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From boys to men: exploring black masculinity ideologies about women in South Africa
No full textBackground: Masculinity is not a fixed identity but a socially constructed and culturally specific set of expectations about how men should behave. Among Xhosa men, the traditional rite of passage into manhood known as ulwaluko plays a key role in socialising boys into culturally sanctioned forms of manhood. This rite often reinforces notions of toughness, self-reliance, and leadership, while discouraging emotional vulnerability. Over time, these ideologies shape how men relate to others, particularly women, and can contribute to controlling or coercive behaviours within intimate relationships. While not inherently harmful, such expectations can entrench power imbalances and contribute to conditions in which gender inequality becomes normalised. South Africa offers a powerful case study of how entrenched gender norms and patriarchal masculinities translate into widespread harm against women, where women are raped every 12 minutes and murdered every three hours often by their intimate partner. These norms are especially visible within Black communities, and it is from this observation that the researcher sought to investigate the ideologies of Black masculinity from the perspective of Xhosa men in South Africa's Eastern Cape province, focusing on how these beliefs influence men's attitudes and behaviours toward women. Methods: This study explores how masculinity ideologies among Xhosa men in the Eastern Cape influence their attitudes and behaviours toward women. Using an exploratory qualitative design, focus group interviews were conducted with 22 Xhosa men recruited from faith-based and community organisations addressing gender-based violence (GBV). Data were analysed using both thematic analysis and critical discourse analysis to identify key narratives around masculinity, gender roles, and relational dynamics. Findings: Findings reveal that culturally embedded masculinity ideals—especially those shaped through ulwaluko—reinforce beliefs in male dominance and female inferiority. These norms legitimise emotional coercion, sexual manipulation, and violence as expressions of authority, sustaining gender inequality and contributing to South Africa's ongoing GBV crisis
The use of tramadol at the Groote Schuur chronic pain management clinic (CPMC): a medicine usage evaluation
No full textBackground: The use of tramadol in the management of chronic pain has recently become controversial. Amidst rising reports on potential for abuse and its exclusion from latest international guidelines, the conduct of a Medicine Usage Evaluation (MUE) of the drug is relevant to inform future training and practice. Methods: A cross sectional retrospective descriptive chart review of the use of tramadol for the year 2021 was conducted at the Groote Schuur Chronic Pain Management Clinic (CPMC). A total of 104 folders were reviewed. Descriptive statistics summarise the data. Results: The average person with chronic pain who was being prescribed tramadol included in this MUE was female, receiving a disability grant and in their late fifties (57.28y ±12.32). A median of three comorbidities (IQR 4) were recorded in the folders. The median duration of clinic attendance was 10,5 years (IQR 11,5). Chronic spinal pain (61%) was the most common diagnosis. Atypical tramadol dosages were recorded. Only 4% of patients attributed improvement of their pain to tramadol therapy. Good prescription practices were adhered to for the majority of criteria, the key domains with shortcomings were in documentation of the severity of pain, documentation of assessment for potential drug interactions, and documentation of referral for non-pharmacological treatments. Conclusion: The MUE on the use of tramadol at the Groote Schuur CPMC was characterised by good prescription practices with regard to documentation on patient profile, pain diagnosis and management. We recommend the use of standardised protocols for follow up visits and moving to electronic records. The lack of improvement associated with tramadol therapy reported by patients was concerning. In such circumstances, we support the use of a patient-centred tapering strategy with atypical dosages not exceeding the maximum recommended daily dose and the integration of non-pharmacological treatments
Repurposing quinoline-based (metallo) drug leads for the treatment of Leishmania major-induced cutaneous leishmaniasis
