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Unfair discrimination in the South African workplace against women wearing headscarves for religious reasons.
No full textThis dissertation examines unfair discrimination in the South African workplace against women wearing headscarves for religious reasons. None of the rights contained in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (the Constitution) are absolute. An employee’s right to religious freedom (and the expression thereof in the workplace) is subject to certain limitations. This is particularly pertinent in the workplace. Employers have the right to require employees to conform to the inherent requirements of the job (IROJ), as provided for in section 6(2) of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 (EEA). Employers are also entitled to conduct their business in accordance with their set operational requirements. Both parties to the employment relationship (employee and employee) are governed by the relevant legislative framework, which is to be interpreted against the overarching constitutional right to fair labour practices expressed in section 23 of the Constitution as well as section 186 of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA). Consequently, an employer has the right to request the expression of religious beliefs on the part of an employee (for example a female employee who insist on wearing a headscarf for religious reasons) to conform to the IROJ and or operational requirements failing which the employer may take certain steps to reasonably accommodate the employee.
In terms of section 15 of the Constitution, the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief, and opinion are fundamental rights. These rights must be read together with the provisions of section 9 of the Constitution; which provides for equality and equal protection as well as the prevention of unfair discrimination on the part of the State or any person (including an employer). The right to religious freedom, and equality rights, should be considered together with section 10 that protects human dignity. The potential clash in the workplace of the right of religious expression on the part of an employee with the IROJ (or operational requirements) of the employer raises concerns as to the resolution of, namely the wearing of a headscarf. The proposed study will explore the unfair discrimination female employees experience in the South African workplace as a result of wearing headscarves for religious reasons and measures that can be taken by both the employee and employer to address this problem
A collaborative model to identify talent and develop sports in the city of Ekurhuleni
No full textIn South Africa, a country renowned for its athletic talent, many athletes fail to reach their peak performance due to resource limitations, inequalities in selection processes, and other systemic barriers. Existing frameworks often assign responsibility for sports promotion to a single entity, resulting in a siloed approach that fails to leverage the combined resources and expertise of various stakeholders, including local governments, educational institutions, and sports clubs. This study addressed this fragmentation by developing a collaborative model for talent identification and sports development in the City of Ekurhuleni. The study employed a qualitative research approach across five stages. It analysed policies governing school sports in South Africa, reviewed literature on best practices in talent identification and sports development and conducted semi-structured interviews with 22 participants to gather data on current processes, barriers, and facilitators. Document analysis and thematic analysis were employed to extract 20 themes from the collected data. These themes informed the development of the collaborative model. The findings emphasis the importance of a well-integrated and effective sports system for achieving both social and economic goals. Such a system should be performance-driven, equitable, and accessible to all stakeholders, particularly learners and athletes. Furthermore, the research revealed a significant shift in talent identification techniques, moving from an emphasis solely on physical characteristics to a more holistic approach that incorporates psychological, social, and contextual factors critical for talent development
The association between body size and physical fitness amidst the covid-19 pandemic: a South African naval personnel retrospective longitudinal study
No full textBackground: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated obesity among military personnel, particularly in sea rescues. South Africa (SA) has the highest prevalence, with a predicted increase of 47.7% in females and 23.3% in males by 2025. Health assessments and interventions are needed to improve weight status and fitness outcomes. This research study aimed to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity and the association between the level of body size and physical fitness (PF) among South African Naval personnel. Methodology: The study involved 2428 adults aged 18-60 working in the South African Navy (SAN), including males and females. The sample size was based on comprehensive health assessments (CHAs) and fitness tests (FT) conducted between 2018-2023. Participants included naval members who participated in CHAs and FT before and after the 2020/2021 pandemic. The study excluded participants under 18 and above 60, pregnant women, those with medical reasons, members on course or not arriving for scheduled fitness tests, and naval members conducting CHA at other units outside of the Institute for Maritime Medicine (IMM) and Naval Base Simon’s Town (NBS). The study used Stata to analyse data, to reveal significant differences (using confidence intervals [CI] and p-values) between groups based on age, gender, workplace units, body mass index (BMI), and PF outcomes. The data are presented using counts, proportions, means, and standard deviations. The paired t-test analyses were conducted to determine if differences existed between time points. Logistic regressions analysis was conducted to determine factors that were associated with succeeding during the fitness test
