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A critique of how the foundation phase curriculum policy document, CAPS, addresses the literacy needs of young learners in South Africa
No full textYears of study and experience of teaching in schools in Bahrain, England and Hong Kong, and particularly in South Africa, have led me to question the quality of curricula and how these may affect the development of learners and the quality of their lives. While engaging with the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) document in Grades 2 and 3 in an urban school in Cape Town, South Africa, from April 2018 to December 2019, some key issues of concern were highlighted, which I hope to address through this study. The CAPS document does not promote learners’ literacy development. Insufficient opportunities are provided for learners to rehearse, practice, refine, develop and extend their literacy skills and knowledge. There are many reasons for this. In addition, the amount of content packed into each week, term, and year is excessive, which provides little time for exploratory problem solving on the part of learners. Little thought was given to how language is used to engage learners. The above observations have led me to want to explore early childhood literacy development practices in South Africa and elsewhere. The research question driving this study is: How does the Foundation Phase National Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) address young learners’ literacy development in a culturally and economically diverse South Africa? The educationist Hyun (1998) states that teachers enter the learning environment with their own sociocultural backgrounds. To respond appropriately to the diverse sociocultural needs of their learners, it is incumbent on them to transcend their own sociocultural contexts “since these would be more responsible and relevant to the diverse young child’s growth and optimal learning experiences” (Hyun, 1998, p. 1). Inherent in this understanding is the ability of teachers to identify individual learners’ differing needs and make sense of developmentally and culturally appropriate practice. Effective teachers adapt curricula to the diverse needs of learners. Palaiologou (2016) emphasises the three-way relationship between teacher, learner and parent. It is, in my experience, a mutually beneficial relationship that allows the expertise of each to ultimately enhance the development and potential of the learner in the early years’ educational setting
Analysis of cervicofacial necrotising fasciitis at Tygerberg oral health centre
No full textCervicofacial necrotising fasciitis (CFNF) is an uncommon, and potentially fatal infection characterized by rapid destruction of involved structures, often originating from odontogenic infections or trauma. Despite its high morbidity and mortality, particularly in immunocompromised patients, there is limited literature on CFNF, especially relating to the Western Cape, South Africa. This study aims to analyse the clinicopathological features, treatment strategies, and outcomes of CFNF cases treated at Tygerberg Oral Health Centre between 2010 and 2023. This retrospective, descriptive case-series study examined clinical records of patients diagnosed with CFNF at Tygerberg Academic Hospital, analysing the demographics, comorbidities, clinical presentation, microbiological findings, imaging results, treatment modalities, and patient outcomes. The study sample included 22 patients, with a male predominance (59.1%) and a mean age of 46.04 years. Diabetes mellitus (32%) and HIV/AIDS (23%) were the most prevalent comorbidities while odontogenic infections accounted for the majority of CFNF cases (54.5%). Common clinical signs documented were swelling, pain, erythema, and trismus, with some patients exhibiting airway distress. Streptococcus species, particularly Streptococcus constellatus (36%), were the most frequently cultured organisms, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (27%). Treatment primarily involved surgical debridement, with 68.2% of patients undergoing multiple procedures. Skin grafting was required for 63.6% of patients post-debridement. A significant proportion of patients, particularly those with diabetes, experienced increased morbidity. The overall mortality rate was 13.6%, with all fatalities occurring in patients with diabetes mellitus (p=0.03). The average length of hospital stay was 15.77 days. Patients who presented with mediastinal involvement required prolonged hospitalization
Constructing pentagonal topological defects in carbon aerogels for flexible zinc-air batteries
No full textIn the context of energy conversion, the design and synthesis of high-performance metal-free carbon electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is crucial. Herein, a one-step nitrogen doping/extraction strategy is proposed to fabricate 3D nitrogen-doped carbon aerogels (NCA-Cl) with rich pentagonal carbon topological defects. The NCA-Cl electrocatalyst exhibits superb ORR activity, displaying a half-wave potential of 0.89 V vs RHE and 0.74 V vs RHE under alkaline (0.1 m KOH) and acidic (0.1 m HClO4) media, respectively, thanks to the balanced *OOH intermediate adsorption and desorption induced by the pentagonal carbon topological defects and nitrogen dopants. The aqueous zinc-air battery (ZAB) equipped with the NCA-Cl cathode delivers a peak power density of 206.6 mW cm−2, a specific capacity of 810.6 mAh g−1, and a durability of 400 h, and the flexible ZAB also performed convincingly. This work provides an effective strategy for the formation of topological carbon defects for the enhancement of the electrocatalytic activity of carbon-based catalysts
