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Background: In this article, an analysis is done of the out of school factors of Foundation Phase learners that could influence the proper development of these learners' language abilities. Specific reference is made to the home environment of Foundation Phase learners in rural Mpumalanga. Aim: This article aims to draw attention to the fact that there are many factors in the out-of-school environment of Foundation Phase learners that could influence the young learners' ability to develop their language skills and language abilities well. Setting: This article relates to the out-of-school environment of Foundation Phase learners with specific reference to the influence of the environment at home of Foundation Phase learners in four schools in rural Mpumalanga. Bronfenbrenner's ecological system's theory is incorporated as it explains the home environment as the microsystem in a child's life. The home is the place where a child's first and vital education takes place and where the acquisition of language skill begins. Methods: In this article, sections from a qualitative research project, as well as a literature review were used. Results: The results show that there are many factors in the out-of-school environment of Foundation Phase learners that could influence the development of the learners' language skills and language abilities. Conclusion: The authors argue that if teachers and other school staff members are aware of the many aspects arising from the out-of-school environment that could influence young learners' well-being and progress, especially with regard to language abilities at school, they could help to address and overcome the unconstructive language influences in the lives of their young custodians.

Teachers leaving the profession before age of retirement is an ongoing problem in schools worldwide. While fewer teachers enter the profession each year, the number of teachers leaving the profession has increased. Many teachers listed lack of job satisfaction as a reason for leaving the education profession, while citing the lack of mentoring as a main cause of job dissatisfaction. This study explores the impact of an effective mentoring program at primary schools in the province of Mpumalanga, South Africa to support and improve job satisfaction among beginner teachers entering the profession. This study follows a quantitative approach, consisting of a Likert-scale questionnaire. The sample of the study was a number of 550 teachers (principals, deputy principals, heads of department, teachers and student teachers) from different races and cultures from 50 randomly selected state and private primary schools in Mpumalanga. After comparing the literature with the respondents' data, the researchers found that the development and implementation of a mentoring program in the province of Mpumalanga would positively impacts beginner teachers' job satisfaction, thus indicating a definite need for such a mentoring program.

Background: South African primary school learners have participated in several national and international literacy (reading and writing) studies that measure learners' achievement in different grades and at different intervals. Numerous scholars have analysed the results of these assessments. We extended their analyses by investigating the grade coverage and the aspects of literacy that were included in these assessments, as well as whether the learners' home language impacts their results. Aim: The authors aim to determine how reliable the results of these assessments are in improving and informing policies relating to literacy teaching in primary schools and to provide recommendations to improve the administration of literacy assessments. Method: Literature on various national and international literacy studies that were conducted in South African primary schools from 2000 to 2016 was identified and analysed according to grade, province, languages in which the assessments were conducted, aspects of literacy that were included in the assessments and the accuracy of the results. Results: The analysis provides evidence that suggests that most literacy assessments target learners in the Intermediate Phase (Grades 4-6) and are not available in all 11 South African official languages. Presently, there are no large-scale literacy assessments for Foundation Phase (Grades 1-3) learners. Moreover, the results of these assessments do not provide us with reliable information about literacy levels in the country because there are vast discrepancies in assessment scores. Conclusion: This article highlights the importance of obtaining reliable information in determining literacy levels in the country and in informing decisions regarding literacy-related policies.

This paper explores the career experiences of women academics at three South African universities. To understand the experiences of women academics, we conducted an intersectional interrogation of the politics and practices of belonging in departmental cultures. The sample consisted of thirty women academics whose interviews were analysed through a discursive thematic frame. We found that while all participants experienced gender-based discrimination which hinders academic progression, the barriers experienced by black women academics are compounded by the intersections of race, gender, and motherhood. Patriarchal and racist institutional, disciplinary and departmental cultures served as further challenges to belonging. On the other hand, through counter storytelling and refusal, women created alternative spaces of sociality where suffering co-exists with pleasure, refusal and survival. Ultimately, the paper suggests refusal as a generative theoretical lens to surface the complexity of women academics.

Kohlberg's theory of moral development has maintained a dominant position in cognitive moral development literature over several decades. This universal influence has been particularly evident in its application to moral education literature and policy. A closer assessment of Kohlberg's theoretical conceptualization suggests the application of universal assumptions masked by Eurocentric values and possible unconscious bias. In this paper, the relevance of Kohlberg's theory of moral development in the South African context is explored in relation to early childhood development. In addition, through the example of violence in South Africa, we illustrate how moral development occurs in ways that are at odds with the universalist claims made by Kohlberg. While acknowledging the value of Kohlberg's work, our appraisal unveils its blind spots. This appraisal contends that moral reasoning is negotiated in context and thus needs to be understood within the local socio-historical, cultural, and economic milieu.

