Traditional authority, institutional multiplicity and political transition in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Adherents of tradition argue that customary institutions in Africa and the traditional leaders that uphold them have a stabilizing influence, particularly given the inadequacies of many post-colonial African states. It is suggested that this remains the case for South Africa as well and that chieftaincy, though tainted by its association with segregation and apartheid, has nevertheless provided continuity of governance, particularly in rural areas where there were scant alternative structures. Opponents see the return to tradition as a regressive step that undermines progress towards democratic consolidation in Africa generally and in South Africa more particularly. In many respects these concerns are not new and reflect careful historical debate in South Africa that remains relevant in informing and understanding the contemporary period. With this in mind this paper explores the institution of ubukhosi, or chieftainship, in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), where resurgent tradition is particularly vociferous, but also part of a longer history exhibiting both continuities and discontinuities. Against this background it considers whether the recognition of traditional authorities and the powers and functions accorded to them in South Africa, and more particularly KZN, constitutes a potential faultline of crisis in South Africa's fragile emergent democracy or a site of stability in a politically volatile province. The question is framed by recourse to institutional theory and is answered by setting the contemporary experience of 'negotiating tradition' in KwaZulu-Natal against a background of apartheid government, resistance and political violence in the province

An evaluation of directly compressible tablet bases on the performance of ibuprofen tablets

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand , in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Medicine (Pharmaceutical affairs)Ibuprofen is a phenylpropionic acid derivative, which has analgesic, antiinflammatory and antipyretic actions. It is used in the management of mild to moderate pain, inflammatory conditions, peri-articular disorders, musculoskeletal disorders and joint disorders. Tablets, like ibuprofen, can be manufactured by three different processes viz. wet granulation, dry granulation and direct compression. With direct compression, the directly compressible base, along with the active ingredient (ibuprofen) and other suitable excipients, can be compressed directly.IT201

Associations between family suicide and personal suicidal behaviour among youth in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Background: For every suicide, a minimum of six people are affected. Given the increasing number of suicide deaths in South Africa, the associations between the suicide of a family member and personal suicidal behaviour were explored in grade 8 students.Method: Grade 8 students were asked to participate with parental consent and child assent. Demographic questionnaires were completed and formal psychometric assessment instruments were used.Results: Thirty-five (15.98%) students reported knowing that a family member had committed suicide. The mean age was 13.3 years (range 13–15 years). There were significant associations between family suicide and students’ self-reported involvement in physical fights, use of alcohol and concerns about physical health. Family suicide was associated withpersonal suicidal ideation, suicidal plans and suicide attempts. Higher scores were reported on the scales assessing depression, perceived stress and feelings of hopelessness by those having had a family member commit suicide. There were low scores for having a sense of mastery, self-esteem and perceived social support among those who had experienced a family member commit suicide.Conclusion: Significant associations were found between the suicide of a family member and personal suicidal behaviour among the participants. There appear to be negative associations at a psychological level for the youth in a family in which a family member has committed suicide. Family practitioners play an important role in the identification and management of suicidal behaviour. While there are organisations in South Africa that offer help to the family and friends of those who have committed suicide, specific programmes directed towards child/adolescent survivors appear to be limited, and this needs to be addressed. The limitations of the study are discussed

