Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf): Open Journal Systems
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The The Obligation on Landowners to Accommodate ESTA Occupiers on their Land: Critically Analysing Daniels v Scribante 2017 4 SA 341 (CC)
No full textIn Daniels v Scribante (hereafter the Daniels case) the Constitutional Court had to decide whether: (a) the Extension of Security of Tenure Act 62 of 1997 (ESTA) afforded Ms Daniels the right to make improvements to her dwelling; (b) if consent from the person in charge, Mr Scribante, was a requirement for Ms Daniels to make such improvements; and (c) if consent was not a requirement, if Ms Daniels could effect improvements to the total disregard of Mr Scribante. The judgment in Daniels is important not only because it paved the way for Ms Daniels to effect improvements on her existing dwelling without the consent of Mr Scribante, but also because it showed that under section 8(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (hereafter the Constitution) on the application of the Bill of Rights Mr Scribante owed a positive obligation to Ms Daniels to ensure that she lived in conditions that afforded her human dignity. In Daniels the Constitutional Court indicated that private landowners were enjoined by section 25(6) of the Constitution through ESTA to accommodate ESTA occupiers on their land. According to the Constitutional Court in Daniels, the nature of the obligation imposed by section 25(6) of the Constitution was both negative and positive, and in this particular case it rested on Mr Scribante. Against this background, this case note provides at the outset the salient facts and judgment of the Daniels case. This is followed by an analysis aimed at critiquing the judgment in Daniels pertaining to what is expected of private landowners in the new constitutional dispensation. It is concluded that more may be required from the private landowner – a positive duty – to ensure that ESTA occupiers enjoy fundamental rights
Concentrations of lead in ceramic tableware in South Africa
No full textCeramic ware is used around the world, usually daily. In the past, lead was used in the glazes and decorative paints applied to ceramic ware, mainly to increase durability, impart a smooth, glasslike finish to glazes and intensify decorative pigments. However, this use of lead at times contributed to lead exposure and poisoning. While measures have been put in place to limit the use of lead in ceramic ware in well-resourced countries, there is relatively little information on the situation in poorly resourced settings. In the current preliminary South African study, we assessed the lead content and leaching rates from newly purchased ceramic ware. The majority of the 44 ceramic ware items had lead levels ≥ 90 ppm. Elevated lead concentrations were found in the leachate from only one item. The findings indicate a need for further research on the potential for lead exposure from ceramic wares, and support calls for increased attention to the many potential sources of lead exposure in poorly resourced settings.
Significance:
The study reveals the potential for lead contamination of certain types of ceramic ware available in South Africa.
Daily use of lead-contaminated ceramic ware may increase the risk of lead exposure, especially among the poorest.
The study findings are indicative of a need for further research to fully characterise the extent of lead in ceramic ware
Assessing the adoption of improved seeds as a coping strategy to climate variability under smallholder farming conditions in South Africa
No full textThis study was undertaken to examine the adoption rate, constraints and factors determining the uptake of improved seed varieties in smallholder farming conditions of South Africa, using a maize crop. Primary data were collected from 279 smallholder farmers in the Maluti-a-Phofung municipality of the Free State Province using a household questionnaire and were validated through focus group discussions with key local informants. Descriptive statistics, frequency analysis and a binary logistic model were used for data analysis. Results show that the majority of the farmers (>69%) were growing uncertified local seed varieties saved from their previous harvest or acquired from neighbouring farmers. The lack of awareness and knowledge of, inadequate information, unaffordability and unavailability of improved seeds, low income and landlessness were major constraints limiting the adoption rate. Age and income were the main variables that had a positive and significant effect on the adoption of improved seed varieties, whilst ownership of livestock had a significant and negative influence on their adoption. As a result, the promotion of improved seed varieties needs to be supported by conducive and effectual institutional policies that will improve the provision of extension services, capacity-building initiatives, subsidy programmes, financial resources and good agricultural lands, and reduce the transaction costs of improved seed varieties. The recommendations from this study can be used by the government and other developmental organisations to enhance the wider uptake and use of improved seed varieties in smallholder farming conditions not only in the study area but also in other regions with similar challenges.
Significance:
A lack of awareness and knowledge of, inadequate information, unaffordability and unavailability of improved seeds, low income and landlessness are key constraints limiting adoption.