Those working from within the liberation psychology paradigm strive to remould psychology so that it might be put to work for the task of liberation – a task with which most psychologists have, historically, been wholly unconcerned. In practice, liberation psychology tends to be porous, multiple, and under-resourced. Indeed, much of what we might think of as liberation psychology is not referred to as such by its practitioners. Surfacing liberation psychology, then, requires reading into its undocumented histories. In this article, we attempt to develop a picture of liberation psychology in South Africa (SA) by reading the archives of Mohamed Seedat, a pioneering practitioner of liberation psychology. Grounded in the working-class south of Johannesburg and underwritten by expansive global commitments to liberation, Seedat's archive spans almost four decades, passing through many disciplines, communities, political traditions, and affective registers. We suggest that his archive offers us insights into the affective components of history, developing community praxis in apartheid and post-apartheid SA, and humanising knowledge-making. We conclude by reflecting on how liberation psychology archives like Seedat's serve as under-appreciated resources for grappling with the psycho-political constitution of emancipatory struggle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bladder cancer (BCa) is one of the most common urological cancers and remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Bladder cancer is associated with a range of risk factors, with smoking being one of the most significant contributors. In addition to smoking, exposure to certain chemicals, particularly aromatic amines found in industries such as dye, rubber, leather, and textiles, also increases the risk of bladder cancer. In low-and-middle countries with lower Human Development Index (HDI), data on the underlying causes, incident rate, modes of presentation, treatment, and prognosis of bladder cancer remains unclear and often appear to be inadequate. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, mode of presentation, treatment, and risk factors associated with bladder cancer in Johannesburg, South Africa. By examining these factors, the study seeks to identify possible patterns or predisposing factors that contribute to the development and progression of bladder cancer, which could generate insights that could help to reduce the significant morbidity and mortality associated with this cancer. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed secondary data from 115 patients who were treated in the radiation oncology unit of an academic hospital between January 2010 and December 2020. By reviewing the medical records of these patients, the study aimed to gather comprehensive information on the prevalence of bladder cancer, modes of presentation, treatment approaches, and associated risk factors. Bladder cancer in this study was assessed using a comprehensive analysis of patient data on demographics, risk factors, clinicopathological aspects, and the specific therapies received. A comparison of patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder was conducted as part of this study. This comparison aimed to explore differences in demographic profiles, risk factors, clinicopathological characteristics, and treatment outcomes between these two histological subtypes. Results: A total of 115 patients presenting with bladder cancer symptoms were referred to the academic hospital for evaluation and treatment. The incidence rate of bladder cancer was highest among patients with a mean age of 60.7 ± 14.9. Males constituted 60.9% of the cases, resulting in a male-to-female ratio of 1.6:1. The most common risk factors associated with bladder cancer complications included smoking, being male, black ethnicity and increasing age. Transitional cell carcinoma remained the most prevalent histological subtype at the academic hospital, compared to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Patients with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) were more likely to be older (odds ratio (OR): 1.03, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.01–1.06, p = 0.029), male (OR: 2.60, 95% CI:1.10–6.04, p = 0.030). The study also found that most of the TCC cases were among black patients, though white patients were four times more likely to present with TCC compared to SCC (OR:4.22, 95% CI: 1.43–12.48, p = 0.009). Conclusion: Bladder cancer is still widespread in LMICs, with lower HDI, with elderly males being at risk. To aggressively prevent mortality and morbidity from bladder cancer, bladder cancer health awareness must be maintained to improving prevention, as well as early detection, management and comprehensive patient care and health services for bladder cancer patients. These findings highlight the importance of targeted screening and prevention strategies for high-risk groups, particularly older males with a history of smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This article is based on joint research, between academics from South Africa and Sweden, comparing the influence of South African and Swedish teachers' attitudes towards the practical application of inclusive education (IE) in the classroom. The aim of the study was to identify and investigate problem areas pertaining to teachers' attitudes to IE. Attitudes often relate to interaction with others. This study departs from Festiger's theory of cognitive dissonance, which deals with the influence of people's attitudes and attitude change. In this research teachers from South Africa and Sweden completed the same questionnaire on perceptions pertaining to IE in their school system. A number of attitude-constructs were derived from the data via exploratory factor analysis methodology. Attitude-constructs included policy issues and specialised support; practical implementation of IE; teacher support structures; teachers' receptiveness of IE implementation; feasibility of proposed IE practices; and role of special schools in an IE environment. Negative responses to some of the attitude constructs identified problem areas in Swedish and South African inclusive systems. The comparative nature of the work enabled the researchers to suggest remedial action within each country's socio-economic setting, and in this way affect change in teacher attitudes.

In line with international trends in education, South Africa has embraced inclusive education as the means by which learners who experience barriers to learning will be educated. As inclusion is beginning to be realised in South African schools, a gap in the emerging research base on inclusive education is that of inclusion in the independent sector. A study was undertaken to establish the extent to which learners who experience barriers to learning are included in independent schools belonging to ISASA (the largest independent schools association in South Africa) and the practices that facilitate inclusion. The results of a survey administered to principals were analysed quantitatively and reveal that most ISASA schools include learners who experience various barriers to learning and employ inclusive practices that are described in the international literature. We report on salient aspects emerging from the study and focus on the diversity of learners found in ISASA schools, as well as the inclusive practices found at school-wide, classroom, and individual levels. The practices described are the provision of on-site specialist personnel, support for teachers, building modifications to ensure access by persons using wheelchairs and various instructional practices and assessment adaptations. Recommendations arising from the study may give direction to South African schools pursuing inclusivity.