Exploring antimycobacterial potential: safety evaluation and active compound isolation from gymnopilus junonius
No full textBackground/Objectives: Tuberculosis remains a major public health crisis, and it is imperative to search for new antimycobacterial drugs. Natural products, including medicinal macrofungi, have been used as sources for the discovery of pharmaceuticals; however, research on their antimycobacterial activity remains limited. This study aimed to isolate and identify the bioactive compound responsible for antimycobacterial activity, thereby expanding on the limited knowledge regarding the antimicrobial activity and bioactive compounds present in Gymnopilus junonius. Methods: Bioassay-guided fractionation using column chromatography and preparative thin-layer chromatography were employed to isolate the active compound. Antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37 was assessed using a resazurin microplate assay (REMA). The chemical structure was determined by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) spectroscopy, heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (HMBC) spectroscopy, and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass (HR-ESI-MS) spectrometry. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the ultrastructural changes in M. tuberculosis induced by the compound. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in African green monkey kidney cells (Vero), human liver cells (C3A), and zebrafish embryos/larvae. Results: Bioassay-guided fractionation led to the isolation of gymnopilene, which showed inhibitory activity against M. tuberculosis (MIC: 31.25 µg/mL). TEM analysis revealed that treatment with gymnopilene caused ultrastructural damage observed as the disruption and disintegration of the cell wall. While gymnopilene demonstrated cytotoxicity in Vero and C3A cells, no toxicity was observed in zebrafish embryos/larvae for the crude extract. Conclusions: This study highlights that macrofungi, such as G. junonius, could be a valuable resource of bioactive compounds
Monitoring District Health System performance in South Africa: a proposed dashboard based on key pragmatic indicators
No full textEffective monitoring and evaluation (m&e) systems are central to ensuring the performance and accountability of the district health system (dhs). Current systems in south africa are suboptimal and poorly oriented to the decision-making needs of district managers. Drawing on a who measurement framework for the performance of primary healthcare, and as a follow-up to a first article describing the challenges of m&e systems in the dhs, this article proposes a dhs performance monitoring dashboard that is both practical and pragmatic. The dashboard was constructed in an iterative and consultative process, and consists of 20 indicators for quarterly monitoring a set of general criteria underpinning the choice of indicators is spelled out (e.g. The data are readily available and reliable). Indicators that do not have much variability, or are better suited to annual evaluation (e.g. Number of community health workers per 1 000 population) are not included. The dashboard includes the name or description of the indicator, the definition of the indicator, why it is useful, challenges and pitfalls to be considered when analysing the indicator and how it can be used for decision-making. We propose that these indicators be assessed, tracked and monitored on a quarterly basis by relevant managers at the facility sub district and district levels. We emphasise that the purpose of this dashboard is not external compliance, but rather to support district managerial decision-making and accountability
A systematic review on factors influencing immunisation adherence among children under 12 years of age
No full textBackgroundImmunisation is crucial for preventing the spread of infectious diseases; yet, adherence remains a global challenge, particularly among children under 12. Understanding the multifaceted factors influencing vaccination adherence is essential for improving coverage rates and reducing the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases.AimThis study aimed to develop a support intervention for improvement in childhood immunisation adherence in South Africa.MethodsFollowing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases. The Patient (problem or population); Intervention; Comparison, control or comparator and Outcome(s) framework guided the research question formulation and search strategy. Included studies were published between 2013 and 2023, focusing on children under 12. Data were extracted and categorised into domains affecting immunisation adherence. Quality assessment was performed using the mixed methods appraisal tool.ResultsThe review identified five major domains influencing immunisation adherence: socioeconomic factors, health system factors, vaccine beliefs and attitudes, cultural and social factors, and communication and information factors.ConclusionThis review highlights the complex interplay of factors affecting childhood vaccination adherence. Critical areas for intervention include tailored communication strategies, addressing vaccine hesitancy, enhancing immunisation accessibility and leveraging digital technologies for vaccine promotion.ContributionThese insights can guide evidence-based strategies to improve immunisation adherence and inform policy in the evolving landscape of global public health
Entrepreneurship intentions of higher education institution students in Nigeria: antecedents and interactions
No full textThis study used structural equation modelling (SEM) to examine how cultural values, perceived success expectations, and personal abilities shape entrepreneurial intention among Nigerian university students. A structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from 147 university students and analysed using Partial Least Squares SEM (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that entrepreneurial intention is shaped by personal abilities, cultural values, and perceived success expectations, with personal abilities most prominent. Additionally, perceived success expectations strongly influence personal abilities and moderately affect cultural values. These results demonstrate how cultural norms, perceived success expectations, and individual aptitudes affect entrepreneurship uptake by Nigerian university students. This study empirically tests the direct effects of personal abilities (PA), cultural values (CV), and perceived success expectations (PSE) on entrepreneurial intention (EI) in a context where these relationships are underexplored. Unlike prior studies, we validate PSE’s dual role in reinforcing both PA and CV, offering new insights for theory and practice in emerging economies. The findings inform educational initiatives and policies to foster entrepreneurial among students in Nigeria, leading to economic growth
