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Youths in gangs on the Cape Flats, South Africa: parents talk but who listens?
No full textThe appeal of gang membership to young people is an ongoing concern, especially for social workers serving affected communities. This article is part of a larger research study (2016-2018) by social work students. These are the findings of the 2017 study on the perceptions of parents or caregivers about the allure of gang membership to young people. A qualitative approach, utilising an exploratory research design, was employed. The necessary ethics approval from the institution was obtained for data collection. Individual interviews were conducted with 325 parents on the Cape Flats in the Western Cape. Six themes emerged from a thematic data analysis, such as socio-political causes and effects, the role of parents and family, as well as interventions and role players. Key findings show that parents do reflect on what happens in communities, but their opinions do not always count for interventions and policies. Policy and justice issues require considerable thought as they frame the world in which people live and are intended to ensure that the voices of those most affected are heard. Community participation and professional intervention should be a reflection of the role of marginalisation and powerlessness
Paternal factors affecting under-five immunization status in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textWhile maternal influences on childhood immunization have been extensively studied in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), paternal socioeconomic factors remain underexplored despite their potential impact on vaccination outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize current evidence on the influence of paternal characteristics on full childhood immunization status in SSA. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Scopus for studies published between January 2014 and March 2025. Studies were included if they examined paternal factors, such as education, employment, and decision-making power, in relation to childhood immunization among children under five in SSA. Data were extracted from 16 eligible studies, and a meta-analysis was conducted using MetaXL and IBM SPSS to calculate pooled prevalence and effect sizes. The Downs and Black checklist was used for risk of bias assessment. Of the 16 studies included, seven contributed data to the meta-analysis on full immunization. The pooled prevalence of full immunization was 60 % (95 % CI: 37–81 %) across SSA. Children of fathers with primary education or higher were nearly three times more likely to be fully immunized than those whose fathers had no formal education (OR = 2.72, 95 % CI: 1.22–6.03, I2 = 98 %). While the association between paternal employment status and child immunization was statistically non-significant (OR = 1.74, 95 % CI: 0.10–29.20, I2 = 91 %), qualitative findings suggest employment influences health-seeking behavior. Decision-making power within households also emerged as an important factor, with joint parental decision-making linked to higher immunization coverage. Interventions aiming to improve immunization outcomes should consider strategies to engage fathers, promote joint decision-making, and address underlying gender norms. Further research is needed to understand better the mechanisms through which paternal factors influence vaccine uptake in diverse SSA settings
Re-conceptualizing trafficking-in-persons victimization using latent class analysis: Results from a community study in Cape Town, South Africa
No full textThe impact of human trafficking upon the lives and livelihoods of those subjected to exploitative and illegal labor and commercial sex practices includes violence and threats of violence, deleterious health and mental health sequelae, and social and economic marginalization. Global estimates of human trafficking's prevalence are elusive given that it is shrouded in secrecy and often affects subgroups with little voice of their own, such as migrants and child abuse victims. The difficulty of reaching a clandestine population is complicated by the lack of standardized definitions and culturally responsive assessments to identify victims and route them to appropriate care. This gap in knowledge persists on the African continent as elsewhere in the world. An interdisciplinary, international research team thus launched a study to estimate the prevalence of human trafficking using a computational algorithm in the Western Cape of South Africa. In this paper, we use latent class analysis to identify and empirically categorize 652 individuals at risk for human trafficking based on their response to two sets of indicators for human trafficking experiences. Our findings revealed three distinct subtypes ranging from very high risk of exploitation to relatively low risk. Experiences of violence, health and mental health concerns, and substance abuse were commonplace in this high-risk sample. A modified screening tool based on domains of trafficking identified by the inaugural Prevalence Reduction Innovation Forum (PRIF) was most robust in identifying and classifying victims. We conclude by calling for a shift from a binary prosecutorial definition to a dimensional approach of identifying trafficking, guided by the understanding that such risks exist on a spectrum influenced by one's experience of human trafficking exploitation, and behavioral and social environment