No full textLeishmaniasis is a vector-borne neglected tropical disease, of which cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most common form. There is a crucial need to develop new drugs for cutaneous leishmaniasis, as current drugs are sub-optimal due to parasite-specific drug resistance, drug-induced host toxicity and lengthy treatment. Repurposing existing drugs and/or compounds with established biological activity provides an attractive measure for antileishmanial drug development. For instance, N-heterocyclic molecules, such as quinolines and aminoquinolines, are commonly used as privileged scaffolds for developing antimalarial and anticancer drugs, which show enhanced activity when combined with metal complexes. This is exemplified by the iron-containing compound ferrocene, which has been shown to amplify the efficacy of several quinoline-based drug candidates. Accordingly, this study investigates the potential of repurposing ferrocenyl-quinoline compounds as potential drug candidates for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania major LV39, focusing on in vitro antiparasitic activity and cytotoxicity, using murine and cell-based models of the disease. Four ferrocenyl-quinoline compounds consisting of the quinoline scaffold bonded to ferrocene via varying linkers (imino-alkyl, amino-alkyl, triazole amine and phenyl-alkene) were synthesised. The synthetic routes used to generate these compounds and their precursors consisted of nucleophilic aromatic substitution, Schiff base condensation, copper(I)-catalysed azide-alkyne cycloaddition and Mizoroki-Heck coupling. All the compounds were fully characterised using standard spectroscopic (1H,13C{1H} NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy) and analytical (mass spectrometry, melting point and elemental analysis) techniques. The four compounds and their precursors were assessed for their antileishmanial activity against the promastigote form of L. major LV39. The amino-alkyl and triazole amine-linked compounds were the most active (IC50 = 0.50 and 4.04 μg/ml, respectively), with the former being more active than the control drug amphotericin B (IC50 = 1.94 μg/ml). Generally, the four ferrocenyl-quinoline compounds had higher antileishmanial activity than their respective precursors. The cytotoxicity of the compounds was also assessed against the murine RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line, and all four compounds were observed to be more cytotoxic than amphotericin B (CC50 1), making them promising antileishmanial agents worthy of further investigation. This study not only delineates structure-based trends on antileishmanial activity but also demonstrates the significance of incorporating metals in drug design to enhance potency
A theory and outcome evaluation of the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation (AGOF) Association Programme
No full textThis dissertation presents a comprehensive evaluation of the Association Programme of the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation (AGOF), which is designed to foster entrepreneurial activities among its participants. The evaluation employs a dual focus, integrating both theory evaluation and outcome evaluation methodologies to assess the effectiveness of the programme. The theory evaluation utilizes a descriptive research design, examining the programme's Theory of Change (ToC) and aligning it with empirical evidence. Key methodologies included an extensive literature review and semi-structured interviews conducted with subject matter experts. Data analysis was performed using thematic analysis to ensure a robust understanding of the programme's underlying assumptions and causal pathways. The outcome evaluation, adapted the Success Case Method (SCM), focuses on identifying and analysing successful and non-successful cases among programme participants. Initially, a review using existing AGOF database was conducted to identify potential success cases, followed by in-depth interviews to gather qualitative data from selected individuals. Findings from the theory evaluation indicate that the AGOF Association Programme's ToC is supported by empirical evidence, emphasising the criticality of mentorship and resource accessibility for entrepreneurial success. The outcome evaluation reveals that many fellows successfully established socially responsible, high-impact enterprises while also highlighting challenges regarding access to financial resources and the application process for funding. Overall, the integrated findings from both evaluations reflect the programme's positive impact on fostering entrepreneurial capabilities among participants while also pointing out areas for improvement, particularly in enhancing funding accessibility and ongoing support mechanisms for fellows
(Re)storing and (Re)storying Men with Broken Wrists: Using Intsomi as Critical Fabulation to Refute the Notion of Queerness as un-African
