South African Case Research Articles

A comparative view of the South African and Canadian framework for issuing work visas to skilled refugees and asylum seekers

South Africa faces a shortage of skilled workers due to long-standing systemic challenges that prevent it from producing the skills necessary for economic development. In 2021, only 25 per cent of persons employed in South Africa were considered highly skilled. The critical skills work visa has been designed to facilitate the employment of skilled immigrants, but is unsuitable for doing so in the case of skilled asylum seekers and refugees, even though the latter could alleviate the shortage of skilled workers. While members of this group are eligible to apply for a critical skills work visa, they face significant obstacles that hinder their chances of obtaining one. This article highlights the barriers this group encounters and draws lessons from Canada's Economic Mobility Pathways Project, which has successfully connected skilled refugees to employers and filled in-demand positions. In South Africa, the likelihood of obtaining a critical skills work visa without governmental intervention is low for many in this group, resulting in a waste of their skills. The article compares the South African case to how Canada has integrated skilled refugees to occupations requiring skills. Canada's partnerships with NPOs such as Talent Beyond Borders have been vital in assisting skilled refugees and connecting them to employers. The article thus argues that to employ skilled refugees in positions commensurate with their skills, the South African government has to assist and form partnerships with organisations specialising in this cause.

How Have the Courts Decided What De Minimis is in Tax Law?

This article analyses how South African courts have decided the applicability of the de minimis non curat lex maxim and, more broadly, considered the de minimis concept in tax law. A doctrinal research methodology is employed with the focus on an analysis of predominantly reported judicial decisions. The applicability of the maxim is found to be decisive in only one tax case: the Diageo SA (Pty) Ltd v Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service case of 5 July 2023. Consequently, this study thus also reviews judicial precedent in respect of the applicability of the maxim in other areas of the law with consideration of the relevance to tax law. Further, several tax cases that refer to the broader de minimis concept or to trivial or trifling matters are examined. As there is no one definitive test to determine the applicability of the maxim, the courts have used several factors to guide their determination. Through inductive reasoning, the following conclusions are drawn. (i) In respect of statutory interpretation: First, the primary factor in the determination of the applicability of the maxim is the purpose of the provision. This is aptly demonstrated in the Diageo judgment. Secondly, where the statute sets a clear, objectively verifiable limit or amount, there is essentially no room for the application of the maxim in interpreting the statute. Where, however, no such verifiable basis is provided, a purposive interpretation is paramount – which may in fact require the application of the maxim. (ii) The use of the de minimis concept in tax law appears to depend on whether the matter is one of principle (substance) or practicality (administrability). In the former case, the amount (the factor of extent or value) is irrelevant whereas in the latter, the de minimis concept has been applied.

Can standardized testing be used to promote equity in university admissions? A South African case study

Can standardized testing be used to promote equity in university admissions? A South African case study

Tourists’ behavioural intention to participate in marine citizen science: a South African case study

ABSTRACT The increasing demand for coastal and marine tourism and the negative impact of its exploitation call for strategies to promote sustainable forms of marine tourism. Citizen science (CS) as part of the marine tourism experience could support sustainable tourism by providing opportunities for people to learn about the natural environment and take actions that can influence conservation policy and encourage pro-environmental behaviours. The present study assessed marine tourists’ disposition towards marine conservation and their intention to participate in kelp CS in South Africa, using a modified version of the Theory of Planned Behaviour. A total of 250 people participated in a questionnaire survey from 10 August to 24 September 2021, in Simon’s Town, Cape Town. Although the tourists possessed moderate knowledge of kelp forests and a favourable disposition towards the environment, behavioural intention to participate in kelp monitoring/conservation as part of tourism was relatively low. Perceived behavioural control was the only factor influencing behavioural intention. These results offer insight into the drivers and barriers to participation in CS by tourists. There are opportunities for marine tourism businesses and organisations to package forms of CS-based tourism that can be educative and provide opportunities to actively participate in science for marine conservation.

Effects of Digital Technologies on Africa’s Electoral Democracy

This paper uses a South African case study to closely examine how the recent explosion of digital technologies has impacted electoral democracy in Africa. It seeks to answer a key research question about the risks and benefits of using technology in elections on the continent. Although South Africa has not adopted e-voting, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) piloted the use of thousands of new voter management devices in the 2021 local government election. At the time, the IEC also said it had delivered its ‘most technologically advanced election’ yet. Despite embracing some of the technological changes, the IEC argues that it is not yet cost-effective to introduce new voting technology in South Africa. There is strong evidence from other African countries too suggesting that the constitutionality and feasibility of electronic voting devices is questionable. The integrity of elections can also be doubtful if the process is not inclusive of the population. Aside from a thorough literature review, this paper analysed a combination of official IEC statements and reports on technology and e-voting in South Africa, including public pronouncements on the use of digital technologies on the African continent. Insights from this work will benefit election officials, policymakers, scholars, and others interested in the advancement of research in this growing field of study.