Climate change has massive global impacts and affects a wide range of species. Threatened species such as the roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus) are particularly vulnerable to these changes because of their ecological requirements. Attempts to address concerns about the roan's vulnerability have not been well documented in South African protected areas. This study identifies the landscape use and distribution of the roan as well as habitat and forage suitability changes to help inform management decisions for the conservation of roan. We used fine- and broad-scale data from Mokala National Park, South Africa that includes roan occurrence data, vegetation condition indices, vegetation (structure and plant species composition), elevation and temperature differences, and precipitation strata to construct a suitability framework using the Maximum Entropy (Maxent) and Random Forest statistical package. In Mokala National Park, roan occurred in the Schmidtia pappophoroides–Vachellia erioloba sparse woodland, Senegalia mellifera–Vachellia erioloba closed woodland, Senegalia mellifera–Vachellia tortilis open shrubland, Vachellia erioloba–V. tortilis closed woodland and Rhigozum obovatum–Senegalia mellifera open shrubland. The veld (vegetation) condition index (VCI) improved from 2019 (VCI < 50%) to 2021 (VCI > 60%), with the proportion of palatable grass species (Schmidtia pappophoroides and Eragrostis lehmanniana) also increasing. This study identified four key climatic conditions affecting roan distribution, namely annual mean daily temperature range, temperature seasonality, minimum temperatures of the coldest month, and precipitation of the wettest month. These results suggest that the conservation of roan antelope should consider these key variables that affect their survival in preferred habitats and foraging areas in anticipation of changing ecological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Callioratis millari Hampson (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) is a Critically Endangered moth endemic to South Africa. Despite extensive searches, it was previously known only from the Entumeni Nature Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, where its larvae exclusively feed on the cycad Stangeria eriopus (Kunze) Baill (Cycadales: Stangeriaceae). In July 2022, a new population of C. millari was discovered in the Kabouga section of Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape. Larvae of C. millari were feeding on the cycad Encephalartos caffer (Thunb.) Lehm (Cycadales: Zamiaceae), which also constitutes a new host record. In June 2023, we determined larval incidence and herbivory at this new locality, offering insights into the ecological requirements of C. millari. Known C. millari localities, although ecologically different, share low altitudes (700–950 m a.s.l.), moderate to high rainfall, and grassy habitats with sparse woody cover. A total of 59 larvae were counted in Kabouga, mostly in the fifth and sixth (final) instars. Herbivory incidence was lower on smaller plants and those covered by other vegetation. The flight period of adult C. millari likely occurs between mid-March and April in Kabouga, but further investigation is needed to clarify this. The peak period of larval occurrence in Kabouga occurs during the driest and coldest months of the year (May–July). Considering limited habitat availability, host plant poaching, and the risk of untimely fires, the species should be considered highly threatened. This study adds to our understanding of the biology of C. millari and provides information on its ecological requirements and may contribute to making informed management decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aims to elucidate the pathology of PMFs in the South African population, establish correlations between fracture patterns and international classification guidelines and evaluate the interobserver reliability of current classifications. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted in a multicentre analysis over a one-year period from January 2019 to December 2019 at our institution. Computer tomography scans for foot and ankle injuries were reviewed, and posterior malleolus fractures were included. Pathoanatomical data was collected and analysed according to known classification systems and subsequent treatment modalities evaluated. A panel of observers individually reviewed radiographic data to determine interobserver reliability. Results: A total of 71 patients were included with a mean age of 41 ± 13.4 years (range 18–78) and a female predominant population (69%). A greater proportion of injuries were high energy (23.9%), with significant fragment comminution (53.5%), and half (52.1%) of all injuries were subluxated/dislocated at presentation. A total of 93% of injuries were managed operatively, despite theatre access limitations resulting in significant delays to fixation (19.1 days). Despite good pathoanatomical agreement with most international classifications, interobserver reliability was poor (Krippendorff α-coefficient < 0.667). Inconsistent treatment patterns in operative and non-operative strategies are reported. Conclusion: A unique patient population of younger, female individuals incurred posterior malleolar fractures due to higher energy mechanisms of injury. Whilst injury patterns were mostly comparable, significant interobserver variability was noted. Resource limitations, diagnostic challenges, poorly defined and inconsistent treatment strategies, inevitably impact outcomes within the South African population. Level of evidence: Level III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Nama Karoo biome is one of the least well-studied biomes in the semi-arid region of South Africa, and essential baseline biodiversity data for this region are lacking. The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of environmental factors on the species diversity and richness of Mountain Zebra National Park, South Africa, which includes this vital biome. Vegetation data were obtained using the step-point method. Both species richness and diversity were unaffected by slope, aspect, coarse fragments, and soil texture. Multiple linear regression analyses indicated that a combination of four variables (nitrogen, clay, and sand contents, and longitude) should be included in the optimal model for species richness, and the optimal model for species diversity also revealed four influencing variables: soil organic carbon, clay and sand contents, and longitude. Overall, both species richness and diversity could be predicted by a combination of climatic, topographic, and soil properties. The findings of this study can be used as a reference for the effects of environmental factors on plant species richness and diversity in semi-arid environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large proportion of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa reside in rural areas. Knowledge of enablers and barriers of adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) in these populations is limited. We conducted a cohort study of 501 adult PLHIV on ART at a rural South African treatment facility as a sub-study of a clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03357588). Socio-economic, psychosocial and behavioral characteristics were assessed as covariates of self-reported adherence difficulties, suboptimal pill count adherence and virological failure during 96 weeks of follow-up. Male gender was an independent risk factor for all outcomes. Food insecurity was associated with virological failure in males. Depressive symptoms were independently associated with virological failure in both males and females. Household income and task-oriented coping score were protective against suboptimal pill-count adherence. These results underscore the impact of low household income, food insecurity and depression on outcomes of ART in rural settings and confirm other previously described risk factors. Recognition of these factors and targeted adherence support strategies may improve patient health and treatment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between plant productivity, measured according to biomass and species richness, is a fundamental focal point in community ecology, as it provides the basis for understanding plant responses or adaptive strategies. Although studies have been conducted on plant biomass and environmental factors, research concerning mountainous grassland areas is scarce. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the influence of environmental factors on aboveground plant biomass in the mountainous grassland of the Mountain Zebra National Park, South Africa. Biomass distribution was uneven within the park, owing to certain species having relatively higher biomass values. These differences may be attributed to the chemical and physical properties of the soil, including carbon and nitrogen content, soil pH, and soil texture (sand, silt, and coarse fragments). A disc pasture meter was used to collect biomass data. Multiple regression analysis revealed that most environmental factors did not significantly influence plant biomass. The only environmental factor influencing plant biomass was soil pH; the influences of other factors were not statistically significant. The results of this study elucidate the interactions of environmental factors with plant biomass. Future research could investigate how environmental factors influence plant biomass, both below and above the ground in mountainous grassland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we explore the afterlife of naked body protests through an examination of interview and archival data from women who participated in various naked protests in South Africa. We engage the emotional outcomes that follow African women's naked protests. We read black women's naked body protests through the theoretical lenses of refusal and the affective economies of shame and psychic distress. By examining a data corpus of 16 interviews, archival video, podcasts and written content emanating from South Africa, we explore what occurs after naked protests. The experiences endured by the women protestors range from negative affects such as shaming to humiliation by protestors' communities and psychological distress. The findings suggest that refusal is not counter to women's experiences of psychological distress and shame – they co-exist. We demonstrate how affects travel in affective economies and stick to bodies in ways that disperse bad feelings and create productive openings for freedom. Finally, we contend that the affective afterlife of naked protests might be understood as an ongoing theorisation of the body long after the event of the actual protest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an abundance of research in support of interdisciplinary approaches to teaching Environmental Education (EE). Research has also supported the use of a holistic and systemic approach to the teaching and learning of environmental content. Curriculum planning in South Africa has followed a cross curricular approach to teaching Environmental Education whereby EE is infused across all Learning Areas in the Senior Phase. This is done with an assumption that, irrespective of their fields of speciality, teachers have been equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to teach Environmental Education effectively. This article explores educator competencies in teaching EE in accordance with the expectations outlined in the National Curriculum Statement. A quantitative study was undertaken to determine the nature of knowledge, skills and attitudes that teachers are currently equipped with to be able to teach EE holistically and systemically. The findings of this investigation emphasise the need to empower teachers with in-depth knowledge of EE so as to be able to teach it in an integrated manner.