The learning styles of first year university students

There has been a shift in the South African education system from a purely grade-oriented system to that of a learner-centred outcome-based system of education which challenges higher educational institutions and their faculties to adjust their goals to this system. In South Africa there is evidence of poor academic performance at higher education institutions. Among other things, noncognitive factors may be important mediators of academic success. With the expansion of higher education and the increased emphasis on access, retention and life-long learning, it is a good reason to explore the nature of different learning styles (Healey & Jenkins, 2000). Learning styles and personality types has been identified as significant predictors of academic performance. The present study aimed to contribute to this body of research in general and to Kolb’s (1981) theory of experiential learning and his conceptualisation of learning styles in particular. The aims of the study were to explore and describe the learning styles of first year university students (Aim 1), to explore and describe the learning styles of first year university students per faculty (Aim 2), and to explore the relationship between learning styles and academic performance for students in the various faculties (Aim 3). The study used an explorative descriptive and correlational research method and was conducted within a quantitative framework. Participants were selected using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. The sample was comprised of 391 first year university students to whom Kolb’s Learning Style Indicator was administered as part of the Explore programme during orientation week. Descriptive statistics were used in order to explore and describe the learning style of the learners for the sample as a whole and per faculty. Data for the learning styles and academic performance categories were cross tabulated so as to comment on the relationship between learning styles and academic performance per faculty. Small cell sizes made it impossible to analyse the latter data statistically. Across the six faculties the Accommodator learning style was the most represented, followed by the Diverger learning style. No significant relationship was found between learning styles and academic performance. The implications of the findings for counselling and teaching students are highlighted and suggestions to expand the research through using larger samples are also made

The prevalence of suicidal behaviour and associated risk factors in grade 8 learners in Durban

Objectives: Most of the research on suicidal behaviour in youth focuses on developed countries. Less is known about the prevalence of suicidal behaviour and associated risk factors in community samples of youth who do not present for mental health care in developing countries. This study investigated the prevalence of suicidal behaviour and associated risk factors in grade 8 learners in Durban.Setting and subjects: Grade 8 learners in a government-run,  co-educational school were approached to participate in the study after parental consent and child assent were obtained. A descriptive, cross-sectional method was used to gather quantitative data. The grade 8 learners were asked to complete demographic questionnaires and various psychometric assessment scales.Design: The gathered data were divided into two groups, i.e. those who reported personal suicidal behaviour and those who did not. The various variables in these two groups were compared using bivariate and  multivariate statistical analyses.Results: The study established that 22 participants (33.8%, n = 75) reported suicidal behaviour (thoughts, plans or attempts in this regard). They also had higher levels of depression, perceived stress, hopelessness and anger (p-value < 0.01) than those who did not report any suicidal behaviour. The same participants had lower scores on scales that assessed selfesteem and perceived social support from family (p-value < 0.01), compared to those who did not report any suicidal behaviour. Logistic regression analysis that was undertaken indicated that a friend’s suicidal thoughts [odds ratio (OR) 4.27, p-value < 0.01], alcohol use (OR 3.08, p-value < 0.01), perceived stress (OR 1.05, p-value < 0.01) and depression (OR 1.04, p-value < 0.01), were strong predictors of personal suicidal behaviour in this sample.Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of suicidal behaviour in grade 8 learners in Durban. The identified risk factors were similar to those found in developed countries. Healthcare providers and other professionals, such as school counsellors, should consider the identified risk factors when assessing suicidality and planning interventions for youth

Free Trade Agreements with the US — Are they good for your health?

Through its participation in the South African Customs Union (SACU), South Africa has been involved in negotiations with the United States government on the finalization of a free trade agreement (FTA). Although the US-SACU negotiations eventually ground to a halt, they are more than likely to be reinstated some time soon, and the farreaching implications they portend will have to be confronted afresh. The concern of this contribution is the effect of the US insistence on stronger intellectual property protection for pharmaceutical patents in these bilateral agreements, the resultant impact on the prices of medicines for life-threatening conditions such as HIV/AIDS and related opportunistic diseases. This paper explores some critical issues related to FTAs, examines some of the pressure impacting on the negotiations, reviews the trends around the protection of pharmaceutical patents in some recently concluded agreements, and considers their implications for SACU countries

Characterisation and Neurogenic Potential of Stem Cells from the Human Umbilical Cord Matrix

