research activities.
Einevoll will travel to South-Africa to monitor progress of
research students.
Ph.D. student Pettersen (Agric. Univ. of Norway) will
travel to South Africa to teachon the use of neuronal
simulators.
Significance of proposed Research:
From an academic point of view, the research is
significant because of a growing interest by quantitative
scientists such as physicists and applied mathematicians
in the field of biological systems. Major strides in biology
will be made because the more detailed understanding at
millimeter to nanometer length scales of biological
systems now allows for the development of mathematical
models. When successful, mathematical models give
more precise and thus deeper understanding of the system
at hand. Mathematical modeling of nature has been a
focus of attention for physicists for centuries. Research in
computational biology and in computational neuroscience
in particular, brings together people with varying
backgrounds to work jointly in a new multidisciplinary
field.
From a developmental point of view, the expertise in this
field, which presently resides in Norway (within this
collaboration), will be developed in South Africa where
no such expertise presently exists. The collaboration
focuses on graduate student education and development,
which helps create critical mass of expertise in South
Africa for the future.
The involvement of Norwegian computational experts in
the Chris Engelbrecth Theoretical Physics Summer
School will expose an even wider South African (and
African) audience to those new developments in the field
of computational biology. This will hopefully stimulate
greater interest in this field amongst South African
physicists as well as create incentives for greater cooperation and collaborations amongst South African
scientists in this field.
Physics in South Africa, and indeed in the world, is in a
difficult state as the discipline tries to re-define itself in
the new post-cold War era. In South Africa, there is a
need for greater communication of the views of physicists
on forging a new way forward. The electronic interviews,
of SA physicists by Chetty, Einevoll and Hasselgren, are
a new initiative which is aimed at stimulating debate and
discussion on the future of physics in South Africa.
Mode of cooperation:
In 2004 SA Masters students Cavero and van Wyngaard
will spend six months at the agricultural University of
Norway under supervision by Einevoll and Plesser. They
will continue to learn about the anatomy and physiology
of the early visual system as well as the physics that
governs the functioning of this system and the
mathematical modelling of the system. They will write
computer code and use simulation packages to study this
system. Einevoll and Pettersen will travel to South Africa
in 2004 to monitor the progress of the research students
and teach the use of neuronal simulators.
Einevoll and one other Norwegian computational
physicist will travel to South Africa in January 2005 to
deliver a series of lecture on Computational biology at the
Chris Engelbrecth Theoretical Physics Summer School of
Theoretical Physics. The school is being organised y
Chetty and Lindebaum on 'Advances computational
Physics - a focus on algorithmic development'. Chetty or
Lindebaum will travel to Norway in December 2005to
discuss on-going research collaborations and future plans.
Einevoll and Chetty are communicating via e-mail on the
project involving the electronic interviews of South
African physicists. Both authors will be involved in the
editing of the interviews and the writing of the forward of
the catalogue. This project is also co-authored by Dr.
Lennart Hasselgren from the Institute of Physical
Sciences at Uppsala University, Sweden.
29 Addressing the New
Governance Disparity:
Mobilizing Local Knowledge
and Capacity in Poor
Communities - A MicroGovernance Model in S. Africa
Project no:
158156/V10
Grant Period:
1.1.2004-31.12.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
University of Bergen, Department of
Administration and Organization Theory
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Froestad, Jan, Associate Professor
Financed by RCN:
2004: 45,000 2005: 275,000
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of the Western Cape, School of
Governement
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Shearing, Clifford Dr
Financed by NRF:
2004: 160,000 2005: 100,000
Main Objectives:
A key theoretical objective is to improve our knowledge
of conditions for mobilizing local knowledge and selfdirected capacity in poor communities, as a way of
addressing the increasing governance disparity in the
world caused by the transition from government toward
24
governance', and from sovereignty/dominance toward
'governmentality' as a more indirect form of rule. The
mobilization of local knowledge and the successful
ordering of such knowledge in the new networks of nodal
governance is today a key to combat marginalization.
The project seeks to understand, support, develop and
extend an innovative micro-governance initiative in South
Africa, called the Zwelethemba model, deliberately set up
to address these problems. The model approaches three
objectives that are at the top of the South African
government's national agenda, crime prevention, work
and infrastructure development and community and
nation building. The local peace committees, working
within the principles of the Zwelethemba model, have
already managed to establish themselves as acknowledged
and legitimate structures of dispute resolution in poor
communities.
To date over 1000 'peace gatherings' have been held and
over 5000 people have been involved in participating
directly in solving conflicts and problems in their
communities through the window of these gatherings that
also generates income both for committee members and
for approaching generic problems in the communities.
The project seeks to understand why this microgovernance model seems to be working, and enhances
self-directed capacity in very poor South African
communities. It seeks to explore the conditions that
promote or prevent the integration and use of such local
knowledge and capacity in wider policy networks. It
seeks to understand why the peace committees are
supported locally and why people find it in their interest
to make use of their services. It asks why a dispute model
that arranges for no balancing of pain or repair of harm
still seems to produce an experience of justice that make
disputants comply with a contractual agreement of future
peace.
Methodology:
The various research questions that the project sets out to
explore (see section 3, project description) make it
necessary to gather data on i) local communities and
clients served by peace committees, ii) local peace
committees' members and practices, iii) functions and
practices of the Community Peace Program (CPP) head
office in Observatory, Cape Town, and iv) structure and
interaction in wider policy networks of which the CPP is a
part. Interviewing local people and clients, members of
the CPP/local peace committees and key stakeholders in
governance networks will be the main approach to collect
such data.