Not just a donor learning experience: exploring failure, accountability, and harm within a large aid funded biogas project in Malawi
No full textIn Africa, investments in domestic biogas projects have yielded mixed results, with numerous poor outcomes reported. While many commonly cited barriers contribute to these failures, the role of structural issues rooted in development and aid remains underexplored and poorly understood. This investigation examined 72 tarpaulin-based biogas digesters funded by UNDP across seven districts in Malawi, which experienced rapid failure shortly after implementation. Unlike many biogas studies focusing on symptoms of failure this research focussed specifically on the governance and decision-making processes that led to failure. In-depth interviews with 65 of the beneficiaries and 15 stakeholders revealed that the project failed due to poor management, unclear leadership, and weak governance. The digesters were hastily installed in remote areas that had no local expertise just before project funding expired, amidst suspected corruption and a lack of biogas expertise among all project stakeholders. The project lacked accountability to beneficiaries, leaving them powerless to influence change in their own development project. Far from being a harmless learning opportunity, as it was described by some of the project's stakeholders, the project caused harm to beneficiaries who invested limited resources into the poorly executed biogas intervention. This study challenges the typical user-centred focus of failure analyses and underscores the importance of focusing on structural causes of failure. By focussing on systemic issues, we can foster more informed discussions on biogas projects. Moreover, this approach enables accountability to beneficiaries, which can inform decision-making regarding potentially flawed projects and help to hold institutions responsible for harm caused
The value of a structured, systematic approach to benefit-risk assessment of medicines: a South African regulator case study
No full textThis study investigates the utility of the Universal Methodology for Benefit-Risk Assessment (UMBRA) framework within the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) to determine whether adopting a structured approach improves consistency, transparency, and quality in benefit-risk assessments of new chemical entities (NCEs). The UMBRA eight-step framework was applied retrospectively and prospectively to six NCEs to systematically document the decision context, identify benefits and risks, and interpret the benefit-risk balance. Comparisons were made between initial SAHPRA narrative assessments and structured UMBRA-based evaluations. Reviewer feedback was collected through a questionnaire and group discussions. The retrospective study revealed that UMBRA provided greater clarity and alignment with decisions by global reference authorities, improving transparency in the weighting of benefits and risks. The prospective study demonstrated UMBRA’s utility in highlighting local demographic and clinical considerations, enhancing regulatory reliance decisions. The UMBRA framework enhances the benefit-risk assessment process by providing a structured, transparent, and reproducible methodology. It facilitates comprehensive decision-making that aligns with global best practices, reducing reliance on subjective judgements. Implementing UMBRA at SAHPRA and other African regulatory
authorities could promote harmonised regulatory practices, improve public trust, and enable transparent communication of decisions. The study recommends integrating UMBRA into routine assessments, training programs fo
Book symposium: men, masculinities and southern urbanism
No full textThis book symposium is a multilogue on four books Migrants and Masculinity in High-Rise Nairobi: The Pressure of Being a Man in an African City, by Mario Schmidt; City of Men: Masculinities and Everyday Morality on Public Transport, by Romit Chowdhury; Becoming Young Men in a New India: Masculinities, Gender Relations and Violence in the Postcolony, by Shannon Philip; and A Man among Other Men: The Crisis of Black Masculinity in Racial Capitalism, by Jordanna C. Matlon. The discussion, held between the four authors, along with Jeff Hearn and Kopano Ratele, addresses: the background to the books based in Kenya, India and Côte d’Ivoire respectively; main contributions around men, masculinities and urbanism; ethnography and other methodologies; relations to Critical Studies on Men and Masculinities, Feminist and Human Geography, and kindred disciplines, and ways forward
Investigating the synergistic effect of silver nanoparticles with third-generation cephalosporins against acinetobacter baumannii.