Neural stem cell grafts can potentially repair damage or degeneration of the human central nervous system (CNS). However, the only neural cells reported to provide any benefit to date have been immature neural precursors derived from aborted foetuses. Recent studies suggest that neural cells can be derived from non-neural and non-embryonic tissues such as bone marrow, peripheral and umbilical cord blood, and umbilical cord matrix (Wharton’s jelly). These tissues may therefore represent a more accessible source of cells for therapeutic repair and regeneration of the brain and spinal cord. Furthermore, they could potentially be obtained and grafted autologously, thereby reducing the risk of tissue rejection. At present, little is known about the origin, frequency and phenotypic characteristics of stem cells from the umbilical cord matrix. This aim of this study was to characterise and analyse the neurogenic potential of a potentially novel source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from the Wharton’s jelly (WJ) of human umbilical cord, and compared to foetal blood-derived MSCs. Cell division rates determined by serial passaging and CyQuant proliferation assay, senescence, antigenic profiles, and mesodermal (osteogenic and adipogenic) or neural differentiation potentials were assessed. MSCs from both sources showed typical fibroblastic morphology and formed monolayers in culture with foetal bovine serum (FBS). Most WJ (more than 82%) MSCs expressed characteristic markers, including CD105 (SH2), CD73 (SH3), prolyl-4 hydroxylase (5B5) and vimentin (V9). The doubling times of the foetal blood MSCs and WJ cells were 30 and 36 hours, respectively. Furthermore, WJ and foetal blood MSCs demonstrated osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation potential in vitro. The neural differentiation potential of these cells in a range culture conditions was assessed with varying results

Learning from experience: the art and science of clinical law

Clinical law is a teaching discipline in terms of which students learn the skills, ethics and values necessary for the practice of law. Its mission is accomplished through the practical involvement of students in legal work, whether it is through simulated exercises or representing actual clients in their legal problems. Throughout this process, they are guided by teachers or supervisors who are practising lawyers within the law school. What is unique to this discipline is the employment of teaching methodologies which are experientially-based and geared towards problem solving, rather than ‘academic’ in nature. This contribution looks at some recent developments with regard to the regulation of the legal profession and suggests that clinical law is set to assume an even greater significance with the prospect that the period of vocational training is likely to be reduced, in terms of the draft Legal Practice Bill. Furthermore, the contribution argues that such an approach is a more effective form of teaching and learning, and that its methodologies should be integrated into other teaching disciplines. It also explores a model for implementing the notions expressed in this piece. Finally, based on the experiences of South African law clinics, it argues that clinical law can be delivered effectively even in resource-strapped situations

The Direct Inverse Effect

This paper discusses the two primary groups of jurisprudential theories, Utilitarianism and Deontology, and attempts to show that there is a phenomenon that occurs when the results are opposite to what was expected. When this happens, the Utilitarian position prior to the results would become a Deontological position after the results, and vice versa i.e. the Deontological position prior to the results would become a Utilitarian position after the results, provided that the results are opposite to what was expected. This is The Direct Inverse Effect. This has been approached not from an entirely critical position, but from a position that attempts to encourage the reader to move away from confining oneself to either of these groupings. Since positions can only be held retrospectively, one should move away from holding these positions when deciding on how to act. Both of these theories have merit, and both can and should be used where applicable. This has been demonstrated by the use of opinions of philosophers and hypothetical scenarios. This shows that aligning to any jurisprudential grouping prior to the results is of no significance, and instead each decision should be made on a case by case basis utilising both Utilitarianism and Deontology

Social housing as a catalyst towards net-zero carbon building in the mitigation of climate change in South Africa

Since low-income and social housing are among the most vulnerable built environments to climate change, this article evaluates the energy performance of social housing in the context of enabling net-zero carbon social housing in South Africa (SA). It seeks to investigate how improved and conscious energy-efficient design in the context of social housing contributes toward a climate change mitigation response in SA. The article analyses energy use and indoor comfort, based on ASHRAE 55-2004 Standard, of two social housing case studies to review the potential of the social housing sector to contribute to the national climate mitigating agenda. The findings highlight that the housing provision itself is not an adequate response, but that bio-climatic design solutions with appropriate spatial and material choices, along with efficient envelope articulation, play a critical role in lowering energy use and improving user comfort. There is, however, a need to challenge the growing advent of (energy-) inefficient and carbon-intensive social housing in SA and simultaneously address the parallel crisis of homelessness, to enable a sustainable future for the built environment