For some of the questions asked a combination of
surveying all or most communities for some essential
information combined with more intensive, in-depth
studies of some selected peace committees and
communities will be used (see project description, section
3.3. on local knowledge and capacity and section 3.4, the
CPP as a regulated market). Additional methods include:
a) Analysis of audit and evaluation forms and data base
already constructed on the basis of such information,
available at the head office of the CPP, b) Participant
observation at a series of peace gatherings. c) Gathering
of data on costs of dispute case handling conducted by the
CPP, compared with similar public budget data (see
project description, section 3.4) d) interviews of (earlier )
disputants to evaluate the extent to which peace
agreements are complied with and explore incentives for
keeping or violating agreed-upon obligations.
The project intends to engage 'co-coordinators' in the CPP
to do some of the interviewing and Master/Dr. students at
one of the three local Universities to do some of the
participant observation, supervised by project researchers.
Significance of proposed Research:
While the development of the Zwelethemba model was
inspired through theoretical and empirical analysis that
identified a governance deficit, the development of the
model has intentionally been community based and
experimental. This work has produced a robust and
sustainable model for local governance that responds to
many of the generic issues that have plagued attempts to
deepen democracy by localizing governance. Of
particular importance is the extent to which its key
activities are community-based rather than expert driven.
The premise on which this proposal is founded is that it is
now time to reflect theoretically on the model so that its
central theoretical features can be articulated. This
articulation will provide a platform for constant
theoretical reflection and, as importantly, will provide a
basis for policy development to extend the model itself
and its principles much more widely. Theoretically, a key
ambition of the project is to improve our knowledge of
the conditions for mobilizing local knowledge and
capacity in poor communities, and for inventing and
regulating systems of governance ensuring that this
knowledge and capacity will be utilized in ways that
enhance social and economic development in these
communities.
Mode of cooperation:
The project is organized as a joint research project,
including exchange of project staff, both individual and
collective dissemination of research findings and planning
of joint participation in scholarly conferences. We expect
to deploy both graduate and post-doctoral students at
University of the Western Cape, Stellenbosch University
and/or University of Cape Town to assist with the
fieldwork. The two Principal Investigators will direct the
research. As specified in section 3 the project will be
organized as four sub-studies. We assume, however, that
there is going to be much crossover and fertilization
between the different studies.
The information we gather will be organized as a
common data pool, to be utilized by all participants,
researchers and others. On the other hand, however, it is
always an advantage to stipulate particular responsibilities
as clearly as possible. In that regard, Clifford Shearing
and Jan Froestad will take a special responsibility for the
implementation of the organization/ management studies
(3.1 and 3.2). Madeleine Jenneker, with professional
background in economics, will have a main responsibility
25
for the macro- and micro-economic analysis (3.4), while
John Cartwright, with his detailed insight in the running
of the Community Peace Program, will be in charge of
organizing and monitoring the collection of data on local
knowledge and capacity and community impact (3.3),
assisted by Birte Bjørkelo.
Jan Froestad and Birte Bjørkelo will each have two stays
in Cape Town in 2004 and 2005, the presence of the
Norwegian partners in South Africa approx. 5-6 months
pr. year of the project. A key consultant to the project will
be Professor Chris Tapscott, the Director of the School of
Government at the University of the Western Cape. One
of Tapscott's specialities is local government. Another
consultant will be Professor Amanda Gouws at
Stellenbosch University, Department of Political Science,
having particular skills in quantitative methodology. A
third consultant will be Dr. Steven Robbins, Department
of Anthropology and Sociology, UWC, who has
conducted a range of studies on local communities, the
role of NGO's and on private - public encounters in South
Africa.
30 Broken bodies and healing
communities. Community,
ritual, care and ethics in
church-based responses to
HIV/AIDS in RSA
Project no:
158162/V10
Grant Period:
1.1.2004-31.12.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
University of Oslo, Faculty of Theology
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Hafstad, Kjetil Professor
Financed by RCN:
2004: 262,635 2005: 190,515
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of Natal, School of Theology and
Religion
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Richardson, Neville Professor
Financed by NRF:
2004: 154,000 2005: 143,000
Main Objectives:
The main objectives are to assess the relationship between
the "broken bodies" and the "healing community" among
HIV/AIDS infected people in South Africa.
There are four research areas:
1. Congregation and community: an ethnography
2. Ritual body and cultural resistance: a ritual
analysis
3. Practical theological responses: pastoral care
4. Ambiguities in teaching and practices: historical
and ethical reflections
South Africa has more people infected by HIV/AIDS than
any other country. The South African government has
argued that Christian and other faith communities have a
central role in responding to the crisis. Media and
HIV/AIDS agents in South Africa as well as other
Southern African countries have given Churches much
attention. It is argued that Churches have been silent and
reluctant in relation to the crisis. Yet "faith communities"
have also taken a large proportion of the everyday burden
of caring for the affected. Against this background, we
present the research project "Broken bodies, healing
communities", which is a joint proposal of The School of
Theology at the University of Natal, and The Faculty of
Theology at the University of Oslo, in cooperation with
Diakonhjemmet College/International department. The
project will combine the research efforts and scholarly
competence of each of the schools involved. The focus is
on the relation between the "broken bodies" and the
"healing community" with a particular emphasis on and
understanding of the fact that persons are persons-in
community before they are individuals. Both sufferers and
caregivers are hence communal persons. Rituals related to
healing and care are closely related to the identity and
self-understanding of the community and this selfunderstanding provides both the reasons for, and the kind
of people who can offer reconciliation and care. We will
investigate critically issues in community, ritual, care and
ethics in church-based contextual responses to HIV/AIDS
in RSA. We will in particular investigate the ambiguities
in the relationship between a "broken body" and a
presumably "healing community", focusing on moral
dynamics which increase the suffering and ways to grow
in new and truly healing directions. A critical approach to
the faith communities themselves emerges through such
issues.