No full textMy research attempts to challenge the contemporary perception of homosexuality as “un-African”. This misconception is often grounded in the perceived absence of queer people of colour from the “archive” of black African (hi)stories that shape our collective understandings of who is and who is not properly “African”. Given that what we do know of how gender is conceived among African societies comes to us predominantly via the colonial archive with all its attendant elisions and lacunae, there is a strong case to be made for treating these histories and the authority they assume in defining our contemporary politics of belonging with some scepticism. Accordingly, I (re)turn to the archive of indigenous African folktales as a means to challenge cultural myths of queer black (un)belonging. In my final thesis project, I take the Xhosa ntsomi (folktale) seriously as a mode of producing and transmitting cultural knowledge and appropriate its formal aesthetics to create queer speculative fictions/myths that subvert neocolonial heteropatriarchy and the attempted erasure of black queer personhood from the story of Africa. Using the culturally embedded formal and narrative tropes of intsomi alongside techniques of biomythography and critical fabulations to queer the neocolonial archive, I work to “(re)store” and “(re)story” black queer African personhood, affirming its complicated place in African society and the visions of freedom and belonging animated by our shared histories of anti-/decolonial struggle
(Re)storing and (Re)storying men with broken wrists: using intsomi as critical fabulation to refute the notion of queerness as un-African
No full textMy research attempts to challenge the contemporary perception of homosexuality as “un-African”. This misconception is often grounded in the perceived absence of queer people of colour from the “archive” of black African (hi)stories that shape our collective understandings of who is and who is not properly “African”. Given that what we do know of how gender is conceived among African societies comes to us predominantly via the colonial archive with all its attendant elisions and lacunae, there is a strong case to be made for treating these histories and the authority they assume in defining our contemporary politics of belonging with some scepticism. Accordingly, I (re)turn to the archive of indigenous African folktales as a means to challenge cultural myths of queer black (un)belonging. In my final thesis project, I take the Xhosa ntsomi (folktale) seriously as a mode of producing and transmitting cultural knowledge and appropriate its formal aesthetics to create queer speculative fictions/myths that subvert neocolonial heteropatriarchy and the attempted erasure of black queer personhood from the story of Africa. Using the culturally embedded formal and narrative tropes of intsomi alongside techniques of biomythography and critical fabulations to queer the neocolonial archive, I work to “(re)store” and “(re)story” black queer African personhood, affirming its complicated place in African society and the visions of freedom and belonging animated by our shared histories of anti-/decolonial struggle
The reliability and validity of an isiZulu speech reception Threshold test in quiet for hearing and hearing-impaired individuals in KwaZulu-Natal
Full text linkSpeech reception threshold testing is part of the initial audiological test battery, and should be in the first language of the individual being tested. A newly developed isiZulu Speech Reception Threshold (SRT) test in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, required further reliability and validity evidence before it can be used for clinical practice. The aim of this study was therefore twofold: to determine the reliability and the validity of the newly developed isiZulu Speech reception threshold (zSRT) test for individuals with and without hearing loss. Methods: This study utilised an observational, analytical, repeated measures research design and had two phases. Phase 1 consisted of the reliability, as well as content, convergent, and divergent validity testing components, while Phase 2 consisted of the concurrent validity aspect. These five components were identified for inclusion in a newly developed unified validation framework for this study. Of the 176 participants who were selected through non-probability sampling, 100 had normal hearing and 76 had hearing loss (mild and moderate conductive, moderately severe and severe sensorineural hearing loss). Results: For the reliability study, the zSRT test was found to have high internal and external consistency (reliability) [ICC values ranged from 0.69 to 0.79]; Bland and Altman analyses showed that the isiZulu SRT test scores differed by no more than 7.5 to 8.7 dB HL between original and repeat assessments. Regarding the content validity, more than 20% of participants rated three of the word recordings below ‘strongly agree' in the categories of pitch or tone, and for one word recording i.e. /cinga/ below strongly agree in the categories of pitch or tone, clarity or articulation and naturalness or dialect. First language raters proved useful in identifying problematic word recordings that other methods of assessment would have missed. Intraclass correlation coefficient analyses