Background: Opioid use disorder (OUD) is overrepresented among people with criminal justice involvement; HIV is a common comorbidity in this population. This study aimed to examine how formerly incarcerated men living with HIV and OUD in South Africa experienced HIV and OUD services in correctional facilities and the community. Methods: Three focus group discussions were conducted with 16 formerly incarcerated men living with HIV and OUD in Gauteng, South Africa. Discussions explored available healthcare services in correctional facilities and the community and procedural and practice differences in health care between the two types of settings. Data were analyzed thematically, using a comparative lens to explore the relationships between themes. Results: Participants described an absence of medical services for OUD in correctional facilities and the harms caused by opioid withdrawal without medical support during incarceration. They reported that there were limited OUD services in the community and that what was available was not connected with public HIV clinics. Participants perceived correctional and community HIV care systems as readily accessible but suggested that a formal system did not exist to ensure care continuity post-release. Conclusions: OUD was perceived to be medically unaddressed in correctional facilities and marginally attended to in the community. In contrast, HIV treatment was widely available within the two settings. The current model of OUD care in South Africa leaves many of the needs of re-entrants unmet. Integrating harm reduction into all primary care medical services may address some of these needs. Successful HIV care models provide examples of approaches that can be applied to developing and expanding OUD services in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is based upon the collaboration between two research groups from Stockholm University and the University of South Africa. The main objective is to compare attitudes between South African (SA) and Swedish teachers regarding inclusive education (IE). IE in this paper is examined as a distinct part of the Swedish welfare system. The method used can be characterised as a combined, quantitative and qualitative research design with a purposive sampling. A similar adapted questionnaire was distributed in the two countries. The Swedish teachers in our data are more pro-inclusion and more hesitating to accommodate learners with barriers in special schools. However, both the Swedish and the SA teachers in the study are hesitating towards the feasibility to implement IE practically. A team approach is concluded to be an adequate pedagogy for supporting IE both in South Africa and Sweden.

The career choice model of Adya and Kaiser posits the availability of technology resources as a structural element impacting on career choice. The model distinguishes between accessibility at school and at home. Based on this theoretical point of departure and by arguing a link between choice of major and choice of field of career, this paper explores specifically the influence of the access of internet at school and at home on perceptions and values pertaining to the career South African students are preparing for. This exploratory study investigates whether any differences can be found between students who selected computing majors at tertiary level and students who selected non-computing majors. Internet availability in South Africa is potentially interesting, as it constitutes not simply an 'available technology', but may be an indicator of aspects such as technology skills, information resources, educational quality and socio-economic conditions.A quantitative study was conducted with 1741 students as participants from three different departments in the School of IT at a university in South Africa. Students participated in a survey early in the academic year.The findings show that lack of internet access homogenises students' career perceptions across the groups of majors. However, where students have internet access the views on career choices differ considerably between computing-majors and non-computing majors particularly in terms of views on the nature of work opportunities and of personal qualities of IT people. Also, a pronounced difference emerges in the perceptions of non-computing majors with and without internet access centering around views about the importance of sources of career information and around self-efficacy in the chosen career. Most importantly, the computing majors group is fairly homogeneous in terms of their perceptions regarding computer-related careers regardless of internet access.Since similarities shared by these students evidently cannot be ascribed to internet access or even to the socio-economic and educational factors that make internet access possible, this research indicates that the influence of the internet on perceptions of career and consequently on career choice is complex with more diverse linkages to psychosocial factors than posited by the model of Adya and Kaiser.

Recent South African meditations on the complex nature of post graduate supervision and teaching by Fataar (2005) and Waghid (2005; 2007) provide excellent accounts of the dialogic space between lecturer/supervisor and student. However, these accounts need to be supplemented by an explicit discussion of the broader academic communities of practice that post graduate students should be inducted into. This article uses the science studies of Latour (1993; 1999), the network theory of Collins (1998; 2004), and the formalization studies of Stinchcombe (2001) to trace the apprenticeship of one masters student into an academic community. It traces her implication within ever expanding intellectual networks and their academic practices as she is inducted into the peculiar rigours of post graduate research. (Contains 1 table.)

