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From conceptual diagrams to semi-quantitative models of social-ecological systems: exploring fuzzy cognitive mapping for a coastal fisheries system in the Southern Cape, South Africa
No full textThe world's oceans face growing threats, necessitating immediate and sustainable action. Disadvantaged coastal communities are especially vulnerable to global change and ongoing human pressures. Strengthening the resilience and adaptability of marine social-ecological systems is crucial for achieving long-term conservation success, necessitating systems-based, inclusive, and communicable approaches. Qualitative modelling, particularly fuzzy-logic cognitive mapping (FCM), offers a promising toolset in support of strategic decision-making. This study builds on causal maps co-created with small-scale fishers from South Africa's southern Cape, integrating expert views and local knowledge through the use of FCM and a rapid prototyping approach. Iterative FCM application involved testing software suitability, refining prototypes, and co-creating scenarios to simulate outcomes and understand key drivers of change. Modifications to the ‘fcm' RStudio package addressed a critical limitation, enhancing the tool's capacity to analyse diverse scenarios effectively and reliably. Findings highlight the significant vulnerabilities of small-scale fishing communities in the southern Cape, driven by economic, policy, and environmental stressors. The study highlights the importance of participatory approaches in identifying vulnerability drivers and enhancing understanding of system dynamics. By integrating local knowledge with FCM, this research advances tools for exploring resilience and vulnerability in these communities
Informal constitutional change: towards a South African theory of unconstitutional constitutional change
No full textThe Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 has changed more times than it has been amended. In this dissertation, I explore the phenomenon of informal constitutional change. In particular: I focus on how courts are able to change the content, scope and meaning of a constitution without its text ever changing. Drawing on work in constitutional theory, I explore whether such change can be legitimate outside of the scope of formal constitutional amendment and develop a framework for its identification. I also explore the constitutional difficulties engendered by this mode of constitutional change insofar as it implies an illegitimate use of judicial authority. I offer a South African case study of this phenomenon and conclude that the Constitution has been changed unconstitutionally at least once
Wealth is health: the relationship between household income, physical health and mental wellbeing in South Africa
No full textHealthier employees contribute to greater productivity at the individual, but also organisational level as healthier employees tend to be more productive, less frequently absent from work and more socially engaged. Organisations should thus have an interest in promoting their employees' mental and physical health. One contributor to health are the financial means which an individual has available to support their health. Through the remuneration provided, employers have a direct influence over this variable. To assess in how far remuneration relates to physical and mental health in the current South African working population and if so, what income would be required to sustain good health, this dissertation investigated the relationship between household income, physical health and mental wellbeing. Using secondary data from the South African Research Chair Initiative's (SARChI) National Living Wage Study, this study examined whether and how household income is associated with an individual's perceived ability to maintain physical health and mental wellbeing as well as individuals' self-rated physical health. Guided by the absolute income hypothesis, which suggests that higher income leads to greater health, the study employed a cross-sectional, quantitative and descriptive design with a sample size of N = 1,665 participants across South Africa's nine provinces who provided survey data between November 2023 and January 2024. Statistical analyses revealed a significant relationship between household income and the three health indicators, demonstrating that higher household income was associated with a better perceived ability to maintain physical health and mental wellbeing alongside better self-rated physical health. A key contribution of this research is the identification of a household income threshold (ZAR 11,850) required for individuals to sustain their physical health and mental wellbeing. Given the documented relationship between employee health and organisational performance, this income threshold provides actionable insights for organisations aiming to improve employee health and organisational performance. By identifying this income threshold, this study contributes a novel insight into the income-health literature, offering a practical foundation for fostering healthier workplaces and better-performing organisations
Investigation of the roles Librarians and Web Developers play in shaping the information architecture of the Namibia University of Science and Technology Library website
No full textA website's information architecture significantly influences its usability. Libraries increasingly relied on websites to provide access to resources and services, making effective information architecture crucial for user experience. Many library websites are poorly designed with weak navigation structures, which limits user engagement and makes it difficult to find information. As users increasingly rely on digital access, usability and clear navigation are essential for a positive experience. Despite the importance of library websites, their development often lacked proper planning, leading to complex and difficult-to-navigate structures. This study aimed to address these issues by examining the roles of librarians and web developers in shaping the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) library website's information architecture. Therefore, this study investigated the principles of information architecture employed in the creation