Towards improved inclusive approaches to educational technology support: a case of staff with disabilities at a higher education institution

Inclusive practices in higher education have become a key focus, but staff with disabilities often face challenges when trying to access and use the educational technology and support systems available to them. This study examines the experiences of staff with disabilities at a South African university, focusing on how they engage with the institution's educational technology support. Using a qualitative approach, the research involved interviews to understand the effectiveness of the support provided. The study is guided by the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, offering a useful perspective on the institution's current support practices. The findings reveal gaps in the support, including inconsistent training and unclear guidance on how to use educational technologies effectively. The analysis points to the need for greater awareness of disability and suggests changes to both policies and practices to make the environment more inclusive and equitable. The study concludes by offering recommendations for improving educational technology support, helping institutions create a more inclusive academic environment

The Application of Taguchi Experiments in Developing Gecko-Inspired Dry Adhesive for Macro-Handling Applications

Synthetic dry adhesives have been developed to mimic the gecko’s adhesion using lithography and micro-machining of a mould to cast a suitable elastomer. Previous international studies used nano-manufacturing processes, which are expensive and are not readily available in South Africa. In this study, a simple micro-machining method was used using a three-axis milling machine and Vytaflex 30 to develop an adhesive pad. The Taguchi method to design experiments was used to determine the optimum machining conditions to create micro-wedges. The results show that, although a maximum adhesion pressure of 1,924 Pa was obtained with a preload pressure of 1,323 Pa, the adhesion force produced might not be suitable for macro-handling applications

A theory and outcome evaluation of the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation's (AGOF's) scholarship programme

This report presents the results of the formative (theory and outcome) evaluation of the Allan Gray Orbus Foundation (AGOF) scholarship programme. The programme offers scholarships to academically excellent grade 6 learners of 11 to 12 years of age, who demonstrate financial need and attain a minimum score of 70% in English and Mathematics and are from poor family backgrounds to attend secondary school. The programme provides financial support, coaching, and extracurricular activities (a development camp, breakthrough sessions, jamborees and an online curriculum) to help needy students access high-quality secondary education and develop an entrepreneurial mindset. The financial support covers tuition, boarding, allowances, uniforms, stationery and extracurricular expenses. Scholars receive academic support through tutoring and remedial lessons, particularly in mathematics, science, and English. Further, the students attend extracurricular activities that comprise of camps, breakthrough sessions and jamborees, gaining networking and entrepreneurial exposure. Graduates meeting this academic criterion can apply for the fellowship programme and contribute to society and the economy

The functional role of root-associated microbiome and metabolome of myrothamnus flabellifolia