The increased use of new teaching and learning technologies in higher education environments makes it possible for academic staff to meet the challenge of having to teach students who are diverse in terms of academic, social and language backgrounds. This study reports how the incorporation of podcasts to supplement visual histology learning content positively influenced students' attitude towards the subject and improved their academic performance in the first-semester examination. It is suggested that academic staff capitalise on the potential of podcasts to supplement or replace lectures since it holds the promise of helping students to become more self-regulatory and autonomous in preparing themselves for face-to-face sessions and for summative assessment. By showing what each of the authors brought to the process of producing the podcast, the idea is propagated that academics who choose to use technology-assisted strategies should collaborate with others who can provide technological and pedagogically oriented assistance. (Contains 1 figure and 2 tables.)

Objectives: To document the prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM) and to identify factors associated with undiagnosed DM in people living with HIV (PLWH). Methods: Cross‐sectional study performed at Ndlovu Medical Center, Limpopo, South Africa including PLWH aged ≥18 years. Between August and November 2017, 356 HIV‐positive participants were included. Information was collected on socio‐demographics, DM symptoms and risk factors for DM. IGT and DM were diagnosed using random plasma glucose and/or HbA1c. Factors associated with undiagnosed DM were assessed by comparing participants with newly diagnosed DM to participants without DM. Results: IGT was diagnosed in 172 (48.3%) participants. Twenty‐nine (8.1%) participants met the definition of DM, of whom 17 (58.6%) were newly diagnosed. Compared to participants without DM, participants with DM were on average 5 years older, were more likely to have a positive family history for DM, were less physically active and had higher systolic blood pressure, body mass index and waist circumference. Factors associated with undiagnosed DM included age ≥45 years (odds ratio [OR] = 3.59) and physical inactivity (OR = 3.17). Conclusions: The prevalence of IGT and DM among PLWH is high and more than half of DM cases were undiagnosed. Regular screening for DM in PLWH is recommended, especially in an ageing population with additional cardiovascular disease risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis, are of global public health concern. While STI incidence rates in sub‐Saharan Africa are high, longitudinal data on incidence and recurrence of STIs are scarce, particularly in rural areas. We determined the incidence rates of curable STIs in HIV‐negative women during 96 weeks in a rural South African setting. Methods: We prospectively followed participants enrolled in a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a dapivirine‐containing vaginal ring for HIV prevention in Limpopo province, South Africa. Participants were included if they were female, aged 18–45, sexually active, not pregnant and HIV‐negative. Twelve‐weekly laboratory STI testing was performed during 96 weeks of follow‐up. Treatment was provided based on vaginal discharge by physical examination or after a laboratory‐confirmed STI. Results: A total of 119 women were included in the study. Prevalence of one or more STIs at baseline was 35.3%. Over 182 person‐years at risk (PYAR), a total of 149 incident STIs were diagnosed in 75 (65.2%) women with incidence rates of 45.6 events/PYAR for chlamydia, 27.4 events/100 PYAR for gonorrhoea and 8.2 events/100 PYAR for trichomoniasis. Forty‐four women developed ≥2 incident STIs. Risk factors for incident STI were in a relationship ≤3 years (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.86; 95% confidece interval [CI]: 1.04–2.65) and having an STI at baseline (aHR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.17–2.96). Sensitivity and specificity of vaginal discharge for laboratory‐confirmed STI were 23.6% and 87.7%, respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrates high STI incidence in HIV‐negative women in rural South Africa. Sensitivity of vaginal discharge was poor and STI recurrence rates were high, highlighting the shortcomings of syndromic management in the face of asymptomatic STIs in this setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The notion "literacy" is changing to encompass the concept of "multiple literacies". There are various forces, especially social and cultural forces, that are used to determine the definition of literacy and in this new millennium one can merely predict which possible cultural forces will now shape the nature of literacies. In South Africa there are various cultural forces such as the growing influence of technology at work which might influence literacies in future. It is important that higher education in South Africa should take cognisance of these cultural forces, in order to empower people who want to further their tertiary studies. These cultural forces include: growth in technology; integrating the use of technology into the curriculum; the need for updated information; teacher training and literacy instruction; the need to empower students, and the need to prepare students for future workplaces.

This paper explores the limits to participation in community-based approaches (CBAs) for rock art heritage management. The construction of a tourism development project at a rock art site (Wildebeest Kuil, Kimberley, South Africa) in 2001 involved two San communities in order to provide economic and cultural support. Based on the assumption that CBAs are closely linked to participation issues, which are themselves linked to past inequalities, this article analyses the multiple obstacles to community participation despite the goodwill of managers and highlights the limits of CBAs from a critical analytical perspective. To do so, we build on qualitative data from field observations and semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders. Hence, by drawing a conceptualized framework from the Wildebeest Kuil example in CBAs for heritage management, we suggest focusing on the conditions that CBAs impose on the community participation that justify them. Finally, this article draws lines toward a sustainable perspective between CBAs and community participation, and may be transferred to other case studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Viral rebound during antiretroviral treatment (ART) is most often driven by suboptimal adherence in the absence of drug resistance. We assessed the diagnostic performance of point-of-care (POC) tenofovir (TFV) detection in urine for the prediction of viral rebound and drug resistance during ART. Methods We performed a nested case-control study within the ADVANCE randomized clinical trial (NCT03122262) in Johannesburg, South Africa. Adults with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and newly initiating ART were randomized to receive either dolutegravir or efavirenz, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate or alafenamide, and emtricitabine. All participants with rebound ≥200 copies/mL between 24 and 96 weeks of follow-up were selected as cases and matched to controls with virological suppression <50 copies/mL. Rapid POC urine-TFV detection was performed retrospectively. Results We included 281 samples from 198 participants. Urine-TFV was detectable in 30.7% (70/228) of cases and in 100% (53/53) of controls. Undetectable urine-TFV predicted rebound with a sensitivity of 69% [95% confidence interval {CI}: 63–75] and specificity of 100% [93–100]. In cases with virological failure and sequencing data (n = 42), NRTI drug resistance was detected in 50% (10/20) of cases with detectable urine-TFV versus in 8.3% (2/24) of cases with undetectable urine-TFV. Detectable urine-TFV predicted NRTI resistance (odds ratio [OR] 10.4 [1.8–114.4] P =.005) with a sensitivity of 83% [52–98] and specificity of 69% [50–84]. Conclusions POC objective adherence testing using a urine-TFV test predicted viral rebound with high specificity. In participants with rebound, urine-TFV testing predicted the selection of drug resistance. Objective adherence testing may be used to rapidly provide insight into adherence, suppression, and drug resistance during ART. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