Larger trees facilitate understory herbaceous biomass but not diversity in a South African savanna
No full textLarge single-standing trees contribute to the structural diversity of savannas as they strongly influence their immediate surroundings including soils and understory plant communities. The influence of woody vegetation at a stand level on the understory vegetation has been extensively studied; however, the understanding of the role of single large trees is limited. The objectives of the study were to 1) evaluate the impact of large trees on understory plant species diversity and composition, herbaceous cover and grass standing biomass, and 2) to establish if plant size and functional qualities such as N-fixing ability modulate understory vegetation responses to overstory trees over two growing seasons (January 2022 and 2023). Vachellia tortilis (a leguminous tree) and non-leguminous woody species (Searsia lancea and Ziziphus mucronata) were studied. We systematically selected 30 trees for each woody species and divided them into two size classes (i.e. small and large trees). Understory plant vegetation was assessed using quadrats under and outside the tree canopies. Plant species diversity and abundance were highest under small tree canopies and outside tree canopies, compared to large trees, likely due to the dominance of Megathyrsus maximus under large trees. Megathyrsus maximus dominated under large trees regardless of N-fixing ability. Grass cover increased under large V. tortilis and Z. mucronata, suggesting that evergreen species like S. lancea negatively impact grass cover. Standing grass biomass was higher under large tree canopies than under small trees or outside canopies, with N-fixing ability having no significant effect (p > 0.05), thus, indicating that large trees of both leguminous and non-leguminous woody plants improve grass productivity. The current findings imply that in agrosilvopastoral systems and game farming, where ecological conservation is a priority for farmers, it is essential to have an overstorey composed of both small and large trees to sustain understory diversity and biomass
Investigation of water use and trends in South Africa: a case study for the Mzimvubu to Tsitsikamma Water Management Area 7 (WMA7)
No full textThis paper investigated sectoral water use and trends in the Mzimvubu to TsitsikammaWater Management Area 7 (WMA7). The investigation considered the Water Authorisation and Registration Management System (WARMS) database and field surveys as a source of water use information. The study was able to successfully make use of time series statistical analysis to show water use trends for identified priority sectors over a 5-year period by sourcing historical water use data of the study area. Further, the groundwater stress index and streamflow impact were applied to assess water use impacts on the surface and groundwater. The WARMS database and field survey results identified major sectoral water users such as agriculture (irrigation), municipal water services, dam storage, afforestation, power generation, recreation, mining, and industries. Study findings revealed that the agricultural sector is a major water user, with an estimated 60% of the total waterrequirement over a 5-year period (2018 to 2022). The application of the groundwater stress index revealed that the majority of the Quaternary catchments have surplus groundwater available. The application of streamflow impact revealed that the majority of catchments have low flow or no flow. The rise of water use clearly indicates a lack of water use compliance and enforcement. An increase in total water use could put water resources under stress, including an impact on the aquatic ecosystem, reduced water quality, and economic and social consequences. Therefore, the study recommends that a follow-up on compliance of surface water and groundwater use licenses be regularly conducted
An analysis of the City of Cape Town’s response to street homelessness
No full textThere has been a significant increase in urban homelessness and metropolitan municipalities, including the City of Cape Town, are struggling to manage this challenge. This paper examined the City of Cape Town’s response to urban homelessness against local government’s service delivery, developmental, and human rights mandate. It established that, while the City has made notable progress in addressing the needs and concerns of its homeless population, there remains significant room for improvement to ensure that its response is fully aligned with its human rights obligations. The paper recommends, among other thing, that the City should refrain from criminalising homelessness
Adenoid ameloblastoma: a case report on this newly recognized under-treated odontogenic tumour