Methodology:
The methodological approaches range from specific
ethnographic fieldwork based on participant observation
to the techniques, applied in relation to the textual studies
within theology. Our four different, but related research
areas are therefore formulated in a manner that reflects
the general methodological approach in contextual
theology. That is, we move from the very specific
ethnographically detailed study of the relation between
congregation and community, into more general church
activities in relation to ritual activities and to pastoral
care, and from there to integrative ethical and historical
reflection.
Significance of proposed Research:
We will produce new knowledge on contextual responses
to HIV/AIDS in faith communities in South Africa. We
will contribute to building academic capacity in South
Africa among previously disadvantaged communities.
The joint research cooperation will in addition indirectly
provide the platform for the important further
development of PhD students and master’s students both
in South Africa and Norway. The project has furthermore
an applied relevance as to how policy makers and faith
26
communities can gain an understanding of how
communities can continue to develop forms of viable
support networks, new ethical values, communal and
ritual forms of healing and care.
Mitochondrial DNA is significantly more abundant that
nuclear DNA. As a result mitochondrial typing is often
able to generate a profile when insufficient DNA is
present for other typing systems.
Mode of cooperation:
Building on our already well-established co-operation in
the International Network for Advanced Education
(INATE) we will arrange research in 4 sub-groups. We
envisage exchange visits of staff, for symposia (as already
held), periods of collaboration, research, fieldwork and
teaching.
Main Objectives and Methodology:
This study aims to identify novel Y-Chromosome markers
more polymorphic than those reported to date. Over 25
Y-chromosome Short Tandem Repeat markers (Y-STRs)
have already been reported. The majority of these were
identified using conventional techniques prior to the
release of the draft human genome sequence. Direct
sequence analysis provides a more efficient way of
identifying STRs. Over 22 mega bases of Y-chromosome
sequence is currently available.
We have used this sequence to identify 787 potential
STRs. These STRs have been ranked according to
theoretical criteria (number of repeated units and
homology between repeat units). A subset of
approximately 30 of the most promising STRs has been
selected for further analysis. The polymorphic content of
these STRs will be determined in a cohort of 38
individuals using conventional polyacrylamide gels. The
most polymorphic STRs will then be combined into a
multiplex suitable for automated genotyping. This will be
used for a more comprehensive population study. After
the population study the multiplex will be refined for
forensic casework. The South African laboratory will
undertake this work.
Population studies are essential for the use of genetic
markers in forensic studies. Sub-populations will be
defined on the basis of Language, Race and Religion. A
minimum of 100 samples will be analyzed for each subpopulation. Samples will be typed for the most
polymorphic set of Y-STRs. The population samples will
also be typed for established mitochondrial
polymorphisms. The results will be compiled in a
database. It will then be possible to consult the database
to determine the significance of matches in forensic
casework. The South African group will collect
population samples and conduct the Y-STR typing. The
Norwegian group will conduct the mitochondrial typing
and will lead the analysis of all of the population data.
31 Implementation of novel YChromosome STR markers
and mitochondrial
polymorphisisms in forensic
casework in South Africa
Project no:
158163/V10
Grant Period:
1.1.2004-31.12.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
University of Oslo, Department of Biology
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Hagelberg, Erika Professor
Financed by RCN:
2004: 79,336 2005: 101,020
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of the Western Cape, Department of
Biology
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Davison, Sean Dr
Financed by NRF:
2004: 133,000 2005: 142,000
Main Objectives:
Sexual assault is a significant problem facing South
African society. Between 1994 and 2001 the SA Police
service indicate that for every 100 000 individuals, 50 to
60 rapes were reported annually. We aim to develop and
implement improved forensic tests for the investigation of
rape cases.
Forensic identity testing is achieved by examining
polymorphic regions of DNA. Typically sets of
polymorphisms are examined together to provide a
genetic profile. The polymorphic markers most
commonly used lie on the autosomal (1-22)
chromosomes. While they have an excellent capacity to
distinguish between individuals they do have
disadvantages. In sexual assault cases it is often difficult
to separate the female victim’s profile from the rapist's
profile.
Analysis of Y-chromosome polymorphisms overcomes
this by generating male specific profiles. Mitochondrial
polymorphisms address a different problem.
Significance of proposed Research:
The research is expected to generate a Y-STR typing
system with a high capacity to discriminate between
individuals. In addition, the population data necessary for
the implementation of forensic Y-STR and mitochondrial
typing will be gathered. This will broaden the range of
tools available to forensic scientists.
Mode of cooperation:
Erika Hagelberg's laboratory has extensive experience
with mitochondrial typing and the analysis of population
data. Sean Davison's laboratory has developed a robust
capacity for genotyping with an emphasis on Ychromosome markers. The laboratories complement one
another and will share data as it is generated using e-mail
telephone conferencing and direct visits.