What about Insurance Law Principles? A Comment on the South African Case of African Unity Life Limited v Prosper Funeral Solutions Case No 2021/55922

This article discusses the legal implications of an insurance net premium. A net premium refers not only to a single premium but also to premiums in the aggregate, commonly referred to as a loss ratio calculation. This calculation is relevant to a specific agent of an insurance company, namely a binder holder, the equivalent of which as regards Lloyd’s of London is a cover holder. A binder holder is a South African approach to a cover holder and acts as an insurance company without an insurance company licence in order to, for example, draft policy wordings, and accept or reject claims. The article discusses an instance where the court did not consider the importance of a binder holder and a net premium, nor the importance of a bordereau and how it related to the business activities of Prosper Funeral Solutions. Keywords: cover holder; binder holder; net premium; loss ratio; acknowledgment of debt; bordereau; premium collection company.

Defining Sustainable Placemaking in Spatial Planning: Lessons from a South African Case Study

This study explores the concept of sustainable placemaking from a spatial planning perspective, focusing on Marabastad, a township in South Africa. Drawing on the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals, this research seeks to understand how placemaking can contribute to the creation of liveable, resilient, and sustainable human settlements. Through a review of the placemaking literature and a case study, this study examines the evolution of placemaking towards sustainability and its application in diverse cultural, geographic, and socio-economic contexts. The findings reveal the importance of creating and enhancing places that are environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, economically viable, and culturally meaningful. The Marabastad case study illustrates the challenges and possibilities of sustainable placemaking in a multicultural and urbanising community. Economic interventions (e.g., tourism promotion and community markets), social interventions (e.g., education and community events), and environmental interventions (e.g., infrastructure upgrades and preservation of cultural sites) are proposed to address the complex challenges faced by Marabastad. This study emphasises the role of spatial planners in advancing theories and practises of sustainable placemaking, highlighting the need for context-specific approaches to promote inclusive and resilient urban environments.

A South African case study on anatomical embalming for human body donation programmes with toxicological considerations

Body embalming, a practice with deep historical roots across various cultures, forms the backbone of contemporary human body donation educational programmes. In this study, we explored current embalming practices within six South African human anatomical dissection programmes, focusing on the use and volumes of key chemicals—formalin, phenol, and alcohol—and their associated health risks and potential toxicity. We measured and compared aspects of embalming practices such as the duration of body preservation and the annual intake of bodies. Variations in embalming practices and chemical ratios across different South African universities were found. However, the consistent use of formalin, phenol and alcohol were observed across all six programmes. Formaldehyde concentrations used in South African dissection programmes were within the generally acceptable international range. Regarding arterial embalming, South African dissection programmes showed widespread adherence to international embalming practices, with one programme using a substantially lower concentration of formalin. The dual nature of formaldehyde as both an effective preservative and a recognised carcinogen was underscored in relation to human health regarding chemical toxicity. Phenol, like formaldehyde, was consistently used as it is important for the inhibition of bacterial and fungal growth. Alcohol was also consistently used, but there was much greater variation in its volume across South African institutions. Our data showed a slight positive relationship between storage duration and the volumes of formalin and phenol in human embalming fluid. South African regulators enforce stricter exposure limits than those set by the World Health Organisation and various European agencies. While South African institutions operate within internationally acceptable ranges of chemical use that both maximise preservation and minimise toxicity, we acknowledge that these data are preliminary. Further investigation is encouraged to ensure embalming practices effectively protect all those involved and support the educational goals of human anatomical dissection programmes in South Africa.

