UCT Open Access Journals (Univ. of Cape Town)
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Analysing Students’ Participation Behaviour in Professional Associations in Tanzania: The Case of Undergraduate Real Estate Students at Ardhi University: The Case of Undergraduate Real Estate Students at Ardhi University
No full textOrganisations grow organically to maturity, but if concerted efforts are not initiated to preserve the status quo, there is a danger of decline. Professional associations are required to prepare and implement succession plans for their longevity and sustainability. It has been observed that the participation of students in professional associations in Africa, particularly Tanzania, is declining. This study analysed the extent of undergraduate students’ awareness, interest and participation in Real Estate Professional Associations (REPAs) in Tanzania. A quantitative approach was deployed in this study, adopting a Likert scale as a data collection method. The data collection technique yielded a response rate of 98% of the 266 respondents. The study has observed that only 1% of the undergraduate students at Ardhi University participate in the REPAs. The study analysed the relationship between students’ awareness, interest and participation in REPAs using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicated that there is no direct relationship between the intention and participation of the students in the organisations. It also revealed that there is a mismatch between students’ expectations and the services provided by the associations. Students expect the REPAs to provide direct connections to internships and graduate recruitment opportunities, which is not the case. Furthermore, the study established a lack of engagement and direct communication between REPAs and students, which limits students’ motivation. The study concluded that there is a need for increased engagement and collaboration activities between REPAs, higher learning institutions offering real estate programmes and students through outreach programs and sponsorships for students to participate in annual events of REPAs. Furthermore, REPAs should coordinate with their corporate members to select the best-performing students for mentorship and internship programmes immediately after graduation
Breeding of White Storks in the Western Cape, South Africa, in 2024
Full text linkAs South Africa’s contribution to the Eighth International White Stork Census in 2024, we reported that two pairs of White Storks had constructed nests. For one pair, a well-built nest was usurped by Egyptian Geese. The other pair almost certainly laid eggs, but the outcome of the breeding attempt is not known
Impact of Pied Crows Corvus albus at Malgas, Jutten, Dassen and Robben Islands, Western Cape, South Africa
Full text linkPied Crows Corvus albus were first observed on Robben Island in 1987, on Dassen Island in 1997, on Malgas Island in October 2008, and on Jutten Island in 2011. On both Malgas and Jutten Islands, pairs of Pied Crows bred in disused guano sheds. Prey items were collected, identified and counted; they were mainly eggs of seabird species in threat categories. On both Jutten and Malgas Islands the recommended strategy is to eliminate nest sites for Pied Crows on the islands, and on the adjacent mainland. Dassen and Robben Islands are relatively far from the mainland, and a culling strategy is recommended, especially because these islands have important breeding colonies of the Critically Endangered African Penguin Spheniscus demersus. 
JARER Editorial Vol 10, Issue 2, December 2025
No full textEditorial for JARER Vol 10, Issue 2, December 2025
Opening of the Alte Kalköfen Bird Observatory in southern Namibia, February 2025
Full text linkThe Alte Kalköfen Bird Observatory, probably the fifth in Africa, was formally opened on 8 February 2025 after a two-year proof-of-concept study. Unlike most bird observatories, the research opportunities it presents are primarily focused on resident and nomadic species rather than on migrants. The Alte Kalköfen Bird Observatory is located in semi-desert, and a key strategy to survive and reproduce in these kinds of arid environments is nomadism. Almost all nomadic bird species are poorly researched; thus one of the key goals of the Alte Kalköfen Bird Observatory is to capitalize on the research opportunities for studying these processes. We aim to gain an understanding of the biology and ecology of nomadic species; this is a missing component which is needed to maintain and develop biodiverse natural habitats for all animals in the district
A Conceptual Framework for Enhancing Subcontracting Performance in the Construction Industry of Developing Countries
Full text linkA significant portion of construction work is executed through subcontracting (SC), making a study on SC performance instrumental. The study aimed to develop a holistic conceptual framework to enhance SC performance for the construction industry of developing nations. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to examine the available scholarly literature from Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest databases. From the databases, 27 studies were screened for a detailed review. A thematic content analysis was conducted to explore different themes from the screened studies analysed using ATLAS.ti23 software. These themes then served as components to be intricately linked and build the framework. The framework encompasses SC strategy, business constraints, adoption of information technology, uncertainties, and capabilities impacting the four core activities of SC performance: bidding and selection of subcontractors, subcontract management, operations management, and monitoring and evaluation of subcontract works. Adopting the framework's principles will cause a push towards fairness, symmetric information and dependency, mutual trust, and continual improvement efforts along the SC value chain, resulting in the overall growth and competitiveness of the construction industry of developing countries.
Smooth Hound Shark congregation in the Kromme River estuary, St Francis Bay, Eastern Cape
Full text linkAn aggregation of Smooth Hound Sharks Mustelus mustelus was observed and photographed in an inlet off the Kromme River estuary, in the Eastern Cape, on 9 February 2019. Although such an observation was previously reported from the same location, the exact reason for this has not been confirmed. This short note suggests that the behaviour was related to mating
When Rome is only half-built: Construction contracts and special damages: A discussion of Grid Electronics v Quandomanzi Investments (Pty) Limited t/a SM Structures (2021/21032) [2024] ZAGPJHC 633
No full textN/A - case not
Reproduction and natural history of the Yellow-faced Siskin Spinus yarrellii in northeastern Brazil
Full text linkThe Yellow-faced Siskin Spinus yarrellii is a Vulnerable species with declining populations and little data on its reproduction. Some of its reproductive parameters are presented here, having been obtained in the northeastern region of Brazil, in the state of Alagoas, when four nests were monitored between 1991 and 2009 near the Pedra Talhada Biological Reserve. The nests were located in trees in anthropogenic areas and capoeiras at heights ranging from 2 to 5 m. We measured three of them, resulting in averages of 9.7 cm in external diameter, 4.7 cm in internal diameter, 6 cm in external height and 2.8 cm in internal height. Clutch sizes ranged from three to four eggs. Incubation lasted 11 to 12 days, with both parents participating, and chicks fledged between 10 and 11 days. Our records seem to be one of few that reveal information on the reproduction of this species. Our observations demonstrate undemanding nest site selection, with siskins utilising exotic plant species and disturbed environments for reproduction. Despite this adaptability, Yellow-faced Siskin populations face significant threats from illegal wildlife trade and habitat destruction with the indiscriminate use of pesticides on crops and pastures, which continue to intensify in the species’ habitat. With this study, we hope to provide valuable insights into the reproductive ecology of the Yellow-faced Siskin and contribute to broader conservation strategies for this rare and declining species
The concepts of floater and hooligan, with a focus on the African Oystercatcher Haematopus moquini
Full text linkThe primary idea behind the concept of a floater is the occurrence of non-territorial individuals which move over large areas, waiting for an opportunity to join the breeding population. A hooligan is defined here as a floater which behaves aggressively, even engaging in fighting to disrupt breeding pairs in order to gain a territory