showed zSRT scores were in substantial to very high agreement with the Pure Tone Average (PTA) scores for the normal hearing and hearing loss groups (NH– right ear ICCconsistency = 0.78, left ear ICC = 0.67; HL – right ear ICCconsistency = 0.97, left ear ICCconsistency = 0.95), thereby confirming the convergent validity of the isiZulu SRT test. A mixed model analysis indicated a significant difference between the zSRT and PTA (p < 0.001), despite there being no clinical significance (2.9 to 3.0 dB for those with normal hearing, and an average of 2.0 to 3.0 dB for those with hearing loss). For divergent validity, there was a significant difference between the PTA and zSRT and eSRT (p < 0.001). However, clinically, there was a 0 – 3dB difference between the PTA and zSRT and a 5dB difference between the eSRT and PTA for both ears. The mean psychometric slope (%/dB) at 50% correct perception for all words in the zSRT test was 4.92%/dB for the mild conductive hearing loss group, 5.26%/dB for the moderate group, 2.85%/dB for the moderately severe sensorineural group, and 2.47%/dB for the severe sensorineural hearing loss group. These slopes were appropriate for the degree of hearing loss observed in each group, confirming the concurrent validity of the zSRT test. Discussion: The collective examination of each measurement-related element, according to the unified validation framework (reliability; content, convergent, divergent, and concurrent validity), was used to confirm the reliability and validity of the zSRT. The findings suggest the need for multiple levels and methods to be considered to validate speech reception threshold tests to ensure that the test can be used in clinical practice. There is value in including first language community members as raters to establish the content validity of the test, with a broader scientific lens being required when interpreting the SRT and PTA correlation for tonal languages. Contextual factors may impact the overall validation of new speech audiometry tests. Conclusion: The zSRT test was found to be reliable and valid and can be considered for clinical practice in KwaZulu-Natal Province (notwithstanding the study limitations). The study also offers a new framework for validating speech audiometry tests, which includes both reliability and validity elements, and considers the contextual factors
Differentiated use and value of river and riparian ecosystem services and local perspectives on future safeguarding: A case study of the upper Mutale sub-catchment, Limpopo River Basin, South Africa
Full text linkOver the past five decades, human-driven changes in natural ecosystems have resulted in biodiversity loss and a decline in ecosystem services, particularly affecting freshwater ecosystems. The response to these challenges has led to the adoption of nature-based solutions, emphasizing the restoration and sustainable management of ecosystems to enhance biodiversity and human well-being. Advocates stress the necessity of local engagement and knowledge integration in nature-based solutions, underscoring the potential adverse effects on vulnerable social groups if these interactions are neglected. This study focused on Tshiombo Village near the Mutale River in South Africa, aiming to contribute to knowledge regarding restoration and sustainable management of river and riparian ecosystem services. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, the research assessed the differentiated use and value of these services among social groups, perceived changes in service availability, potential drivers of changes, and the consideration of nature-based solutions. Survey results revealed a high reliance on the Mutale River and its surroundings for various provisioning, cultural, and regulating ecosystem services. Freshwater for non-drinking domestic use and crop irrigation, delivered through a concrete canal, emerged as the most vital ecosystem service supporting community livelihoods. Women emerged as primary users, emphasizing the importance of the river for irrigation and non-drinking domestic use. Perceived declines in ecosystem services over the past decade were linked to local use and consumption and land use and cover change. While respondents showed limited awareness of nature-based actions, they expressed high awareness and preference for grey infrastructure options. Interviews with key informants aligned with survey results, highlighting a strong preference for grey infrastructure solutions, especially a concrete canal, to address declines in ecosystem services, particularly in relation to water scarcity issues. Here, a range of different social groups and resource users—despite acknowledging environmental decline—seemed only aware of grey infrastructure rather than nature-based solutions, despite being presented with some nature-based options. In contrast, local teachers were one core group that advocated for a focus on restoring and