Enhancing Energy Supply Reliability for University Lecture Halls Using Photovoltaic-Battery Microgrids: A South African Case Study

Institutions of higher learning in South Africa are grappling with occasional power outages in lecture halls, leading to disruptions in academic activities and occasional loss of lecture hours. Therefore, this study presents a comprehensive evaluation of a grid-connected solar PV/Li-ion battery microgrid (μG) system aimed at maintaining a constant power supply to selected lecture halls at a university in the Western Cape, South Africa. The microgrid design, modelling, and simulations, conducted in the MATLAB/Simulink environment, include the solar PV, Li-ion battery, energy consumption of the lecture halls (load profile), boost converter, bidirectional converter, and grid. Using the detailed design, modelling, and simulation, the study evaluates the economic and environmental impacts of integrating μGs, focusing on enhancing energy reliability, reducing operational costs, and mitigating CO2 emissions. The results indicate that integrating the microgrid resulted in a significant 51% reduction in energy cost and a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions by 530 kgCO2e per hour. In Cases 2 and 4, where the battery supplied power, the annual battery degradation costs are 6.08% and 14.9% of the initial cost, respectively. The μG ensures an uninterrupted power supply and improves the overall reliability of the university’s energy infrastructure. It promotes environmental sustainability goals of zero emissions and maintains continuous academic activities during grid outages. Furthermore, it fosters a conducive learning environment, supports innovation and creativity in sustainable energy technologies, and sets a standard for other higher education institutions to integrate renewable energy-powered μGs.

Investigating Pedagogical Competencies of Post Graduate Certificate in Education Students to Teach Accounting: A South African Case Study

This paper documents the pedagogical competencies of Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) students prepared to teach Accounting. There is an arguably perspective that students who tailored their teaching qualification through the PGCE programme are not competent to teach at a school level compared to students who did an Initial Teacher Education Bachelors degree. Further, there is an observation that school principals prefer to employ B.Ed. teachers than PGCEs underpinned by the thinking that the former are better prepared in terms of pedagogy. The Social Learning theory foregrounded this study and sought to respond to two questions: What are the pedagogical competencies of PGCE students to teach Accounting? How can pedagogical competency be enhanced in the PGCE programme? This study adopted a qualitative approach and a constructivist paradigm to understand the research phenomenon. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three school mentors and thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data. The study found that PGCE students are pedagogically incompetent to teach Accounting since they possess insufficient subject knowledge, limited conceptualisation of teaching strategies, and PGCE students dawdle to complete Accounting content. Furthermore, pedagogical competency among PGCE can be enhanced through programme development splitting into two phases and content modules development. In light of the above findings, this study recommends that PGCE students must be provided continuous professional development which would act as a bridge to the perceived incompetency among PGCE students in South Africa. The study also concludes that the PGCE programme among universities must focus more on pedagogical competency through Social Learning theory as it can fully capacitate students to achieve the expected competencies in teaching. The study contributes knowledge and proposes suggestions to improve teaching training programmes, particularly PGCE among South African universities. Keywords: Accounting, PGCE Students, Pedagogical Competencies, Social Learning, Professional Development

Applicability of CHIRPS-based Pitman model for simulation of climate change flows

Hydrological modelling and continuous monitoring are important for the management of water resources, especially with intensified climate variability. Effective water management is reliant on the availability of climate data and simulations of future projections of the available water resources. The increased likelihood of climatic extremes has made effective water management challenging, especially for vulnerable data-scarce catchments that are highly reliant on natural water resources and have low adaptive capacities. However, advancements in remote sensing have availed alternative sources of climate data for hydrological studies of such catchments. This research evaluated the applicability of Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS) in simulating climate change flows. Climate change data of 11 Global Circulatory Models (GCMs), enforced by Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 4.5 & 8.5 were downloaded and downscaled to represent near (2021–2060) and far (2061–2099) future scenarios. Climate change signals were derived by comparing future scenarios with the present-day period (1981–2019). Climate change signals were then used to adjust input climate data for the Pitman model. The Pitman model was calibrated and projected future flows were simulated for study catchments in drainage regions B, V and G of South Africa. Climate change simulation results demonstrated projected decreases of between 1.49% and 29.96% for the near future scenarios & between 0.45% and 40.31% for the far future scenarios in all the study catchments. Simulated flows for drainage region B recorded contrasting increasing projections of between 17.18% and 24.88% (RCP 4.5) for the near future scenarios while drainage region G also illustrated contrasting increasing projections of between 6.23% and 7.67% (RCP 4.5) for the far future scenarios. Generally, the results of simulated climate change flows based on observed rainfall and CHIRPS data demonstrated decreasing future flows for the South African case study catchments, corroborating with previous studies in projecting a drier future. This research hence recommends the application of CHIRPS estimates as a suitable substitute to dwindling observed rainfall data in the simulation of climate change flows for data-scarce catchments using the Pitman model.