August 16th, 2022 marked the 10th anniversary of the Marikana Massacre in Rustenburg, South Africa. This was the worst incident of mass killing by police since the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960 in the heyday of the Apartheid regime. In the first days of August 2012, workers at Lonmin plc, a platinum group metals mining company, went on a wildcat strike demanding a minimum salary of 12500 Rand, circa 800 USD, per month and protesting against the poor living conditions they and their families where subjected to in the Marikana vicinity, an area 100 km north of Johannesburg where the mine is located. As days passed, tension escalated leading to the killing of ten people, including three non-striking workers, two security guards, three striking workers, and two police officers. Various attempts to facilitate negotiations with striking workers were turned down by Lonmin management. Instead, Lonmin managers actively engaged in communications with senior political leaders, police officers, and state mining officials to frame the situation as one that required strong and decisive police intervention.1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally extreme weather events are experienced most acutely in cities. While formal settlements can respond to such events, informal settlements are often vulnerable and illprepared. Sub-Saharan Africa is rapidly urbanising with informal settlements that require effective climate change adaptation measures. Two climate adaptation strategies for informal dwellings are considered for their success under 2100 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) climate scenarios. Using existing data collected from informal dwellings in South Africa, the findings from a digital simulation study reveal that cool roof paints can currently lower excessive heat stress conditions by 42-63% when applied to high thermal mass dwellings with poorly insulated lightweight corrugated sheeting roofing. However, for the future 2100 climate scenarios this strategy only lowers excessive heat stress conditions by 12-17%. This calls for the development of integrated multifaceted heat stress adaptation strategies for informal settlements in Sub-Saharan Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study in the Vaal Triangle (South Africa) investigated the extent of Vaal Triangle Technikon students' participation in economic and social development activities on campus and within the surrounding community, identified community projects and development activities in which students might participate, and assessed student attitudes about participation. Results indicated student enthusiasm but lack of involvement. (Author/MSE)