27
32 Care environments for infants
and young children affected by
HIV/AIDS
Project no:
158164/V10
Grant Period:
1.1.2004-31.8.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
University of Oslo, Department of Psychology
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Hundeide, Karsten Professor
Financed by RCN:
2004: 93,984 2005: 61,278
Responsive University/Institution, South Africa:
Human Sciences Research Council, Child, Youth
& Family Development
Principle Investigator, South Africa
Richter, Linda Marleine Dr
Financed by NRF:
2004: 282,000 2005: 113,000
Main objectives:
The 20-month program of research collaboration between
the Norwegian and South African investigators aim to:
 Conduct detailed observations of children's
activities, care experiences and interactions with
caregivers in a variety of modal environments in
which children affected by HIV/AIDS receive
care, selected from among rural and urban
homes, foster families and institutional
environments.
 On the basis of these in-depth ethnographic
observations, an instrument will be developed to
assess the quality of care environments for small
children.
The original work plan included the validation of the
instrument through its application to the evaluation of
care environments of children with known outcomes well adjusted and healthy children in high-risk
environments, as well as children in similar environments
whose health, cognitive and social development has
clearly suffered. However, this stage will have to be held
off until further funding for the project can be found.
Methodology:
The respective roles of the co-operating partners in
carrying out the proposed research plan should be
indicated.
The study has, in fact, begun through the support of a
start-up grant from the Norway-South Africa Program on
Research Cooperation. A one-week workshop involving
all the applicants from Norway and South Africa was held
in January. The workshop involved field site visits to
homes, foster families, institutions and hospitals in and
around Durban, as well as discussions with community
agencies and health authorities. Three days were spent
debating the first proposal and refining ideas for this
proposal. A detailed research plan was constructed and
roles in the project were clarified. Agreement was reached
on the mode of cooperation between the Norwegian and
South African collaborators, capacity development efforts
for postgraduate students from both countries, and joint
publication policy.
The 20-month study involves two distinct phases:
Observations of care environments, and construction of an
assessment tool with which to evaluate care
environments. The project is limited in its scope to
children under five years of age. Research activities will
take place in and around Durban and the Valley of a
Thousand Hills in KwaZulu-Natal, and in Khayelitsha in
Cape Town.
Mode of cooperation:
The project will formally begin with the appointment of
project staff and the selection of postgraduate students. At
the same time, the proposal will be submitted to the
Human Sciences Research Council Research Ethics
Committee for approval. Sites for the study will
be selected and preparatory activities put in place to enlist
the cooperation of communities, institutions and families
who will be involved in the project. In both Cape Town
and Durban the study group will work in cooperation with
community-based programs established to assist children
and families affected by HIV/AIDS. The project
coordinators in each centre, both Clinical Psychologists
with special training in child development, will initiate a
comprehensive review of the literature on care
environments from a variety of perspectives, with the
assistance of postgraduate students.
Each of the project collaborators, in Norway and in South
Africa, will give guidance to the literature in the specified
area of their expertise. For example, Professor Andy
Dawes will guide the review of literature on care
environments in the field of child sexual abuse and
community violence. The Norwegian students will
specifically assist with the literature review during their
placement period in South Africa
Phase I – Observations:
In each centre (Cape Town and Durban), 15 care
environments will be selected for detailed observation, 30
in all. Five environments will comprise family care of
poor and vulnerable children, five will involve foster care
of children affected by HIV/AIDS, and five will involve
institutional care. Non-random sampling for maximum
difference will be used to select the sites to ensure
variability in the care environments observed.
A consultant anthropologist in each centre (Dr Heather
Brookes, Human Sciences Research Council- in the
Durban site, and Dr Patti Henderson from the University
of Cape Town - in the Khayelitsha site) will be employed
to train the postgraduate students in ethnographic
observations, note-taking and interpretation. Following
training, a pilot study observing children's activities, care
experiences and interactions with caregivers in the 30
sites will be undertaken for a period of 2-3 weeks. At the
end of this period the study group; including the
Norwegian collaborators, will meet in Durban or Cape
28
Town to review the pilot study results and to fine-tune the
observational methodology.
Observations will be conducted for 3 hours a day at
different times of the day, 3 times a week for 2 months in
each observation condition. For the first two weeks, the
postgraduate students will be supervised by the consultant
anthropologists and adjustments made to the detail and
interpretive quality of the observation notes.
At the end of the observation period, the South African
project team will compile a report on the observations
with a draft outline for an assessment tool. A workshop
will then be convened for both the Norwegian and South
African collaborators to examine the observation notes
and the draft assessment tool, and to make
recommendations for adjustment.
Phase II - Development of the assessment tool:
On the basis of the joint workshop, a rating system will be
developed for the assessment of the quality of care
environments. The tool will be sent to the Norwegian
collaborators for comment and adjustment. The project
report will consist of the comprehensive literature; the
methodology for the observational study, together with
the results; the final assessment tool; and guidelines for
the application of the assessment tool in families, foster
and institutional care. The guidelines will also describe in
what ways care environments assessed to be deficient on
one or other dimension will have to be improved to meet
children's care needs. The 20-month project and the final
report will pave the way for the development of a
proposal for an intervention study designed to improve
care environments along the dimensions measured by the
care environment assessment tool.