We recommend the provision of knowledge and awareness-raising of improved seed varieties through enhanced extension services and capacity-building initiatives as key strategies to improve the adoption rate.
The recommendations of this study can be used to enhance the wider uptake and use of improved seeds and assist smallholder farmers to cope effectively with climate variability and change
Data gaps will leave scientists ‘in the dark’: How load shedding is obscuring our understanding of air quality
No full textAnalysis of air quality issues and air quality management status in five major African cities
No full textPoor air quality is one of the main dysfunctions of the rapid urbanisation process in Africa. Although the information is fragmented, the limited evidence available points out that air quality is a leading health risk in Africa, especially affecting the poorest, most vulnerable communities. In this study, we look into five cities in Africa to understand the nature of urban air quality issues and to delve into the initial responses. We report on the status of the main air quality management dimensions, including air quality standards and monitoring strategy/capabilities, emission inventories and air quality modelling, health impact assessment studies, communication practices, development and implementation of clean air action plans (in connection with other relevant strategies, i.e. climate change policies) and governance issues. We find that all cities have limited monitoring capabilities although communication strategies may differ substantially. While indoor pollution sources are declining in more developed economies, traffic is a growing concern in all five cities. In most cases, air quality issues are mostly related to PM2.5 and natural contributions worsen air pollution from road transport, biomass and open waste burning. While nationally-driven strategies, often based on large-scale engineering projects and financial schemes, may report substantial gains in early stages, multi-level governance and planning is likely to maximize benefits and provide a useful framework for the complex problem of air quality management in the long run. The integration of air quality plans in overarching strategies to tackle persistent poverty and social inequity is urgently needed
Perceptions and preferences for dental specialties among undergraduate students and dental interns in Kenya
Get PDFUptake of various dental specialties does vary globally. There is scarce information regarding motivations and preferences for various dental specialties in developing countries.
Aims and objectivesThis study aimed to determine perceptions, preferences and factors that influence dental specialty choice in Kenya.
Design and methods
This was a cross-sectional study among dental students and dental interns conducted at two dental schools inKenya. It was a census study that used self-administered questionnaires to collect information.
ResultsMost (76%) participants indicated a desire to specialise, more so by Moi University students (82%). The most preferred specialties were maxillofacial surgery, restorative dentistry, prosthodontics and orthodontics. Female respondents reported highest preference for restorative dentistry whereas male respondents reported highest preference for maxillofacial surgery. Perceived financial returns and personal interest were the most important factors influencing choice of specialty. Maxillofacial surgery was perceived to guarantee higher financial returns, whereas dental public health was perceived to have the highest impact to the community. Most participants preferred working in the private sector.
ConclusionThere was a high desire to specialise among participants, especially in maxillofacial surgery and restorative dentistry. Key factors influencing choice of specialty were personal interest and better financial return
A survey into the impact of HPCSA investigations on health practitioners’ mental health
Get PDFThe Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) performs an essential role in regulating healthcare professionals and ensuring public safety. However, HPCSA investigations into health practitioners can have a significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of those physicians and dentists involved. Medical Protection recently surveyed its members who faced HPCSA investigations between 2018 and 2022 to gain insight into their experiences. The purpose of the survey was to assess the impact on their mental health, identify areas for improvement and provide recommendations for the HPCSA and the Department of Health to resolve these issue
Five new species of Pseudomezium Pic (Coleoptera: Ptinidae: Ptininae), a genus endemic to South Africa
No full textFive new species of the South African endemic spider beetle genus Pseudomezium Pic are described from the Western Cape province. They are Pseudomezium altimontanum, Pseudomezium glabrum, Pseudomezium periculum, Pseudomezium stenochasma and Pseudomezium swartbergense. Illustrations of the external morphology and male genitalia of each species are provided, as well as a distribution map. An updated key to all described Pseudomezium species is provided. Four previously established species names in the genus Pseudomezium are corrected because of their Code-incompliance. These names after mandatory nomenclatural correction are Pseudomezium brunneaurantiacum Smiley & Philips for “Pseudomezium brunneaurant”; Pseudomezium diteinum Smiley & Philips for “Pseudomezium diteinus”; Pseudomezium dolichotrichinum Smiley & Philips for “Pseudomezium dolichothrixus”; and Pseudomezium polyomorphum Smiley & Philips for “Pseudomezium polyomorphus.” The diversity of spider beetles in South Africa is also summarised