of the NUST library website. The objectives were to determine the roles librarians played in determining the website's information architecture, understand the librarians' perceptions of the library website's information architecture, and examine whether web developers considered information architecture principles during website development. It was guided by Morville and Rosenfeld's information architecture framework, which emphasises four key components: organisation, labelling, navigation, and search. This study employed a qualitative research approach, utilising methods such as interviews and document analysis to gather data from librarians and web developers involved in the creation and maintenance of the NUST library website. The study found that both librarians and web developers played essential roles in the creation of the NUST library website. Librarians focused on content accessibility, while developers handled technical structure and usability. These findings align with existing literature on information architecture in digital library environments. This research contributed to the library and information science field by shedding light on the collaborative roles of librarians and web developers in creating effective library website information architecture. The findings of the study advised best practices for designing user-centric library websites, improving user engagement, and enhancing the overall library experience
Sea level variability in the Tropical Atlantic since 1993 and projections to 2100
No full textGlobal Mean Sea Level (GMSL) is a critical climate metric that captures the cumulative effects of thermal expansion, changes in ocean mass and ice melt. Understanding GMSL is essential for coastal adaptation strategies, but regional variations can differ significantly from the global average, complicating local response efforts. This thesis deals with the implications of GMSL variations for the African coast, focusing on the GoG, the ETAO, and southern Africa. Employing an integrated approach combining satellite altimetry, tide gauges, GRACE/GRACE-FO gravimetric data, hydrographic profiles, and CMIP6 multi-model ensemble simulations, with time-series analysis and wave propagation studies, the research quantifies sea level trends, steric and mass components, and wave dynamics over 1993–2022, with projections to 2100. The thesis synthesising the results of four different studies to provide a comprehensive perspective on sea-level rise (SLR) and its impacts on these vulnerable coastal areas. The GoG, spanning from Liberia to Gabon, faces heightened vulnerability to coastal flooding exacerbated by both local and climate-induced sea-level rise. Analysis of nearly three decades of satellite altimetry data from 1993 to 2021 reveals a significant increase in the rate of mean sea level rise, from 3.47 to 3.89 ± 0.10 mm/yr, accompanied by an acceleration of 0.094 ± 0.050 mm/yr². This increase corresponds to a cumulative sea level rise of about 8.9 cm over the study period. The study highlights the influence of extreme warm and cold events, such as Atlantic Niños and Benguela Niños, driven by remote equatorial Kelvin waves (EKW) and local factors such as wind and freshwater fluxes. Analysis of coastal trapped Kelvin waves (CTWs) in the GoG in relation to major warming events in 2010, 2012, 2019 and 2021 shows a significant one-month lag between EKWs and West African CTWs. This observation is crucial for improving predictions and managing the impacts of extreme events on local ecosystems, fisheries, and socio-economic activities. In the ETAO, spanning from 1993 to 2022, the study examines spatio-temporal trends in sea level anomalies (SLA) and their components thermosteric, halosteric, and ocean mass. The regional SLA trend of 3.52 ± 0.47 mm/yr aligns closely with the global average of 3.56 ± 0.67 mm/yr, with the GoG exhibiting a slightly lower regional trend of 3.42 ± 0.12 mm/yr. Our study underscores the dominance of the ocean mass component in long-term trends, supported by GRACE and GRACE-FO missions, which indicate a total SLR of 3.80 ± 0.8 mm/yr, with a residual increase in the ETAO of 3.69 ± 0.5 mm/yr. We also found strong correlations with regional climate factors, particularly the Tropical South Atlantic Index, highlighting the need for targeted adaptation strategies for densely populated coastal communities. Projections for the GoG indicate a severe risk of coastal inundation by 2100, with potential inundated areas ranging from 1,458.1 km² to 4,331.7 km² under low and high- emission scenarios, respectively. By comparing projections from eight CMIP6 models with historical sea surface height data and current topography, the study confirms that the one-month lag in CTW propagation will persist. The potential inundation could displace up to 2 million people, significantly impacting local economies and cultural heritage. This underscores the urgent need for robust adaptation strategies and early warning systems, aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). In southern Africa, the research reveals that sea level rise in coastal areas such as Cape Town is nearly double the global average, reaching 6.3 mm/yr. Coupled with subsidence rates exceeding 2.2 mm/yr, this poses a severe threat to communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems. The study also examines the impact of seismic activity on subsidence, providing a nuanced understanding of the interplay between natural and anthropogenic factors. These findings highlight the urgent need for proactive coastal management and adaptation strategies to safeguard both communities and cultural heritage sites. Overall, this thesis offers a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of sea-level rise along the African coast, highlighting the need for localised adaptation strategies and informed decision-making. By integrating satellite altimetry, GRACE data and CMIP6 climate model projections, the research provides valuable insights into the challenges posed by sea-level rise. This study contributes significantly to understanding regional sea level variability, offering essential knowledge for developing effective coastal management policies in response to ongoing and projected sea level changes. It emphasizes the importance of continued research to support resilient coastal management in the face of climate change