33 Living Conditions among
People with Disabilities in
South Africa
Project no:
158166/V10
Grant Period:
1.1.2004-31.12.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
University of Oslo, Section for Medical Ethics
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Ingstad, Benedicte Professor
Financed by RCN:
2004: 77,500 2005: 77,500
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of Cape Town, Department of Allied
Health Services
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Jelsma, Jennifer Margaret Dr
Financed by NRF:
2004: 222,000 2005: 223,000
Main Objectives:
The overall objective is to contribute to developing the
understanding of disability and the complexity of the
disablement process in accordance with the recently
finalized International Classification of Functioning,
Disability and Health. Specific objectives:
 develop a design for studies on living conditions
among people with disabilities in South Africa
and carry out a study in Western and Eastern
Cape Provinces among Xhosa speaking people
 test global type questions (internationally
comparable general indicators) on level of
functioning, activities and participation and their
application in a local context
 develop critical knowledge about how the core
concepts are able to identify key barriers for
daily life activities and social participation
 study whether the ICF model can be applied
cross-disciplinary in a local context
 build research capacity through exchange of
researchers and cross-disciplinary collaboration
 build user capacity to utilize research to the
benefit of people with disabilities.
Methodology
The project will comprise two integrated research
projects; one survey among a Representative sample of
the Xhosa speaking population in East and West Cape
Provinces, And one anthropological study in selected
local communities within the same geographic area. The
two studies will be integrated through a joint research
team and workshops.
Significance of proposed Research
It is expected that this research will generate new
knowledge about
 the situation of people with disabilities in South
Africa determinants of activity limitations and
restrictions in participation
 the meaning and relevance of the core concepts
in the ICF model in this particular context.
The research will thus meet an explicitly formulated need
for generating information about the level of living
conditions among people with disabilities in South Africa
and contribute to the verification, the development and
application of the ICF model and our understanding of the
disablement process. In particular, the combination of
anthropological and survey methodology provides an
opportunity for a critical examination of our current
conceptual framework for understanding the disability
phenomenon.
Mode of cooperation
One Research Team will be organized in South Africa
and ore in Norway. Co-ordination across the two teams
will be ensured through a Steering Committee comprising
the two Principal Investigators and the Project
Coordinators. A written agreement describing specific
roles in the research project including responsibilities
within the two Research Teams as well as joint milestones
during the project period will form the basis for the
collaboration.
29
Principal Investigators have the overall professional
responsibility for the research. Project Coordinators are
responsible for the day-to-day activity, for progress and
for the Project infra-structure. University of Oslo and
University of Western Cape will be jointly responsible for
the anthropological study. University of Cape Town and
SINTEF Unimed will be jointly responsible for the
disability survey.
The role of DPSA (SA) and FFO (N) will be to ensure
relevance of the research for people with disabilities and
that a user perspective is present and influences all
aspects of the research process. Both organizations have
an active engagement in research that will contribute to
link this project to ongoing and relevant activities in
South Africa.
34 Environmental Responses in
Collembola (SPRINGTAILS):
Implications for Climate
Change
Project no:
158173/V10
Grant Period:
1.1.2004-31.12.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
University of Oslo, Department of Biology
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Leinaas, Hans Petter Professor
Financed by RCN:
2004: 215,820 2005: 138,864
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of Stellenbosch, Department of
Botany & Zoology
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Chown, Steven Loudon Dr
Financed by NRF:
2004: 153,000 2005: 101,000
Main Objectives:
The main object of the proposed project is to study
thermal adaptation and desiccation resistance in relation
to climate change and species interactions in southern
Collembola of the Sub Antarctic Marion Island and
northern species from the Norwegian mainland and
Svalbard.
We will focus on the following hypotheses:
 Thermal adaptation (differences in thermal
reaction norms of development between species).
Northern hemisphere species have steeper ratetemperature curves than southern hemisphere
species. Rate-temperature curves are steeper in
(northern) invasive spring tail species than
indigenous species on Marion Island.
 Desiccation (cost of adaptation in terms of
reduced respiration, intro-specific variation and
competitiveness): Intra specific variation in
cuticular structure and desiccation resistance
depend on the range in humidity conditions of all
habitats occupied by the species. Differences in
cuticular protection against desiccation among
related species will be reflected in corresponding
differences in respiration and in growth rate
under identical conditions.
Methodology:
Thermal reaction norms in rate of development will be
studied in a series of species from both hemispheres at
different temperatures according to our standard
procedures. Strategies for desiccation resistance will
include rates of survival and water loss under controlled
conditions, physiological adaptations and cuticular
modifications. This will be related to habitat occupancy,
to evaluate its importance for structuring species
assemblages, and their sensitivity to change in humidity
conditions. Respiration studies will be tested as means to
evaluate cost of adaptation.
Significance of proposed Research:
The project represents a quite unique multi-level approach
in studying effects of climate change. The combined
studies on physiological processes and thermal reaction
nouns of life history traits, elucidating mechanisms and
costs of adaptation, will represent a contribution to the
understanding of direct vs. indirect responses underlying
effects of climate change on natural communities. It also
forms a necessary basis for further exploitation of this
fundamental question concerning climate change.
The comparison of physiological and life history
strategies between northern and southern species
represents an additional contribution to the general
understanding of adaptation to cool climate and effects of
climate change. By comparing similar taxa from the two
hemispheres we will be able to test the major hypotheses
recently put forward to explain north-south differences in
physiological characteristics. The comparison will also
provide considerable insight into the differential
responses of invasive and indigenous species to climate
change. Invasive species and climate change constitute
two of the most significant threats to modern diversity
and its conservation, yet their interactions are poorly
documented. Our study will be one of the first to do so,
and therefore is of considerable significance.