The dose–effect relationship in PTSD: the South African Constitutional Court Case of AK v. Minister of Police (2022)

The decision of the South African Constitutional Court in AK v. Minister of Police has implications for law enforcement agencies that fail the victims of crime. In this matter, the plaintiff sued the Minister and others for damages after officers had failed to rescue her from the perpetrator(s) of a protracted sexual assault and to conduct an adequate criminal investigation afterwards. The judgment deals with a noteworthy psycholegal issue, namely, whether the police are liable for any harm resulting from the plaintiff’s continued trauma exposure beyond the moment a competent search would have likely resulted in her rescue, when her trauma exposure was already prolonged. In this paper, we consider whether the interpretation of the expert evidence is consistent with the relevant research. Research suggests the psychological harm caused by police negligence may have been more than a matter of extended trauma exposure but also of supplemental trauma appraisals.

‘Sink or swim’ school leadership socialisation: A global South case of principal preparation and development

Much of the school leadership preparation and development literature emanates from the global north with little attention paid to leadership preparation and development in non-western contexts. This article draws on a South African case in a larger study that explored how school leaders were socialised into the principalship role in four Sub-Saharan African countries. Framed by leadership socialisation theory, and using questionnaire and interview data generated from 29 school leaders, the writer adopted the conceptual elements of professional, organisational and anticipatory socialisation in analysing the data. The article provides strong evidence of ‘sink or swim’ school leadership socialisation. The writer argues that more attention be given to the dimensions of professional and organisational socialisation in global south contexts, South Africa being an illustrative case. She further highlights the importance of anticipatory socialisation in the preparation and development of school leaders, particularly in resource-constrained contexts.

David versus Goliath? Indigenous people, carbon majors and climate litigation in South Africa

AbstractIn two recent South African cases, Indigenous communities successfully challenged proposed fossil fuel exploration activities by the Shell petroleum company off South Africa's pristine West Coast. In contrast to earlier climate litigation cases in South Africa, the litigants relied specifically on their Indigenous rights and knowledge. In this case note, we highlight the ways in which the two courts engaged with the communities' cultural beliefs and practices as well as their knowledge related to sustainability and how this relates to protecting their livelihoods, cultural practices and identities that are threatened by the proposed activities. We highlight the important role played by Indigenous communities in the climate movement and argue that, in the future, Indigenous and related considerations could provide a strong basis for climate litigation in South Africa and potentially contribute to efforts to protect Indigenous communities against the activities of carbon majors.

In-Depth Analysis of Contributing Factors Impacting Grade 12 Learners' Performance in Life Sciences “Investigation Questions”: A South African Case Study

This study sought to explore contributing factors affecting grade 12 learners’ performance in Life Sciences “investigation questions” in rural high schools in the Oliver Reginald Tambo Inland District of South Africa. The study was underpinned by the social constructivism theory. A qualitative case study design was employed to collect the data. Purposeful sampling was used to select three schools from one circuit. Three Life Sciences teachers and nine learners were purposefully selected to participate in the study. The interview was the main instrument used to collect data. The data were analysed using thematic analysis to generate themes. The main findings of the study indicated: teachers' low pedagogical content knowledge on practical investigation questions; a lack of teaching resources; a lack of parental support; and language proficiency influence on learner understanding. Thus, it is recommended that the Department of Basic Education provide all rural schools with well-furnished laboratories to enable the teachers to conduct practical investigation activities. Furthermore, teachers need to be trained regularly to enhance their content knowledge and equip them with the different pedagogies in teaching Life Science investigations.

Proteomic insights into the pathophysiology of hypertension-associated albuminuria: Pilot study in a South African cohort

BackgroundHypertension is an important public health priority with a high prevalence in Africa. It is also an independent risk factor for kidney outcomes. We aimed to identify potential proteins and pathways involved in hypertension-associated albuminuria by assessing urinary proteomic profiles in black South African participants with combined hypertension and albuminuria compared to those who have neither condition.MethodsThe study included 24 South African cases with both hypertension and albuminuria and 49 control participants who had neither condition. Protein was extracted from urine samples and analysed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Data were generated using data-independent acquisition (DIA) and processed using Spectronaut™ 15. Statistical and functional data annotation were performed on Perseus and Cytoscape to identify and annotate differentially abundant proteins. Machine learning was applied to the dataset using the OmicLearn platform.ResultsOverall, a mean of 1,225 and 915 proteins were quantified in the control and case groups, respectively. Three hundred and thirty-two differentially abundant proteins were constructed into a network. Pathways associated with these differentially abundant proteins included the immune system (q-value [false discovery rate] = 1.4 × 10− 45), innate immune system (q = 1.1 × 10− 32), extracellular matrix (ECM) organisation (q = 0.03) and activation of matrix metalloproteinases (q = 0.04). Proteins with high disease scores (76–100% confidence) for both hypertension and chronic kidney disease included angiotensinogen (AGT), albumin (ALB), apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1), and uromodulin (UMOD). A machine learning approach was able to identify a set of 20 proteins, differentiating between cases and controls.ConclusionsThe urinary proteomic data combined with the machine learning approach was able to classify disease status and identify proteins and pathways associated with hypertension-associated albuminuria.