Global climate change is predicted to increase the occurrence and severity of drought, particularly in Africa, which will negatively impact crops and food production. Drought is the leading factor that adversely affects agricultural productivity and yield. Over the last four decades, extensive research on resurrection plants has yielded valuable insights into the mechanisms these plants employ to adapt during desiccation. Despite this, the role of the microbiome in desiccation tolerance, particularly in resurrection plants, remains a relatively unexplored area. Myrothamnus flabellifolia, a resurrection plant, stands out for its remarkable ability to endure severe desiccation, making it an ideal model for investigating the contributions of the plant microbiome to desiccation tolerance. Recognising the significance of root-associated microbes in stress tolerance opens up promising opportunities for enhancing drought resilience in crucial crops. However, the intricate dynamics of these interactions under severe water limitations have not been comprehensively investigated. Consequently, a primary objective of this study was to unravel the beneficial root-associated microbiome of M. flabellifolia and delineate their functions in the context of water deficit conditions. The intricate tripartite interplay involving plant roots, soil, and microorganisms remains enigmatic and demands further exploration. This study delved into the microbiome of belowground zones—bulk soil, rhizosphere soil, and endosphere of M. flabellifolia. Metagenomic analysis unveiled prevalent bacterial phyla (Acidobacteriota, Actinobacteriota, Chloroflexota, Planctomycetota, and Pseudomonadota) and dominant fungal phyla (Ascomycota and Basidiomycota) across all zones. While the bulk soil hosted numerous beneficial root-associated microbes, it exhibited lower functional diversity than the rhizosphere, which showcased the highest diversity of bacteria and fungi. Conversely, the endosphere exhibited lower microbial abundance and diversity. These findings suggest that M. flabellifolia may recruits soil microbes from bulk soil to rhizosphere and subsequently to the endosphere. Metatranscriptomic analysis has revealed crucial insights into the dynamics of plant-microbe interactions and the adaptive mechanisms employed by root-associated bacteria during desiccation in M. flabellifolia. The transcriptional activity of bacteria involved both monoderm and diderm lineages, consistent with the bacterial phyla identified in metagenomic analysis. However, the dominance of the Pseudomonadota phyla at the transcriptional activity was observed. Root-associated bacteria showed distinct transcriptional responses during dehydration and rehydration, suggesting dynamic shifts in microbial activity under fluctuating water availability. The expression of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) under dehydration conditions showcased the activation of proteins associated with antioxidant enzymes, molecular chaperones, protein kinases, and biosynthesis of sugars and amino acids. This implies a coordinated response to counteract damage and enhance survival. Intriguingly, the upregulation of genes encoding protein kinases, antioxidant enzymes, and trehalose synthase in root-associated bacteria reflects a common strategy for surviving desiccation stress. This suggests a potential case of convergent evolution in desiccation tolerance within microbiomes. The observed upregulation of genes related to plant growth and enhanced plant-microbe interaction under rehydration conditions suggests a resumption of microbial activity. Exploring the rhizosphere soil metabolome provided insights into the metabolic changes during drought stress in M. flabellifolia. Dehydrated rhizosphere soil exhibited increased levels of sugars (e.g., trehalose), organic acids (malic acid), and phytohormones (indole-3-acetic). Conversely, rehydrated rhizosphere samples showed significantly higher amino acid levels compared to desiccated samples, indicating a shift in biochemical processes in both the plant roots and rhizosphere microbiome. While rhizosphere metabolites are typically attributed to root exudates and microbial activity, this study revealed that many were possibly produced by rhizospheric bacteria. The upregulation of bacterial genes associated with metabolite biosynthesis under dehydration conditions, such as trehalose, further substantiated the the notion that drought serves as a selective pressure driving convergent evolution in species with desiccation tolerance. These findings indicates that the microbiome's adaptability under harsh environmental stress. Furthermore, inoculating maize plants with rhizospheric bacteria from M. flabellifolia's rhizosphere significantly improved drought tolerance, physiological, and morphological traits. The study concludes that root-associated microbiomes play a crucial role in M. flabellifolia's desiccation tolerance and plant growth-promoting microbes have a potential to be used as a biostimulant. This innovative research has implications for enhancing food security, developing resilient agricultural systems, and promoting sustainability

Design, synthesis and analysis of Isoreticular, 2-Periodic, Co(II)/(Mn(II) mixed- and Zn(II) single-ligand metal-organic frameworks for sorption of energy- and environmentally-relevant molecules

The study of porous materials, particularly Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), has garnered significant attention due to their tunable structures and potential for diverse applications. MOFs, constructed from metal ions or clusters and organic ligands, offer structural versatility where the choice of ligand influences pore size, geometry, flexibility, and adsorption properties. Mixed-ligand MOFs, incorporating two or more distinct ligands, enhance structural complexity and enable tuning of pore features in multiple dimensions, making them highly suitable for gas sorption applications. This study reports the design, synthesis, and characterisation of novel 2-periodic, isoreticular Co(II)/Mn(II) mixed-ligand and Zn(II) single-ligand MOFs. The mixed-ligand systems, synthesised using isophthalic acid (H2ia) and 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane-N,N'-dioxide (bppdo), yielded isoreticular frameworks with formulae [Co3(ia)3(bppdo)(MeOH)]n·n(DMF) (1) and [Mn3(ia)3(bppdo)(MeOH)]n·n(DMF) (2). The single-ligand systems, constructed using 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)bis(benzoic acid) (H2hfipbb), produced two pairs of MOFs: doubly interpenetrated frameworks [Zn(hfipbb)(MeOH)]n·n(MeOH)0.5 (3) and [Zn(hfipbb)(EtOH)]n·n(EtOH)0.5 (4) and non-interpenetrated frameworks [Zn2(hfipbb)2(DMF)2]n·n(DMF)4 (5) and [Zn4(hfipbb)4(DMA)4]n·n(DMA)8·n(H2O) (6). The ligands' unique rigidity and functionality yielded MOFs with varying porosity and structural flexibilities. Desolvated studies of the mixed-ligand MOFs revealed drastic void space reductions (to 3.7 and 5.7% for 1′ and 2′, respectively, at 298 K) compared to the as-synthesised structures (potential void spaces of 21.6 and 22.3% for 1 and 2, respectively, at 298 K). Despite inaccessible void spaces at 195 K, significant CO2 sorption at this temperature indicated structural transformations enabling adsorption. Water vapour sorption at 298 K induced similar transformations, as confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, showcasing the dynamic adaptability of these frameworks. For the single-ligand MOFs, void space ranged from 12 to 25% of the unit cell volume, with notable differences between interpenetrated and non-interpenetrated structures. Comparison with Cu-based counterparts from the literature highlighted that the Zn-based MOFs exhibited superior N2 and H2 adsorption due to higher crystallinity and stability upon desolvation. However, Cu-based MOFs displayed stronger CO2 adsorption interactions, with two-step adsorption isotherms and higher Qst values (up to 31.8 kJ mol-1), reflecting greater framework flexibility. Water vapor sorption studies emphasised the stronger interaction of Cu-based MOFs with unsaturated Cu(II) metal sites. These findings underscore the potential of Zn-based MOFs for gas storage and the dynamic structural responses of the mixed-ligand frameworks

Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) regimes and institutional responses: a case study of Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria

This thesis examines the intricate process of transmitting United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1267 and 1373 to Nigeria and operationalising global counter-terrorist financing policies through legal frameworks and a matrix of security and other state institutions in the domestic environment. The investigation focuses on the complex dynamics of the transmission process, from international to national, and inter-institutional diffusion involving internal institutions in Nigeria as a developing state. By critically engaging Michael Boyle's contributions to our understanding of how local contexts and situational specificities impact the effective transmission and diffusion of international counter-terrorism policies, the study considers how Nigeria's local conditions impact efforts to limit Boko Haram's access to funding through international regulatory instruments on counter-terrorist financing. The study both confirms and augments Boyle's analysis by drawing on qualitative field data involving nineteen policy specialists attached to governance and security elites in Nigeria and three multilateral institutions: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA). Although the study demonstrates the applicability of Boyle's theory to Nigeria's conflict landscape, it rejects the idea that associates the failures of international counter-terrorism policies in third-world countries solely with the peculiarities of the domestic environment. The study sought to carve out space for other variables beyond Boyle's local conditions. They are those linked to development dynamics –corruption and underdevelopment, and global geo-political calculus - international assistance, international regulation, and the politics of the global war on terror. The study argues that to arrive at a more comprehensive understanding regarding counter-terrorism outcomes in a non-Western context, an overarching framework of formative influences in both the domestic environment and at the global governance level gives more profound insights into the issues impacting the effectiveness of counter-terrorism measures in a non-Western environment like Nigeria

Birth beyond borders: childbirth experiences of migrant women in Cape Town, South Africa

Background Childbirth is significant for women and how it unfolds can influence the outcome of labour and have lasting impacts on them. It is important for women to receive good quality care during this time of intense vulnerability. However, evidence suggests that women are at risk of disrespect and abuse during this phase. South Africa is a top destination for migrants from Africa and migrant women may be more likely to experience discrimination during childbirth. This study therefore aims to explore the childbirth experiences of migrant women and will contribute to our understanding of how to address their health care needs during childbirth. Methods The qualitative study was conducted in Cape Town, South Africa. Using an exploratory approach, participants were purposively sampled in collaboration with the Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town. The study included eight women from various African countries. Participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide and thematic analysis was applied to the data. The reproductive justice framework was used to organise interview findings. Results The study revealed that migrant women had positive experiences during childbirth but also reported negative events. Women were satisfied with health care services in South Africa, compared to their countries of origin. Particularly that they didn't have to pay for services, health care workers (HCW) provided them with information about health care procedures and HCW were available to assist them when they needed help. Some women however, reported being neglected, treated unfairly and discriminated against. Some, especially negative experience, might have not been exclusive to migrant women but might have been worsened because of their migration status. Conclusion Women reported having positive childbirth experiences. However, the study also revealed that even though South African legislations protect migrant's right to health, migrant women still experience negative experiences during childbirth. Some negative experiences may have been heightened because of discrimination against migrants in public health care facilities. Therefore, it is essential that interventions are developed, such as the use of interpreters, to support migrant women during childbirth. Furthermore, healthcare workers must adhere to the already existing legislation, and migrant women must be provided with information on accessible channels to report any ill-treatment during childbirth