Mode of cooperation:
The co-operation will include co-supervision of South
African research students, visits by South African
research students to Norway and Svalbard for training and
collaborative research, joint laboratory workshops
between members of the groups to plan research, analyze
data, and write-up the results, and collaboration between
the PIs on the development of further joint research on
similar topics.
30
35 ICT-UCT: Information
Communication Technologies
in University Communities of
Teaching
Project no:
158179/V10
Grant Period:
1.1.2004-31.12.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
University of Oslo, InterMedia
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Morrison, Andrew David Doktor
Financed by RCN:
2004: 111,000 2005: 73,500
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of Cape Town, Multimedia Education
Group
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Czerniewicz, Laura Dr
Financed by NRF:
2004: 179,000 2005: 236,000
Main objectives:
Main research problem:
The effective and strategic implementation of ICTs in
higher education needs to include the development of the
digital, multiliteracies of university teachers in a
contextualized approach to the communication design of
curriculum and content for learning.
Research questions:
 What role can workshops play in the
development of a community of practice of
educators using educational technologies within
Humanities?
 How can workshops be designed to optimize the
integration of ICTs in the Humanities
curriculum?
 In what ways do institutional contexts impact on
the use and uptake of ICTs in such communities
of practice?
Methodology:
Activity Theory will provide a methodological framework
for understanding the learning related elements of the
research and especially the roles of ICTs in the mediation
of academics competence building. Participatory Action
Research (PAR) will be used as a means of both engaging
in an educational and training intervention as well as in
using collaborative research and learning designs with
academics in their institutional contexts. ICTs will be
used in communication about the research and as a means
of analysis and representation. Web-based accounts of the
process and its research discourses will be used to provide
an online environment for critical reflection and for the
dissemination of the research to other centers and
initiatives working in staff development and ICTs.
Observation, interviews and iterative design methods will
be included.
Significance of proposed Research:
This research will meet a real, immediate need for
academics in the Humanities to develop and apply their
skills and critical uses of ICTs in their teaching. A
community of practice will be generated in a local context
but will be extended through web-based publication of a
research and developmental learning rhetorics. The
workshop based approach will be used to model further
interventions and ongoing support for university teachers.
In time, it is hoped that the project will be extended to
other South African campuses (a need already requested
from the University of Cape Town) as well as dovetailing with directions led by the Flexible Learning Group
at the University of Oslo.
Mode of cooperation:
Collaboration will relate to instructional and
communication design, to joint researching and to the
uses of ICTs in communicating about the research. ICTs
will be used extensively in local and distance exchanges
between the researchers. Exchange visits and writing of
papers will be essential.
36 Indigenous fermented foods
and beverages
Project no:
158181/V10
Grant Period:
1.1.2004-31.12.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
Norwegian University of Life Sciences,
Department of Chemistry, Biotechnology and
Food Science
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Narvhus, Judith A, Associate professor
Financed by RCN
2004: 86,625 2005: 148,500
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University Free State, Microbial, Biochemical
and Food Biotechnology
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Viljoen, Bennie C, Professor
Financed by NRF:
2004: 239,000 2005: 225,000
Main Objectives:
The main objectives of the South African and Norwegian
collaborative group are to contribute to local
entrepreneurship and food security by obtaining
fundamental knowledge about the growth kinetics,
biochemical activities and technological properties of the
micro organisms native to fermented indigenous foods
and beverages.
Methodology:
Special emphasis will be on the food borne yeasts
associated with these products which might be applied as
starter cultures focusing on previously characterized yeast
31
species and others relevant in foods to determine the
influence of a range of environmental variables upon their
growth, their positive or negative interactions with other
microorganisms, their contributions to food quality, safety
and shelf-life, the beneficial role when applied as yeastprobiotics and their potential use as bio-control against
pathogens and undesired contaminants.
Newly isolated indigenous yeasts and previously
characterized strains will be grown in sterile simulated
commodities under controlled conditions in mini
fermentors to evaluate the influence of the environment,
and in defined chemical media to obtain clear
interpretation of the results. For each isolate,
environmental conditions like pH, temperature, aeration,
carbohydrate and salt concentration, etc. will be
systematically changed and the influence on biochemical
activity and the species adaptation to the circumstances
monitored by growth studies. Growth will be monitored
by the utilization of substrates (carbohydrates, fat, protein,
amino acids), measurement of cell growth by dry weight
and viable counts and production of metabolites.
Biochemical changes will be monitored at regular time
intervals and the secretion of appropriate compounds
(organic acids, alcohols, aldehydes, fatty acids, etc.)
regarding flavor, taste, aroma, color, etc. depending on
the product will be determined. From these quantitative
measurements, the kinetics of growth, substrate utilization
and metabolic production, as influenced by a range of
environmental variables will be determined. Important
shifts in the metabolic properties of yeasts as a
consequence of phase of growth and environmental stress
will be deduced from the data.
Selected microorganisms exhibiting one or more unique
biochemical attributes as desired for specific applications
(meat, dairy, cereal fermentations, etc), will be
incorporated as starter cultures. Microorganisms posing
antagonistic effects against undesired pathogens and
contaminants, possible pro-biotic activities or bio-control
activities etc. will be selected and applied as required after
scale-up methodology. These novel ideas will be applied
to related industries, small scale farmers, communities in
the rural areas and entrepreneurs in the implementation of
starter cultures and yeast-probiotics in fermented meat-,
dairy-, fruit-, vegetable-, cereal products and alcoholic
beverages to improve present safety standards associated
with the production and processing of the foods.