The slow uptake of PMP in South Africa described and explained using grounded theory methods
No full textPurpose – “Quo vadis TAM?” was a question asked by Benbasat and Barki in an inspired 2007 critique of the intense focus of the Technology Adoption Model (TAM) in Information Systems (IS), referring to its discovery as a blessing but its overuse as a curse that has resulted in TAM being unassailable. A response by Straub and Burton-Jones in 2007 partially titled “Veni, Vidi, Vici” agreed with most of these assertions, but felt that characterising TAM as unassailable requires inquiry to assess if aspects of TAM are methodological artifacts. This research aimed to act on these two inspired studies. This study did so by developing an explanation of the slow uptake of Proximity Mobile Payment (PMP) in two South African urban areas using Grounded Theory Methods (GTM). The theory developed was grounded in the data collected and was unconstrained by limits of most PMP studies in three ways: it does not use any established adoption theories, it makes use of an interpretivist paradigm unlike most PMP studies, and it focused on both adopters and non-adopters. South Africa is unique to other developing countries as it has a relatively high number of banked individuals who own a smart phone. However, South Africans are slow to take up the use of PMP. This makes it perfect for a study which seeks to describe the sentiments they hold regarding PMP to explain why so few of them have decided to take up PMP. Design/methodology/approach – This study sought to describe sentiments of participants related to PMP to aid the development of a theory that helps explain its slow uptake. An interpretivist stance with constructivist philosophical assumptions was used in this research. The study made use of semi-structed qualitative interviews to collect data, which was analysed using constructivist GTM. Findings – The study answers Straub and Burton-Jones questioning if that the main constructs of TAM are methodological artifacts or inherent to technology adoption, by confirming the latter as they were part of the constructs revealed in analysis that was grounded in the data. However, other constructs were revealed which may be contextual to South Africa, confirming Benbasat and Barki's assertion that TAM's narrow approach may miss other more contextual factors. The slow uptake of PMP in South Africa can be explained by considering constructs of TAM along with four others revealed in this study. Other findings are that QR scanning may be obsolete in PMP offerings, PMP non-adopters in South Africa are price sensitive and along with crime rates, these may be key factors inhibiting PMP adoption regardless of perceived usefulness and ease of use. Research limitations– The research was understandably limited by the time constraints of a master's programme and it being cross sectional. Contributions to literature – The study contributes to literature by revealing potential future studies on best practice approaches to inquiry into both adopters and non-adopters, technology changes in the PMP market and contextual factors unique to South Africa which may influence PMP adoption
A critical analysis of the South African consumer protection regulatory architecture in the retail banking sector with a focus on fair customer outcomes in the context of its developing economy
No full textFair market conduct in a banker-customer relationship is crucial to maintaining trust and confidence in the financial system. Therefore, adopting appropriate fairness control mechanisms in conduct regulation for retail banking is vital, considering the complex and long-lasting nature of financial transactions and associated legal risks. A holistic systems thinking approach analysing the interconnectedness of the regulatory framework, supervisory architecture and fairness control mechanisms will enhance delivery of fair customer outcomes. In a Twin Peaks model with multiple regulators having overlapping mandates that influence retail consumer protection, entrenching effective supervisor cooperation, coordination, and accountability measures requires that information-sharing and coordination processes and ways of working be built into the operating procedures and measurement frameworks of regulatory agencies. Formal coordination structures must be supplemented with effective information sharing on an 'unsolicited basis', especially at an operational level. Clarity is key on how power is exercised, rights are defined and protected, and how various interests are represented and balanced. The structure, capabilities and capacity of the conduct regulator must be strengthened. A systematic assessment must be conducted of the consumer protections under the COFI Bill and the Conduct Standard against the fundamental consumer rights afforded under the CPA. To guide financial institutions and customers alike, COFI as the primary conduct legislation must establish an overarching regime prohibiting unfair terms. A principles-based regulatory approach should be complemented by risk-based and proportional rules, which should include an indicative, non-exhaustive grey list of terms that may be considered unfair. A simplified and understandable composite criterion must be introduced to determine fairness of conduct, practices or outcomes (not just contractual terms). Given financial literacy deficiencies and vulnerability of a large part of the retail customer base in South Africa, an overriding duty of good faith should serve as an anchoring principle of the principles-based approach
The impact of the social relief & distress grant on poverty in South Africa