sustainably managing the environment. They also emphasized the importance of environmental literacy and inter-generational learning to increase the awareness of community members of nature-based solutions to addressing declines in ecosystem services such as water supply. This study emphasized the diversity of how different social groups use and value ecosystem services, underscoring their collective importance in the community. Most community members linked the use of grey infrastructure to improving losses of ecosystem services such as water supply. This showed their awareness and preference leaned towards grey infrastructure over nature-based solutions. The study underscores the necessity for hybrid approaches, combining grey and natural infrastructure, to ensure the sustainable delivery of ecosystem services in this rural community, which is more commonly found in urban literature on nature-based approaches. Further, environmental literacy is important to pair the community's grey infrastructure preferences for increased water accessibility with nature-based solutions to prevent future grey infrastructure damage and maintenance requirements, e.g., conservation agriculture could reduce the sedimentation of the concrete canal. This study highlights the need for hybrid solutions, combining grey and nature-based approaches, and underscores the importance of community involvement and human-centered approaches for effective ecosystem restoration and management, particularly in rural areas. The findings provide valuable insights for developing strategies that address the challenges faced by the Tshiombo Village community in safeguarding ecosystem services and enhancing well-being
Mixed-ligand diruthenium complexes: theoretical modelling and interpretation of electronic absorption spectra
Full text linkThe speciation and improved solubility of Ru₂(μ-O₂CCH₃)₃(μ-2-Fap)X complexes, where 2-Fap is 2-(2-fluoroanilino)pyridinate, and X represents Cl, Br or I, are influenced by the axial ligand (X) lability and solvent coordination at the axial site. These complexes have Ru(II) and Ru(III) metal centers that can be written as Ru₂⁵⁺. Researchers have observed distinctive spectroscopic and electrochemical characteristics of these Ru₂⁵⁺ complexes but lack an established theoretical framework to fully understand specific characteristic traits, such as a shoulder band in the visible range of the ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrum in aqueous solutions, the absence thereof in solutions containing excess chloride ions, as well as the solvatochromic shifts of the UV-Vis bands in aqueous and non-aqueous solvents. This study therefore investigates the characteristics of Ru₂(μ-O₂CCH₃)₃(μ-2-Fap)X complexes using time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations that utilize the PBE/LANL2DZ level of theory and an Integral Equation Formalism Polarizable Continuum (IEF-PCM) solvent model using water, DCM and DMSO. Calculation of natural transition orbitals (NTOs) and spectrum deconvolution methods have aided in characterizing the electronic transitions of the prominent UV band at 250-350 nm as a combination of δ(Ru₂) → π*(Np,C), π(Cl) → π*(Cp,Np) and π(Cl) → π*(Cₐ) transitions, where the subscript “a” and “p” represents the aniline and pyridine moieties, respectively. On the other hand, the weak band at the 400-450 nm visible region is ascribed to the π (Cₐ,Nₐ)/δ*(Ru₂) → π*(Cp,Np) transition, whereas the broad band at 450-750 nm has been characterized as a combination of π(Cl,Ru₂) → δ*(Ru₂), δ(Ru₂) → δ*(Ru₂), π(Cl,Ru₂) → π*(Ru₂), π(F,Cₐ-Cₐ) → π*(Ru₂), π(Cl) → π*(Ru₂) and π(Cl,F,Cₐ-Cₐ) → π*(Ru₂) transitions. The near-infrared (NIR) region is characterized by a weak band at 900-1000 nm, which mainly consists of a δ(Ru₂) → δ*(Ru₂) transition. The equilibria, involving the cationic, neutral and anionic species in solution and corresponding spectroscopic changes are interpreted for Ru₂(μ-O₂CCH₃)₃(μ-2-Fap)X, along with the solvatochromic shift
A comparative analysis of machine learning models for forecasting JSE Stock Returns
Full text linkThis study examines the application of machine learning models to predict the cross-section of Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)- listed share returns. Four models are developed and compared using monthly data from 2005 to 2021: neural networks, random forest, long short- term memory (LSTM) networks, and conventional linear regression. The explanatory variables comprise nine firm-specific financial metrics, motivated by prior research. The sample is divided into a training period (2005–2016) and a testing period (2016–2021), further split into 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year testing intervals. The results show that the LSTM model performsbest across most evaluation metrics and investment scenarios, with the random forest model close behind, offering slightly better risk-adjusted returns