The measure of an academic field lies in the richness and depth of its published research, especially within the ever-developing field of distance education, which is relatively new. The University of South Africa is one of the oldest open distance learning (ODL) higher education institutes globally, which has given rise to its status internationally as a leader of distance education. It is prudent to analyse and reflect on the research outputs published by South African academics, particularly regarding the levels of research that are conducted. This article follows the research published by Roberts, which analysed South African distance learning research levels and sublevels from articles published between 2011 and 2015. This longitudinal study applied a thematic content analysis of the titles and abstracts of all ODL-related papers published by South African authors. The findings compare ODL trends for the five-year periods from 2010 to 2014 and 2015 to 2019. The data were obtained from the Scopus and SABINET databases, using the same search criteria employed by Roberts. The levels of research publications were analysed according to the open distance learning research framework of Zawacki-Richter presented through descriptive statistics. The results indicate that although the number of published open distance learning research articles has more than doubled, the research levels have not shown any significant change from the previous five years. The South African ODL publications should give attention to meso- and macro-level research to enhance the ODL development within Southern Africa and create local trends fit for purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South Africa lacks research on the nutritional value of inland small fish species available to poor rural communities, despite the potential of such species to mitigate micronutrient deficiencies. Here we provide the first nutrient composition analysis for estuarine roundherring Gilchristella aestuaria, a widespread small fish species that is abundant in many estuarine and freshwater habitats. Protein, fat, calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin A content of G. aestuaria from five estuarine and two freshwater habitats were analysed. We found no difference in nutrient content between estuarine and freshwater habitats, and no significant correlation (Spearman's test) between levels of each nutrient and variation in temperature, turbidity, pH, chlorophyll a, phosphates, nitrates and ammonia. Compared with other small fish species consumed in other countries, G. aestuaria has comparable iron, zinc, calcium, fat and protein, but very low levels of vitamin A. When considering the recommended dietary allowance of infants aged two or more, adult men and women, and pregnant and lactating women, we found that G. aestuaria is an excellent source of all these nutrients, except vitamin A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), named Omicron (Pango lineage designation B.1.1.529), was first reported to the World Health Organization by South African health authorities on 24 November 2021. The Omicron variant possesses numerous mutations associated with increased transmissibility and immune escape properties. In November 2021, Mexican authorities reported Omicron's presence in the country. In this study, we infer the first introductory events of Omicron and the impact that human mobility has had on the spread of the virus. We also evaluated the adaptive evolutionary processes in Mexican SARS-CoV-2 genomes during the first month of the circulation of Omicron. We inferred 160 introduction events of Omicron in Mexico since its first detection in South Africa; subsequently, after the first introductions there was an evident increase in the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 during January. This higher prevalence of the novel variant resulted in a peak of reported cases; on average 6 weeks after, a higher mobility trend was reported. During the peak of cases in the country from January to February 2022, the Omicron BA.1.1 sub-lineage dominated, followed by the BA.1 and BA.15 sub-lineages. Additionally, we identified the presence of diversifying natural selection in the genomes of Omicron and found six non-synonymous mutations in the receptor binding domain of the spike protein, all of them related to evasion of the immune response. In contrast, the other proteins in the genome are highly conserved; however, we identified homoplasic mutations in non-structural proteins, indicating a parallel evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatial distribution of plant communities in the Grassland biome is influenced by multiple environmental variables such as climate, topography, geology, soil, and other ecological processes such as fire and grazing. This study focuses on mapping the grassland plant communities in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park (GGHNP) and determining the environmental factors influencing their spatial distribution. For vegetation classification, the TWINSPAN algorithm was firstly used to do a floristic analysis of 209 sampling plots and refined further using the Braun-Blanquet procedures and JUICE programmes. The Generalized Linear Model (GLM) was used to determine the most important environmental variables influencing the spatial distribution of the grassland communities. Environmental spatial data were sourced from Shuttle Radar Topography Mission and soil grid databases. The fire frequency was done using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) burn area index 2001-2017, and the remote-sensing-based Vegetation Condition Index (VCI) for February 2020 was computed from 2001 to 2020 MODIS Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The phytosociological analysis of the vegetation data resulted in nine major plants communities and five subcommunities. Our GLM analysis showed elevation, clay content, VCI, and fire frequency to be significant at a 95% confidence level and positively correlated with the grassland communities. Soil nitrogen was also significant but negatively correlated with the grassland communities (Z -value = -9.710, p = 0.33). The Spearman Rank Correlation showed a significant but weakly positive correlation between most of the environmental variables (r < 0.5). The identification and understanding of plant communities, as well as their associated environmental drivers, are of fundamental importance in the formulation and execution of biodiversity conservation strategies for the park. The data can also be used in climate change studies and also to monitor vegetation change over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid emergence and spread of numerous severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants across the globe underscores the crucial need for continuous SARS-CoV-2 surveillance to ensure that potentially more pathogenic variants are detected early and contained. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is currently the gold standard for COVID-19 surveillance; however, it remains cost-prohibitive and requires specialized technical skills. To increase surveillance capacity, especially in resource-scarce settings, supplementary methods that are cost- and time-effective are needed. Real-time multiplex PCR genotyping assays offer an economical and fast solution for screening circulating and emerging variants while simultaneously complementing existing WGS approaches. In this study we evaluated the AllplexTM SARS-CoV-2 Variants II multiplex real-time PCR genotyping assay, Seegene (South Korea), and implemented it in retrospectively characterizing circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants in a rural South African setting between April and October 2021, prior to the emergence of the Omicron variant in South Africa. The AllplexTM SARS-CoV-2 Variants II real-time PCR assay demonstrated perfect concordance with whole-genome sequencing in detecting Beta and Delta variants and exhibited high specificity, sensitivity and reproducibility. Implementation of the assay in characterization of SARS-CoV-2 variants between April and October 2021 in a rural South African setting revealed a rapid shift from the Beta to the Delta variant between April and June. All specimens successfully genotyped in April were Beta variants and the Delta variant was not detected until May. By June, 78% of samples genotyped were Delta variants and in July >95% of all genotyped samples were Delta variants. The Delta variant continued to predominate through to the end of our analysis in October 2021. Taken together, a commercial SARS-CoV-2 variant genotyping assay detected the rapid rate at which the Delta variant displaced the Beta variant in Limpopo, an under-monitored province in South Africa. Such assays provide a quick and cost-effective method of monitoring circulating variants and should be used to complement genomic sequencing for COVID-19 surveillance especially in resource-scarce settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many primary school learners in South Africa, including those in so-called full-service schools (FSSs), are reading below their grade level. Objectives: The authors of this article embarked on a study to find out what difficulties a group of Grade 3 teachers in full-service school faced to support their young custodians