No full textThis paper examines the impact of the Social Relief & Distress grant on poverty reduction in South Africa amidst the COVID-19 global pandemic. A large number of individuals live below the poverty line in South Africa and the lockdowns used to combat the spread of COVID-19 have resulted in more people living below the poverty line. This paper uses secondary data in South Africa, utilising all five waves of the NIDS-CRAM panel survey, with an initial sample frame of 7,073 participants. This data is used to estimate the impact of a new cash transfer on household poverty using a number of different techniques. In initial estimates, a strong negative correlation between receipt of the Social Relief & Distress grant and household poverty is observed, as expected. However, in multivariate analysis this negative association is reduced, with an effect found which is neither practically nor statistically significant. While the SRD could reduce some proportion of household poverty in certain samples, this effect is not large enough to meaningfully impact average household socio-economic status in South Africa. Increasing the grant size and broadening its reach could have a significant impact on household poverty and overall inequality
Competencies and applicability of the Master of Public Health (MPH) qualification. A qualitative study of graduates from South African Universities
Get PDFBackground: The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical role of public health professionals in mitigating the crisis and exposed significant weaknesses in global healthcare systems. Graduates with Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees and other public health qualifications played pivotal roles in pandemic response, contributing to surveillance, policy development, community engagement, and health systems strengthening. This study evaluates the competencies of MPH graduates from South African universities, assesses their preparedness for public health roles, and explores the rationale for integrating qualitative COVID-19 study components to enhance understanding of their contributions. Methods: This qualitative exploratory study involved in-depth, one-on-one interviews with 40 MPH graduates from eight South African universities. Data was collected between 2021 and 2022 as the qualitative component of a larger mixed-methods study on the competencies and applicability of MPH training in South Africa. Participants were purposively selected to ensure diversity in institutional background, years of graduation (pre-2012 and post-2016), gender, and nationality. Interviews were conducted using a semi-structured guide, audio-recorded with consent, transcribed verbatim, and anonymised. Thematic analysis was conducted using a collaboratively developed codebook to identify key roles, competencies, and training gaps reported by graduates. Results: MPH graduates have taken up roles in international organizations, NGOs, local governments, and academia. Their MPH degrees facilitated career advancement by equipping them with leadership, management, research, analytical, and communication skills. However, gaps in practical training, advanced data analysis, program management, and emergency preparedness were identified. Graduates emphasized the need for more hands-on training and specialized skills development to align with evolving workplace demands. Conclusion: The MPH program is integral in preparing graduates for diverse public health roles, enabling them to influence policy and practice while fostering career growth. Addressing identified gaps through enhanced practical training and aligning curricula with employer needs are crucial to ensuring graduates can effectively tackle contemporary public health challenges. These improvements will strengthen health systems and improve population health outcomes, particularly in the face of future public health crises
Exploring pain science education in the context of a healthcare dyad: what supports or hinders pain reconceptualisation?
Get PDFBackground. Pain Science Education (PSE) has emerged as a useful treatment strategy for a wide range of painful conditions, including persistent musculoskeletal pain (PMP). The interaction between the two members of a healthcare dyad is subject to various contextual elements. It remains unclear which contextual elements within the PSE dyadic interaction help or hinder the recipient's reconceptualisation of pain. Purpose of the Study. The purpose of the study was to explore and understand participants' experiences of a PSE intervention and elicit perspectives of a PSE dyad relating to elements of their interaction that supported or hindered the reconceptualisation of pain. Methodology. This study employed a phenomenological research design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight PSE dyads – healthcare providers and people under their care (n = 17). An interpretive phenomenological analysis framework was used to analyse and interpret the data. Summary of Qualitative Findings. Dyad members had mostly congruent perspectives on elements that supported reconceptualisation, especially a strong therapeutic alliance. Some intra-dyadic incongruencies included recipient pain beliefs, which some PSE recipients believed supported reconceptualisation, while their providers perceived them as a barrier. A common thread that influenced multiple contextual elements, was pain intensity. Pain relief was often identified as a helpful element as it increased trust in the provider and the PSE. Increased pain was an unhelpful element for some PSE recipients, but their PSE providers found that it helped reconceptualisation, considering it a learning opportunity. This was another area where intra-dyadic perspectives were incongruent. A novel insight included the value of experiential PSE, where providers facilitated reflection and discussion of painful sensations and experiences, with the explicit goal of deepening the learning by exploring pain as a sensory-affective experience. Observing other painful conditions was another learning avenue that dyads valued, where observation of other pain presentations could be compared with their own experience to gain a deeper understanding of pain. Conclusion. Exploring the perspectives of both members of a PSE dyad triangulated the meaning that each member made of the contextual elements that influenced reconceptualisation, drawing out the similarities and differences in their perspectives. PSE dyads valued a range of contextual elements, and dyadic perspectives mostly converged on the theme that PSE is built on a strong therapeutic alliance and a skilled PSE provider. A limitation of this study was that the selection bias was oriented toward participants with positive PSE experiences. This new perspective of elements that influence reconceptualisation may inform PSE implementation and increase its effectiveness