No full textAdenoid ameloblastoma (AdAM) is a rare epithelial odontogenic tumour recently included in the 5th World Health Organization classification of head and neck tumours as a separate tumour from conventional ameloblastoma. It presents diagnostic and management challenges due to its morphological overlapping features with adenomatoid odontogenic tumour (AOT) and conventional ameloblastoma.A 32-year-old female with neurofibromatosis type I presented with a 4-month history of right-sided facial swelling. Clinical examination revealed a firm, expansive mass in the right anterior mandibular region with associated tooth mobility. Radiographic evaluation demonstrated a well-demarcated unilocular radiolucency mimicking a cystic lesion. Histological examination revealed an epithelial odontogenic neoplasm composted of nests of ovoid to spindle-shaped cells demonstrating pseudo-duct-like spaces, cribriform areas and a whirling pattern with deposition of dentinoid material. These features confirmed the diagnosisThere are some overlapping clinico-pathological features of this tumour with AOT, which has led to inadequate surgical management previously with high recurrence rates. Emphasis should be placed on identifying all histopathological features described to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. Surgical treatment of AdAM should be radical resection despite its clinical and radiographic presentation mimicking the less aggressive AOT. of AdAM. The tumour was resected and immediately reconstructed with a fibula free flap. The patient remains diseases-free 2 years post-surgery
Green synthesis, XRD/SAXS modelling and electrochemistry of indium iron oxide nanocomposite
No full textA green synthesis approach was utilized to prepare indium iron oxide (InFeO 3 ) nanocomposites using coffee extract as a reducing and capping agent. The structural, morphological, optical, and electrochemical properties of the synthesized materials were systematically characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), high-resolution electron microscopy (HRTEM/HRSEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–Vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), and Mössbauer spectroscopy. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of a rhombohedral InFeO 3 structure with an average crystallite size of 27 nm, while HRTEM revealed spherical nanoparticles with partial agglomeration. SAXS and HRTEM data corroborated the nanoscale dimensions, with particle sizes ranging from 24 to 38 nm. Optical studies demonstrated a reduced bandgap (2.85 eV) for the composite compared to pure In 2 O 3 (3.3 eV) and Fe 2 O 3 (3.15 eV), attributed to charge transfer transitions between Fe 3+ and In 3+ . The nanocomposite exhibited enhanced magnetic properties, with a saturation magnetization (Ms) of 18.48 emu/g, and Mössbauer spectroscopy revealed disrupted super-exchange interactions due to In 3+ incorporation. Electrochemical analysis showed superior performance of the InFeO 3 -modified electrode, characterized by a higher diffusion coefficient (9.72 × 10 –5 cm 2 s −1 ) and surface concentration (4.62 × 10 –7 mol cm −2 ) compared to individual oxides, indicating improved charge transfer kinetics. These results highlight the potential of green-synthesized InFeO 3 as a promising material for electrochemical sensing applications, combining sustainability with enhanced functional properties
Optimizing plant resilience with growth-promoting Rhizobacteria under abiotic and biotic stress conditions
No full textGlobal crop production is increasingly threatened by abiotic and biotic stressors, with climate change expected to worsen challenges such as extreme weather events, drought, salinity, heavy metal toxicity, and pathogen attacks. To sustain agricultural productivity, there is a growing need for eco-friendly and sustainable solutions that help plants cope with these stresses. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) have emerged as valuable allies, enhancing plant resilience through various direct and indirect mechanisms. By improving nutrient uptake, producing stress-alleviating compounds, and stimulating plant defenses, PGPRs contributes to healthier crops and higher yields. Furthermore, they offer a promising alternative to chemical fertilizers and synthetic agrochemicals.This review explores the diverse roles of PGPRs in mitigating abiotic and biotic stress, shedding light on their mechanisms and potential applications in modern agriculture
Advancements in catalyst design for biomass-derived bio-oil upgrading to sustainable biojet fuel: a comprehensive review
No full textBiomass‐derived bio‐oil, produced through thermochemical methods such as pyrolysis and hydrothermal liquefaction, has immense potential as a renewable feedstock for aviation fuels because of its renewable nature and the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The development of biojet fuel from renewable sources, such as biomass, is a critical step toward achieving global energy sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint of the aviation industry. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the advances in catalyst design to upgrade biomass‐derived oil to biojet fuel. The review will also explore the mechanisms by which these catalysts operate, the optimization of catalytic processes, and the performance metrics used to evaluate their efficiency. Recent case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of catalyst design in enabling efficient and sustainable conversion of biomass‐based bio‐oil into high‐quality fuels, advancing the viability of renewable energy sources in aviation and beyond