No full textThe antibacterial activity of nanoparticles has been explored to overcome the rising microbial resistance against antibiotics. The purpose of this study was to synthesize epigallocatechin-3-gallate silver nanoparticles (EGCG-AgNPs) and evaluate their antibacterial activity alone and in combination with third-generation cephalosporins on a multi–drug-resistant strain of Acinetobacter baumannii. EGCG-AgNPs were characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), dynamic light scattering (DLS), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The combined activities of EGCG-AgNPs with ceftazidime (CAZ), cefotaxime (CTX) and ceftriaxone (CRO) were evaluated using the checkerboard method, and the results were interpreted as synergistic, antagonistic or indifferent. The findings showed that EGCG-AgNPs were successfully synthesized and showed an absorbance peak at 410 nm, hydrodynamic diameter of ±22.21 nm, PDI of 0.200 and zeta potential of −27.8 mV. HRTEM showed spherical AgNPs, XRD confirmed the crystalline structure, and FTIR analysis indicated the involvement of the hydroxyl, carboxyl and amine groups in the synthesis of the AgNPs. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the antibiotics alone was 125 μg/mL for all three antibiotics, while the MIC of the EGCG-AgNP was 250 μg/mL. Synergy with the AgNPs was observed for all three antibiotics, with a fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index of 0.0656, 0.064 and 0.06327 μg/mL, for CAZ, CTX and CRO, respectively. The results of the study showed the antibacterial potential of EGCG-AgNPs and their role in circumventing Acinetobacter baumannii resistance to third-generation cephalosporins. Copyright © 2025 Luzell Senobia Britz et al. Journal of Nanotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
A statement on the ongoing genocide in Gaza
No full textCommunication, Culture and Critique has been the leading venue for critical approaches to communication and media studies. This issue marks the first guided by a newly formed Editorial Collective, which seeks to rekindle the politically engaged scholarship epitomized by the Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies at Birmingham University in the 1970s, then under the leadership of Stuart Hall. As we assume our responsibility to guide this journal and impact our fields, we would be remiss to ignore the glaring epicenter of the prevailing global order's efforts to reproduce itself: the State of Israel's ongoing campaign of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and its gradual expansion into the West Bank. As scholars of communication, media, culture, and technology, we cannot remain silent nor neutral in the face of livestreamed genocidal violence. We invite scholars of conscience to join us in calls for ceasefire and divestment against Israeli apartheid
Institutionalising community participation in decision-making in maternal and newborn health services in low-and middle-income countries: an analysis from 102 national health ministries
No full textIn 2024, 194 countries endorsed World Health Assembly Resolution (WHA77.2) to strengthen participation in health-related decision-making. Achieving this requires strong leadership to institutionalise community participation by embedding it into health system functions. However, efforts are often fragmented and short-term, hindering both sustainability and scalability. There is limited understanding of how well countries have institutionalised community participation in decision-making for quality maternal and newborn health services. A secondary analysis of maternal and newborn health survey data was conducted using responses from 102 Ministries of Health in low-and middle-income countries. The analysis assessed progress in adopting and implementing maternal and newborn health recommendations on community participation. A descriptive approach was used to summarise the frequency of reported community participation activities. Percentages were applied to describe the data, which was disaggregated by 2024–2025 World Bank classifications for income level, and fragile and conflict-affected settings. Country responses were categorised using Lasswell’s Policy Cycle heuristic. The findings indicate substantial gaps in institutionalising community participation in maternal and newborn health. Only half of countries reported integrating participation into national plans, and just one-third into implementation. In 90% of countries, parent groups were reported to be either absent or lacking influence on policymaking. National research on community participation, essential for evidence-based decision-making, was rarely reported. Across all regions, countries had varied progress, reflecting a diverse and uneven landscape of community participation. Stronger efforts are required to institutionalise community participation across the maternal and newborn health policy cycle. Strengthening this integration will require clear metrics to track implementation, enabling more accurate assessments of progress and accountability. Identifying countries where institutionalisation is advancing can surface positive deviance cases. Studying these in-depth may reveal drivers and effective strategies for fostering community participation to guide the adaption and integration of successful approaches into national health systems
Disparate effects of circumgalactic medium angular momentum in IllustrisTNG and SIMBA
No full textIn this study, we examine the role of the circumgalactic medium (CGM) angular momentum (jCGM) on star formation in galaxies, whose influence is currently not well understood. The analysis utilises central galaxies from two hydrodynamical simulations, SIMBA and IllustrisTNG. We observe a substantial divergence in how star formation rates correlate with CGM angular momentum between the two simulations. Specifically, quenched galaxies in IllustrisTNG show higher jCGM than their star-forming counterparts with similar stellar masses, while the reverse is true in SIMBA. This difference is attributed to the distinct active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback mechanisms active in each simulation. Moreover, both simulations demonstrate similar correlations between jCGM and environmental angular momentum (jEnv) in star-forming galaxies, but these correlations change notably when kinetic AGN feedback is present. In IllustrisTNG, quenched galaxies consistently show higher jCGM compared to their star-forming counterparts with the same jEnv, a trend not seen in SIMBA. Examining different AGN feedback models in SIMBA, we further confirm that AGN feedback significantly influences the CGM gas distribution, although the relationship between the cold gas fraction and the star formation rate (SFR) remains largely stable across different feedback scenarios