Significance of proposed Research:
The significance of the study will rely on assuring safe
and wholesome products with extended shelf life, and
since the survey will focus on indigenous fermented
products, poorer communities which lack cooling
facilities will benefit by the application assuring food
security.
Mode of cooperation:
The development of the project details will be evaluated
through mutual visits in both countries on a regular basis.
The investigation of samples during processing and/or
spoilage, enumeration and isolation of yeasts, application/
screening of isolated yeasts for antagonism or stimulation
will start in both countries immediately after collecting
the relevant samples. Since both groups have the
necessary expertise available, the collaboration will
enhance the feasibility of the research since both groups
will work towards the same goal.
37 Development of an Integrated
Research Program on
Vulnerability to Global
Environmental Change in
Southern Africa
Project no:
158182/V10
Grant Period:
1.1.2004-31.12.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
CICERO, Center for International Climate and
Environmental Research
Principle Investigator, Norway:
O'Brien, Karen Linda Senior Researcher
Financed by RCN:
2004: 154,000
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of the Witwatersrand, School of
Geography, Archeology and Environmental
Science
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Vogel, Coleen Dr
Financed by NRF:
2004: 186,000 2005: 210,000
Main objectives:
The main objective of this research will be to undertake a
synthesis of work on vulnerability to global
environmental change that is being done in southern
Africa. The need for this has been driven partly by the
food crisis in the region (approx 14 million at risk of
famine) as well as by other factors such as HIV Aids,
urbanization, globalization etc. Currently there are several
such initiatives being undertaken in the region, but few
that have been able to produce some practical cases of
what it is that is driving differential vulnerability in the
region.
Methodology:
There has been little integration and synthesis, to date, of
case-specific assessments of vulnerability in the region.
This pilot study will begin to draw some of this work
together using place-based research cases that are spread
across the region (including cases from Botswana,
Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and South Africa).
Researchers, mostly young academics, will be brought
together with key leaders in the field of vulnerability as
well as with other practitioners using vulnerability, to
examine how their work connects, disconnects with some
of the 'theorising' on vulnerability. From this a suite of
32
further questions and research, to better understand some
of these issues, will be developed with various
stakeholders including the wider global change science
community, humanitarian groups, policy makers and civic
society.
Significance:
The research being described will have a number of
benefits. It will begin to synthesize a wide and disparate
body of current work that is being done in the region. It
will have the added advantage of being driven by the
scientists in the region, several of them young scientists
(the capacity building component is thus clear). The
capacity building component will, however, work in two
directions, one enhancing the students while the other
capacity building element aims to enhance the views of
more established scientists and policy makers in the field,
many of them from outside the region. This work,
moreover, will also be developed in line with other
developments in the region in which one of the Pis is
already is involved (namely Vogel and a NEPAD
initiative - contact Dr. H.Rukhato) and thus builds on
what is being planned for parts the region.
Mode of cooperation:
The proposed project will be carried out as a joint
research project coordinated by researchers in South
Africa and Norway. The project will contribute to
development of the Southern Africa Vulnerability
Initiative (SAVI) of the International Human Dimensions
Program (IHDP). This initiative has received funding for
2003 from ICSU, the International Council for Science.
The proposed research is will strengthen the development
of this international research program, which Drs. O'Brien
and Vogel are playing a key part in developing on behalf
of IHDP. The research project represents a participatory
project that is developed in conjunction with researchers
in and from the region.
The project also has a practical component, in that
practitioners, i.e., those working with vulnerability, daily,
will be given opportunities to engage with scientists and
policy makers. Such fertilization should benefit both
groups as well as assist in informing intervention
strategies and begin to feed into policy developments in
the region. It will also contribute to international research
program on vulnerability.
38 Economic strategies for
managing water scarcity in
South Africa - caring for basic
needs, efficiency and equity.
Project no:
158187/V10
Grant Period:
1.1.2004-31.12.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
Norwegian College of Fishery Science, The
Marine University
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Schulz, Carl-Erik Professor
Financed by RCN:
2004: 115,500 2005: 155,500
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of the Western Cape, School of
Government
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Tapscott, Christopher Dr
Financed by NRF:
2004: 98,000 2005: 131,000
The project aims to improve knowledge of the economic
management of water resources in South Africa, with a
focus on the residential distribution of water. Currently,
water management strategy needs to take into
consideration aspects relating to poverty alleviation,
equity and efficiency. The research will examine current
water policy, which includes the free supply of basic
needs and an increasing block tariff system, in order to
determine how this system might best be implemented.
The research also aims to add to the understanding of how
households react to market regulation, and how both
efficiency and equity objectives are supported by the
choice of regulatory measures.
Main Objectives:
The project has four main objectives:
 to identify the factors that determines different
household consumption patterns in the suburbs
of Cape Town.
 to demonstrate how basic needs for water can be
incorporated into a formal economic
consumption theory.
 to find how water demand regulation and water
awareness campaigns affect consumption and
demand
 to sum up the present knowledge on economic
management of water in a book on this topic.
Methodology:
Different methodologies will be employed to achieve
these objectives. For the first objective, the intention is to
conduct a household demand study based on a
questionnaire, and data collected in co-operation with the
water authorities of the selected survey area. This
initiative will build on research already undertaken by the
researchers. The second objective will entail a number of
theoretical studies on consumer behavior, to determine a
best fit for the South African context.
The third objective will entail a synthesis of theoretical
studies and empirical data collected from the field.