Piercing the corporate veil: a review of the concept and consideration of its relevance in South African tax law

The main objective of this research is to ascertain the degree to which the concept of the corporate veil is relevant in South African Tax Law. The first part of the paper is introductory in nature and is devoted to reviewing the concept from a company law perspective. Part I thus focuses on the following areas: 0 limited liability - rationale for; history and development, and implications 0 disregarding the company's separate personality · 0 literature survey pertaining to the United Kingdom, Australia, United States and South Africa. In concluding part I, it is submitted that the dicta of Lord Halsbury in the Salomon case has stood the test of time and still represents the law today. Part II deals with the application of the concept in South African and selected overseas tax cases. It has been found most relevant in relation to the determination of a company's intention and in tax avoidance cases. In addition, part II focuses on specific aspects of gross income and deductible expenditure, as well as some related topics. In many instances, the corporate veil concept is linked to the debate of substance versus form. Over time, it seems that "substance" has gained ground at the expense of "form", particularly in tax avoidance scenarios. In conclusion, it is submitted that the concept is relevant in the tax law context and needs to be considered by tax practitioners dealing with both large and small companies

Critical success factors for financing renewable IPPs in South Africa

This dissertation investigates the critical success factors in financing Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers (REIPPs) in South Africa, focusing on both programme-level and project-level elements. By analysing financial, regulatory, and operational aspects, the research explores the key elements that impact on the bankability and sustainability of REIPP projects. This study adopted a qualitative research methodology, employing semi-structured interviews as the primary means of data collection. These interviews were conducted remotely via Microsoft Teams, recorded, and transcribed to ensure responses were captured accurately. The interview framework was developed based on extant literature, in particular Gratwick and Eberhard (2016) and Kruger (2021), to explore the programme-level and project-specific success factors influencing South Africa's Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement (REIPP) programme. A semi-structured approach was employed, incorporating both open- and close-ended questions to enable guided discussions and follow-up questions for deeper insights. This research is grounded in qualitative data collected from 10 interviews with key stakeholders involved in South Africa's REIPP programme. The sample includes two REIPP developers, two financial investors, and six advisors, providing a comprehensive perspective on the programme-level and project-level factors contributing to the programme's success. To assess the effectiveness of South Africa's REIPP programme, this study develops an analytical framework that examines both programme-level and project-level factors. At the programme level, the framework evaluates auction design and implementation, including procurement volume distribution, bidder selection criteria, and the efficiency of auctions in ensuring timely project execution (Kruger, 2021). At the project level, the framework considers determinants of project success, including financial feasibility, technical expertise, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement as key determinants of project success. By integrating these factors, the framework offers a holistic perspective on how procurement mechanisms and project-level dynamics influence the overall effectiveness and sustainability of the REIPP programme thematic analysis of the interview data highlights the critical role of financial accessibility, the creditworthiness of off-takers like Eskom, the availability of skilled contractors, and the adequacy of grid infrastructure in achieving successful project execution. At the programme level, factors such as competitive bidding models, project scale, and regulatory efficiency are essential in ensuring the long-term sustainability of REIPPs. The Sensitivity: MTN Internal study emphasises the importance of well-structured tariff models, transparent bidding processes, and streamlined regulatory frameworks to address current challenges. Key strategic recommendations include enhancing financial mechanisms, increasing investment in grid infrastructure, and ensuring policy consistency to support South Africa's transition to renewable energy. These findings not only apply to South Africa but also offer valuable insights into other emerging economies seeking to develop their renewable energy sectors. Further research is recommended to explore innovative financing strategies, government policies, and long-term project performance to sustain progress in the renewable energy industry

Civil liability for environmental damage in German and South African

Under the heading 'Civil Liability for Environmental Damage', provisions which compensate all those who suffer environmental damage are discussed. Traditionally environmental legislation could be found mainly in administrative law dealing with resource management and conservation. Only a small proportion of those provisions dealt directly with compensation for those who had suffered pollution damage. Victims of environmental damage could usually claim damages under the general body of civil law, on the same basis as other wrongs