with reading problems. Methods: The research followed a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews and classroom observation. Results: The data showed that the reading problems experienced by some Grade 3 learners can be attributed to the multiple levels of the education system. On the macro system as set out by Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory where the government and provincial departments operate, the first issue was the national department's progression policy which allows Grade 2 learners to progress to Grade 3 without the required reading competency. The second issue was a lack of enough readers and overcrowding in classrooms. Problems on the microsystem included aspects such as the language of learning and teaching; learners' reading skills and attitudes towards reading; teachers' lack of knowledge about diverse learning needs and parental support. Conclusion: It is envisaged that the study will contribute to an understanding of the teachers' difficulties in teaching reading so that the Grade 3 learners' reading problems especially those in FSSs could be dealt with through combined efforts of all the stakeholders in the education system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Notwithstanding the recent turn towards research about Black academics in South Africa, the experiences of Black men academics have largely remained out of view. The numerical data suggest that they are better represented and hold a higher proportion of doctorates and seniority when compared to Black women academics. Against this background, this paper sought to understand the experiential accounts of Black men academics in order to apprehend their career journeys with the view towards illuminating their relative advantage over Black women. By conducting a discourse analysis of interviews with 15 Black men academics across three universities, the paper elucidated two significant findings. Despite a history of racialised exclusion of Black men and Black women, relative to reports of discrimination against Black women, Black men academics reported relatively smooth career progression. Secondly, the study found that Black men academics tend to engage in emotionally distant care work with students. The findings suggest that despite the race penalty, the patriarchal habitus of the South African university is an important protective attribute that enables Black men to better navigate their careers relative to Black women. Moreover, the masculine orientation to gendered orders of care work means that Black men are insulated from the emotional struggles of students. This implies that in addition to racially conscious support for Black academics, Black women require greater gender-aware backing and an interrogation of the academic field and habituation demands that result in the unfair distribution of affective care work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, silvicultural prescriptions such as thinning monospecific stands from above and transitioning from monospecific to mixed-species stands are scrutinised regarding their ability to reduce stress and damage. That the quantity and quality of the trees harvested by intermediate and final cuts will vary depending on the chosen prescription is likely but more or less neglected so far. Here we analyse 60 Pinus radiata (D. Don) trees earmarked for removal from the Jonkershoek thinning experiment at the West Cape, South Africa. The experiment comprises both thinning from above and below allowing for comparison of the structure and growth of dominant and subdominant trees removed at 11 years old. Thinning from above removed mainly dominant trees which were on average 44.3% larger in tree diameter, only 8.5% larger in tree height, but 83% larger in crown projection area and more than 25% tapering than subdominant trees extracted by thinning from below. The courses of diameter growth over age of the dominant trees were degressively asymptotic; those of subdominant trees were S-shaped, due to competitive pressure. The volume growth was exponential in both groups. However, the dominant trees achieved 2–3 times higher stem volumes at 10 years of age. Tree structure and growth were highly correlated: the mean annual volume increment showed a Pearson correlation of r = 0.64 with crown length, r = −0.76 with the current ratio of stem slenderness, and r = −0.70 with the competition index by Hegyi. Thus, crown length, slenderness and the competition index were most relevant in explaining tree growth. The analysis of the mode of competition indicated in both groups and in total a sub-proportional increase of stem growth with increasing size. Interestingly, growing space efficiency in terms of mean annual volume growth per crown projection area was similar in both groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the genus Geminoppia (Oribatida, Oppiidae) is described from moss of Hogsback State Forest, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Geminoppia amatholensis sp. n. differs from its related species Geminoppia maior comb. n. by the absence of discidium and the presence of very long notogastral seta h1. Summarized generic traits, an identification key, distribution and habitats of all known species of Geminoppia are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A faunistic study of the intertidal oribatid mite fauna of South Africa's coastline revealed the presence of four species from three families, showing specific biogeographic patterns. Their occurrences show a clear east–west divide, with a small gap near East London between the Podacaridae and the other two families, the Selenoribatidae and Fortuyniidae, clearly coinciding with suggested marine biogeographic ecoregions. The podacarid Halozetes capensis is confined to the cooler warm-temperate Agulhas Ecoregion; the fortuyniid Fortuynia elamellata micromorpha and the selenoribatid Schusteria ugraseni to the warmer subtropical Natal Ecoregion; and the selenoribatid Selenoribates divergens to the tropical Delagoa Ecoregion. These distributions are an indication that the oceanic climate may be the primary factor shaping their biogeography, particularly the seawater temperatures along the coast, which are in turn affected by the Agulhas and the Benguela currents. A mean monthly sea surface temperature of approximately 22 °C apparently represents the climatic border of the distributions, with the podacarid persisting only below this temperature, and the fortuyniid and selenoribatids only above it. Global warming will certainly change these geographic ranges, and in South Africa the warm-adapted fortuyniid and selenoribatids can be expected to expand their distributions southwards, while the occurrence of the cold-adapted podacarid might be reduced to a few southwestern coastal areas in the next few decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bony concavities at the buccal aspect may cause a distortion between the implant axis and ideal prosthetic axis. Angulated implants can overcome this problem, yet long‐term data are lacking. In addition, papilla‐sparing incisions have been proposed to reduce tissue loss, yet aesthetic outcomes have not been published. Purpose To evaluate the 5 to 7‐year outcome of single angulated implants installed following papilla‐sparing flap elevation. Materials and Methods: Patients who had been consecutively treated with a single angulated implant (Co‐axis®, Southern Implants, Irene, South Africa) in the anterior maxilla were re‐examined after 5 to 7 years. Available data at 1 year (T1) were compared to those obtained at 5 to 7 years (T2). Results: Twenty out of 22 treated patients (11 females, 9 males, mean age of 52) with 22 implants attended the 5 to 7‐year reassessment. All implants survived and stable clinical conditions could be reached with mean marginal bone loss of 1.28 mm at T2. Papilla‐sparing flap elevation resulted in Pink Esthetic Score of 9.83 at T1 and 8.23 at T2 (p = 0.072). Mucosal Scarring Index was 4.61 at T1 and 3.50 at T2 (p = 0.165). The overall appearance of scarring significantly improved over time (p = 0.032), yet 59% of the cases still demonstrated scarring at T2.c Conclusions: Within the limitations of the study, angulated implants (Co‐axis®, Southern Implants) reached stable clinical conditions. Papilla‐sparing incisions may not be recommended in aesthetically demanding patients due to high risk of scarring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of action cameras for underwater video sampling provides a non-harmful alternative for monitoring endangered and threatened fish populations in clear headwater streams. Here, we examine the use of baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVS) for the monitoring of vulnerable species in the clear headwater streams of the Cederberg Wilderness Area, South Africa. We tested whether baits (bread and Marmite™) increased the number of individuals recorded in comparison to un-baited BRUVS. Overall, baiting cameras increased the number of individuals recorded, with bread outperforming Marmite™. Numbers recorded varied notably among species and sites. We conclude that BRUVS are a useful monitoring tool, but caution that monitoring programmes should first determine the effectiveness of a range of baits to attract each species expected at the study sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]