Transport-related social exclusion and mobility in developing countries: the South African case

IntroductionTransport-related social exclusion has been studied in many countries, and from many different perspectives. In Africa, however, there is little recent research into the phenomenon, even though African cities tend to have poor transport services, urban sprawl is extensive usually resulting in long travel times and high travel costs, and certain areas experience high levels of crime. By implication, there are several factors that impact the ability of people to access economic and societal opportunities, however these are not well documented. Building on previous work from several authors, this research sought to describe transport-related social exclusion in a large metropolitan area in an emerging economy.MethodsUsing a qualitative methodology, 60 interviews were conducted with City of Johannesburg residents. The data was analyzed using manual thematic and classic content analysis.ResultsThe study found that residents often did not have access to services due to availability, but also that economic, geographic and fear-based exclusion were particularly prevalent in the sample, although there were several other psychological exclusion dimensions, as well as information exclusion.DiscussionThis study is the first recent study in South Africa to consider a wide range of commuters from varying demographic strata, thus providing a novel perspective on TRSE in a major urban area in the country. The study recommends that policy actions be considered, taking into account the minibus taxi industry, which is often overlooked in government policy. TRSE should also be an inherent element in urban (and other) transport planning, as well as take into account the broader societal realities faced by citizens. Future research directions include conducting broader quantitative studies across a variety of urban areas in South Africa, and beyond, to determine specific TRSE dimensions in various urban areas. Policy analysis is also recommended, to determine TRSE policy gaps and align interventions with specific commuter needs.

Environmental life cycle, carbon footprint and comparative economic assessment of rainwater harvesting systems in schools – a South African case study

Environmental life cycle, carbon footprint and comparative economic assessment of rainwater harvesting systems in schools – a South African case study

Narrative Literature on Breastfeeding Counseling during COVID-19: A South African Case of Primary Healthcare

Background Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) is vital to improve child survival and promote healthy growth and development. However, during the coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, access to healthcare facilities or IYCF educational campaigns was limited since the focus was on managing the pandemic. Skin-to-skin contact between mother and child is the core of IYCF guidelines, yet COVID-19 regulations encourage social distancing and separation. The aim of this review was to describe challenges and lessons drawn during the COVID-19 pandemic in the delivery or promotion of IYCF. Methods This is a narrative literature review, which does not require seeking any ethical approvals. Publications related to the stated key search items, written in English, were included in this review study. Data was sourced from various sources, such as Scopus/Elsevier, ScienceDirect, and PubMed databases, as well as World Health Organization and United Nations Children's Funds. Search items used included IYCF promotion and services during COVID-19. Results A total of 43 publications were included in this review. Findings of the literature showed that there were fears of mother-to-child transmission of COVID-19 and poor feeding practices. The use of IYCF services was also limited. Conclusion For future COVID-19 waves and similar pandemics, the social distancing and separation of mother to child should not occur since there is minimal risk of transmission of COVID. Therefore, skin-to-skin contact and overall breastfeeding should be promoted. The IYCF guidelines should be reviewed to focus on personal hygiene practices, such as routine soap use and disinfecting of food preparation areas.

Primary School Teachers’ Perspective on Stress Triggers: A South African Case Study

This paper sought to establish teachers’ perspectives on the daily stress triggers they face in primary schools in Chris Hani East District in South Africa. Regardless of gender, wealth, or surroundings, stress is a universal phenomenon that impacts everyone. Although this occurrence has been extensively studied, teachers’ stress experiences continue to pose a serious threat, especially to the efficacy of schools. In South African classrooms, rationalization and the high teacher-to-learner ratio are just two of the problems teachers encounter. Schools must develop more effective intervention initiatives that can help instructors manage their stress. With a survey-only design, a quantitative study technique was used. One hundred schools were chosen randomly. Utilizing the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, data was examined. (SPSS). The findings of this study indicated that the demotivation of teachers which triggers stress levels in schools is due to the lack of promotion, poor rationalisation process and lack of motivation from management. It is recommended that school managers must come up with better strategies to motivate teachers and the Department of Education must intervene with programmes that can help teachers deal with stress. This article contributes to the discourse on employee welfare in the educational space. Keywords: Teacher Stress Triggers, Professional Development, Stress Management, Intervention Strategies.