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Teachers’ Perceptions of Physical Education for children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder at a special needs Primary School within the Cape Winelands District
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Lottering, Anthony
South Africa has a high rate of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, which is influenced by historical and socioeconomic factors. Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder face many developmental challenges, including poor motor skills, low concentration, weak memory and poor academic performance. These difficulties affect their learning and overall well-being, highlighting the importance of exploring physical education as a potential intervention to support their development. The social model of disability provides a valuable framework for understanding the experiences of teachers and their work with children living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. A qualitative approach was used to explore teachers’ experiences and perceptions of physical education for learners with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder at a special school in the Cape Winelands area. Fourteen teachers involved in the physical education programme were purposively selected, and data was gathered through a semi-structured interview process. Findings show that teachers view physical education as vital for child development, contributing to academics, social skills, discipline, motor ability, overall health and reducing negative behaviour. The findings also revealed concerns about the Differentiated Curriculum and Policy Standard, specifically the curriculum’s limited time allocation for physical education and its ongoing pilot status. Teachers expressed the need for continuous professional development and better curriculum integration of physical education to support holistic learner development. It is recommended that teacher training regarding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and physical education practices be strengthened to enhance implementation in LSEN schools. A stronger emphasis on parental and community engagement should be encouraged through workshops and awareness programmes. Collaboration with stakeholders should be prioritised to expand support network systems. Finally, the allocation of curriculum time for physical education should be reviewed to maximise its developmental benefits.
The extent to which South African law protects women with disabilities against unfair discrimination in the workplace
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) lourens, courtney
The legacy of apartheid has created a deeply unequal society in South Africa. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa sought to build a united and democratic society, whilst ensuring that each citizen is equally protected by the law.1 A constitutional mandate is therefore imposed on the State to ensure that the right to equality is realised and that the most marginalised members of society are adequately protected.2 Research shows that women with disabilities are still unfairly discriminated against in the workplace. To give effect to the equality clause of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 was enacted that endeavours to ‘promote equal opportunity and fair treatment in employment through the elimination of unfair discrimination; and implement affirmative action measures to redress the disadvantages in employment experienced by designated groups, in order to ensure their equitable representation in all occupational levels in the workplace.’4 The objective of this research paper is to examine the South African legislative framework to determine the extent to which the relevant provisions protect women with disabilities in the workplace. In addition, the flaws within the current legislative framework are identified. The theory of intersectionality is used as a lens through which the relevant law will be assessed. A comparison is made between the legislative frameworks in Canada and South Africa governing unfair discrimination to determine whether South Africa can learn any lessons from the legislative framework that exists in Canada when it comes to protecting women with disabilities.
The Rise of Iinkabi: An ethnographic study about the emerging ‘iinkabi identity’ as a form of masculinity.
(University of the Western Cape, 2026) tyhali, lutho
This study explores the social phenomenon of iinkabi, or contract killers, within contemporary South Africa, analysing how their identities and public perceptions intersect with broader notions of masculinity, violence, and structural inequality. Moving beyond traditional criminological perspectives, the research employs an ethnographic and anthropological approach to understand iinkabi as socially embedded figures shaped by historical, economic, and cultural forces. Based on six months of ethnographic fieldwork conducted in Bellville South, the study utilized semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation to investigate how communities comprehend the meaning of iinkabi masculinity and its relation to social recognition, economic precarity, and moral legitimacy. The analysis is informed by theoretical frameworks of hegemonic masculinity (Connell, 1995), structural violence (Farmer, 2004), and necropolitics (Mbembe, 2003), along with African-centered epistemologies such as Ubuntu. The findings reveal that iinkabi occupy a paradoxical social position. They embody both violence and transgression but also represent efforts to reclaim masculine authority and social worth in contexts where economic and moral pathways to respectability are limited. The study argues that contract killing functions not only as a means of livelihood but also as a performative expression of masculinity in a society marked by enduring inequality and dislocation. By foregrounding iinkabi as a lens for examining contemporary South African masculinities, this research contributes to broader anthropological discussions on gender, violence, and postcolonial identity. It underscores how structural exclusion and capitalist rationalities continue to influence men’s pursuit of legitimacy, belonging, and survival in the aftermath of apartheid.
Public libraries response to the fourth industrial revolution: The case of city of Johannesburg public libraries
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) matlala, constance
This study investigated the response of Johannesburg public libraries (JPL) to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The adoption of 4IR technologies and implementation of ser-vices equip libraries to manage disruptive changes brought about by 4IR and ensure that public libraries stay relevant by meeting the information needs, demands and expecta-tions of patrons (Noh, 2023). The study employed the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory to identify the attributes that may influence an individual’s decision to adopt an innovation. A web-based questionnaire was utilised to collect data from 57 librarians employed in the 89 JPL branches to ensure representation across branches. The findings revealed that while most librarians demonstrated awareness of emerging 4IR technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and smart systems, but practical ex-perimentation and adoption were limited. Key challenges included weak digital infrastruc-tures characterized by poor network coverage and unstable power supply along with lim-ited training and inadequate institutional support for 4IR innovations. The study recom-mends continuous professional development initiatives focused on digital competencies, investment in modern technological tools, and the establishment of strategic partnerships with technology providers to enhance service delivery and innovation within JPL.
Work family conflict amongst females in a service organisation in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2012) Booysen, Illana L.
In recent years, there has been a proliferation in research on work-family conflict which has become more prevalent in recent years due to the economic climate in which increasingly large numbers of women are entering or returning to the labour market. Finding equilibrium in work and family arenas has also become more important to South African employees. Traditional gender roles have evolved and the role of females as homemakers is no longer the norm. However, an alternative set of social standards have not yet been established as a substitute to new patterns of work and family life. As a result, it is important to focus on concerns relating to female experiences in the workplace to try and overcome the effects of work-family conflict on females.Job stress and role stress have increased dramatically in work and family life, as more women attempt to balance responsibilities at home whilst simultaneously trying to overcome challenges faced with at the office. Typically role ambiguity, role overload and role interference arises and ultimately produces two forms of conflict: time-based conflict and strain-based conflict. Self-efficacy and implementing coping strategies are means to overcome this.The objective of this study was to explore and add to existing research done on work-family conflict amongst females in the workplace. More specifically the study is to determine whether relationships exist between the variables: job stress, role stress, role overload, inter-role conflict, spousal support, coping behaviours; job, family and life satisfaction, emotional exhaustion; the nature of the relationships and the causal impacts between these variables. Two hundred questionnaires were administered and 150 were returned to women employed in a service oriented organisation in the Western Cape.