The book emanating from this project will, inter aim to
analyze the findings of the survey research and, in doing
so, will draw lessons from research from elsewhere in
South Africa, from Norway, and from elsewhere in the
international arena.
33
Significance of the Research:
The significance of this research is that it aims to make
inputs towards improved efficiency in the delivery of
South Africa's water policy. While the goals of the Water
Bill are explicit and considerable work has gone into the
implementation of the policy, it is the intention of the
research team to add to the knowledge needed to evaluate
the efficiency of the policy - both in terms of poverty
alleviation and cost efficiency.
Mode of cooperation:
Apart from input to the development of a theoretical
model, the South African researchers will bring local
knowledge to the team (both on economic and equity
issues); this will include knowledge of the survey area as
well as familiarity with the policies and practices of the
water authorities.
The Norwegian counterpart will bring considerable
theoretical depth both on water demand (particularly in
the energy sector) as well as extensive experience in the
empirical methods of research in this field of research. It
is planned at least one Norwegian research fellow will
join the project.
39 Civil Society in a Globalizing
South Africa
Project no:
158189/V10:
Grant Period:
1.1.2004-31.12.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
University of Bergen, Centre for Development
Studies
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Tvedt, Terje Professor
Financed by RCN:
2004: 144,000 2005: 144,000
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of Natal Durban, Centre for Civil
Society/SODS
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Habib, Adam Dr
Financed by NRF:
2004: 158,000 2005: 153,000
Main Objectives and Methodology:
Fundamental questions about civil society and its roles
remain, despite the existing studies, is partly a conceptual
and methodological problem Existing analyses have been
fundamentally normative and utilized frameworks that
prevent a robust understanding of civil society roles.
This proposal seeks to support efforts at reversing this
trend in South Africa, and proposes to so in the context of
a two year project that involves two interrelated activities:
 the development of conceptual frameworks for
comparative analyses of civil society and their
roles

an empirical examination of the response of civil
society organizations to the privatization of
public services in South Africa.
Significance of proposed Research:
In South Africa, as elsewhere in Africa, neo-liberal
globalization - characterized by an emphasis on market
economy, liberal democracy and limited state intervention
in development-has led to a reduction in the role of the
state in social development, as well as its legitimacy in
governance. Specifically eight years into democratic rule,
the post-apartheid South African state continues to face
challenges in transforming an authoritarian political
system and a racially fractured and increasingly polarized
society and economy. Civil society is expected to
`humanize' this context by reconstituting the state to in
order to build democratic forms of governance, including
that of socio-economic development (Friedman, 2002;
Habib and Koetze, 2002; Pillay, 1999).
Despite this importance, a robust understanding of civil
society and its roles have come very short in South
Africa, and even more so in the rest of Africa. This
situation, however, does not result simply from a lack of
data, as there has been a proliferation of research on civil
society in South, as elsewhere.
Mode of cooperation:
The project involves cooperation between the Universities
of Cape Town and Natal in South Africa; and the
Universities of Oslo and Bergen in Norway.
The project is a common proposal based on two projects
submitted last year and awarded a planning grant: Project
152294: Politics of public service privatization: Contested
local governance, democratization and development in
South Africa submitted by Kristian Stokke and Sophie
Oldfield; and Project 152299 Transnational Civil Society
in the Era of Globalization: Exploring NGO Roles in
Governance, Democratization and Social Development in
(South) Africa submitted by Adam Habib and Terje
Tvedt. Ultimately, the project seeks to consolidate the
basis for long term cooperation between our respective
institutions.
40 Trade Unions in Transition in
Southern Africa
Project no:
158190/V10
Grant Period:
1.1.2004-31.12.2005
Responsible University/Institution, Norway:
Fafo
Principle Investigator, Norway:
Grønningsæter, Arne Senior Researcher
Financed by RCN:
2004: 225,000
Responsible University/Institution, South Africa:
University of Witwatersrand, Wits School of
Public & Development Management
34
Principle Investigator, South Africa:
Mhone, Guy Dr
Financed by NRF:
2004: 225,000
Main Objectives:
This project looks at the political role of the trade union
movement in South Africa and the new union state
relations emerging as a consequence of globalization.
While giving prime focus to these issues in South Africa,
we will give attention also to the regional perspective and
Zambia and Zimbabwe in particular.
The main objectives of the project are to provide new
information on the following questions:
 The shifting nature of alliances between the trade
union movements and their political allies and
the states as a consequence of globalization
 Labor’s priorities and strategies concerning
political alliance-making, social dialogue, and
collective bargaining in current policy making
and the new alliances to social movement, NGOs
and employers emerging in the wake of
globalization and the political tensions between
the unions and the state.
 The new kinds of unions and union-state models
emerging in the south and on that basis discuss
the role played by the trade union movements in
consolidating democracy in southern Africa in
the new millennium
Methodology:
The project will be based on in-depth interviews and
analysis of statistics provided by the statistical offices in
southern Africa, as well as the Mesebetsi labor force
survey in South Africa (Fafo 2002) and trade union
statistics on strikes, membership, collective bargaining
and internal organizational characteristics.
Significance of proposed project:
The project aims directly at giving input into the strategic
debates of the social partners in southern Africa
concerning alliance building and policy-development.
Furthermore, the project will update our academic picture
of trade unionism and political change in southern Africa
and give valuable information on the effects of
globalization on institution building, and governance in
the south.
Mode of cooperation:
The co-operation between Fafo and P&DM, Wits will be
conducted as a joint project with a report produced by the
end of the project.
35