Medical biorepositories of South Africa: establishing a medical biorepository network in South Africa to advance health research
No full textThe metagenomic approach to gene discovery circumvents conventional gene and gene product acquisition by exploiting the uncultured majority of microorganisms in the environment. It was demonstrated in this study that metagenomic methods are suitable for gene mining in extreme environments that harbor very high levels of unculturable microorganisms. DNA was extracted from Antarctic mineral soil samples taken from the Miers Valley, Antarctica. The metagenomic DNA was also used to construct a fosmid library comprising over 7900 clones with an average insert size of 29 kb. PCR amplification using bacterial and archaeal 16S rRNA gene specific primers and subsequent denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of bacterial 16S rDNA amplicons showed that a small percentage of bacterial diversity was captured in the metagenomic fosmid library. Activity-based screening for lipase and esterase genes using a tributyrin plate assay yielded twelve positive clones. LD1, a putative, novel cold-active GDSL lipase/esterase was identified and sequenced. The C-terminal domain of the ORF was found to be an autotransporter similar to those associated with type V secretion systems in Gram negative bacteria. Sub-cloning of the gene resulted in lipolytic activity in E. coli. Preliminary enzyme assays have determined that LD1 hydrolyses p-nitrophenyl esters with chain lengths shorter than C10, an indication that the enzyme is an esterase. Complete purification and characterisation of this enzyme is subject to further study
Development and application of a hybrid terrain–multispectral image model of floodplain hydroperiod
No full textSurface water mapping is a crucial aspect of studying river and wetland hydrological, geomorphological, and ecological processes. However, deriving inundation frequency solely from a normalised difference water index does not account for geomorphologically induced flooding dynamics, which reduces model accuracy. This study evaluated spatiotemporal inundation dynamics using a novel approach that combines geomorphologically relevant descriptors from a high-resolution LiDAR-derived digital elevation model with spectral outputs from Sentinel-2 imagery. The hydroperiod for the Nuwejaars River Floodplain was determined by: (1) mapping macro-scale geomorphic features and floodplain topography using a DEM and height above nearest drainage; (2) calculating the percentage of images (127 images with clouds < 20%), in which a particular pixel was flooded using Sentinel-2 imagery (2018 to 2023); (3) applying an unsupervised learning algorithm and thresholding in Google Earth Engine to assign water frequency values to each pixel; and (4) deriving a hydroperiod that integrates geomorphic data and Sentinel-2 imagery to classify inundation patterns (F1 = 0.67, n = 60). Accuracy assessment of the model, incorporating various spectral indices, was performed using a confusion matrix and validated against field data. The terrain-informed hydroperiod model achieved improved accuracy (75.9%), precision (66.7%), and recall (66.7%) statistics. Analysis revealed substantial spatial variation in inundation frequency closely related to floodplain geomorphology, with largest inundation frequencies occurring downstream of a partial avulsion and limited inundation in distal, abandoned channels. The study highlights the importance of integrating hydroperiod mapping with geomorphological insights. This approach is essential for understanding how historical and future changes in hydroperiod affect floodplain ecological processes and ecosystem service provisio
An exploration of the experiences of parents with an adolescent child diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD): a family resilience perspective
No full textMajor Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental health disorders globally, with high prevalence between early- and mid-adolescence. A diagnosis during this phase can have a profound effect on the family system with which the adolescent belongs. Using Walsh’s Family Resilience Framework (FRF), this study explored the subjective experiences of parents of adolescents who have/have had a formal diagnosis of MDD, and identified potential risk and resilience factors that these families may possess. The research study employed an exploratory research design, using a reflexive thematic analysis model and a qualitative data management software, Atlas.ti. The study recruited participants by means of purposive and snowball sampling methods, specifically via an advertisement posted on social media platforms and groups geared towards parenting. A total of five parents participated in the study. Data was collected by means of individual, semi-structured interviews. Interviews were conducted in-person at a place private and convenient for participants. Prior to participating, participants were provided with an information sheet and consent form detailing their right to withdrawal, confidentiality, and anonymity as well as information pertaining to the nature, potential risks and benefits of participation. The analysis proved consistent with the interconnected and interactive dimensions outlined in Walsh’s (2012, 2016b) FRF. Shared, adaptive beliefs regarding MDD and its management were identified as a prominent protective factor, along with marital and social support, flexible organisational patterns, as well as clear communication as it pertains to boundaries and expectations regarding suicidality