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Fault seal analysis for geological carbon dioxide storage in the pletmos basin, offshore South Africa
(Taylor & Francis Group, 2025) Amponsah-Dacosta Maxwell; Opuwari Mimonitu; Titinchi Salam
Sedimentary basins are considered to be potential carbon sinks and could provide a significant solution to decarbonising the global economy. In the highly faulted Pletmos Basin located offshore South Africa, there is potential for CO2 storage that draws attention to analysing the behaviour of faults as seals or pathways for CO2 migration. Faults were examined based on 3D seismic imagery using shale volume (Vshale) logs from well data. We employed well juxtaposition analysis using triangle-type diagrams and Shale Gouge Ratio (SGR) algorithms to predict their sealing potential. The sealing classification was based on results from SGR calculations. SGR between 0 and 0.2 represented “not sealing,” 0.2–0.4 represented “moderately sealing” and 0.5–1.0 represented “highly sealing.” From the seal classification, faults F-2, F-3, F-7 and the Superior Fault were moderately sealing faults, and fault F-11’s SGR (0.5) with limited sand-sand juxtapositions was classified as highly sealing. The SGR for the respective faults exceeded the 0.2 threshold, indicating their potential to act as seals for CO2 migration. The findings are expected to provide valuable knowledge that could enhance the overall understanding of the feasibility of geological CO2 storage in South Africa.
Reconfiguration of informal social protection systems of older adults in Sub-Saharan Africa amid the COVID-19 pandemic: a narrative review
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025) Oware, Phoene Mesa; Zembe, Yanga; Zembe-Mkabile, Wanga
he COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns in sub-Saharan Africa led to significant social, economic, and health shocks, raising the need for social protection. While the adaptation of formal systems of social protection in response to these shocks has been investigated, gaps remain in understanding how informal social protection (ISP) systems were reconfigured. Taking the ISP systems of older adults as an entry point, and through the lens of ubuntu, an African moral philosophy that underpins ISP systems, this paper synthesises evidence on the ISP systems of older adults prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2019–2024). It highlights shifts that were experienced within these systems amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence reveals pre-existing barriers for older adults to engage in ISP networks prior to the pandemic. The pandemic context enabled older adults to re-integrate and participate in reciprocal exchanges within kinship and community networks. However, the unique pandemic circumstances revealed the additional vulnerabilities of ISP systems, highlighting the need to strengthen state-led interventions to reduce reliance on ISP systems. Opportunities and social policy considerations to reimagine care for older adults in a post-COVID-19 world are discussed.
Stress and its effects on the employees in a Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) organisation
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Maicu, Maria Christina
Employees in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry are at risk of experiencing high levels of stress and burnout. Females are especially even more at risk due to their work-load as well as home-life balance and child rearing responsibilities which could have a spill over effect at work. Although sources of stress vary for employees due to their work as well as life experiences, it could still result in negative and detrimental outcomes in their personal as well as professional lives. Stress could further lead to burnout, resulting in an employee developing a lack of personal accomplishment, emotional exhaustion (the extent to which emotional resources are depleted), as well as depersonalisation (negative, cynical attitudes and feelings towards others). This study highlights the significant relationship between occupational stress and burnout as experienced by males and females working in a factory in the Western Cape. A sample of 120 employees was selected from a population of 1000 workers in the fast moving consumer goods industry. For this study, a quantitative research was undertaken, which involved the use of a probability sampling method. The measuring instruments included the Experience of Work and Life Circumstances Questionnaire (WLQ) for stress and the construct burnout was measured with the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Service (MBI) respectively. Results were obtained by using the Pearson Correlation Coefficient, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and T-tests. Permission to conduct this research study on employees was obtained from the management of the factory. Informed consent, as well as anonymity and confidentiality of the employees’ responses were ensured. This research has shown that no relationship exists between the variables (age, gender and educational level) and stress as none of the variables mentioned were significantly related with stress or burnout at the workplace. Therefore, in conclusion, occupational stress is considered to be a major source of stress for employees and could lead to burnout which thus needs to be addressed more vigorously. The recommendations are based on the conclusions drawn from the study as well as research conducted.
The cross cultural comparability of the occupational personality profile
(University of the Western Cape, 2005) Philand, Lindsey Anne
Psychological testing in South Africa has been placed under the spotlight since the inception of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, which consequently has a significant bearing on employment testing in organisations. Whilst the value of psychological testing is not denied, it becomes important to determine whether the psychological tests used in organisations are suitable for use in certain cultural groups. The main purpose of this research is thus to determine whether the results of the Occupational Personality Profile (OPP) are comparable in a cross cultural setting such as the Public Service. The sample consisted of 270 individuals, identified for participation through their application for senior management positions in the organisation or for developmental purposes. The sample was divided into African and White individuals as well as males and females from different language backgrounds. Descriptive statistics were conducted in order to test for significant differences urs well as Cronbach's coefficient alpha in order to examine the internal consistency of the constructs of the OPP. The results showed that the gender variable did not have any signif,rcant influence on the scores obtained. Where the language groups are concerned, the African language group obtained lower means than the Afrikaans and English language groups, although only on some of the constructs of the OPP. Significant differences between the means of the African and White respondents were further found on the majority of the constructs. In general, the studies further revealed acceptable reliability coefficients. However, the results of the reliability studies revealed specific problems with the Motivational Distortion scale for the African and White and male and female sub-samples, as well as the Reserved-Gregarious scale, specifically for the White respondents, suggesting very low reliability coefficients. Significant differences between means for the African and White respondents and the relevant norm group were further found on many of the constructs of the OPP. Research to assess why these discrepancies exist and the likely practical implications for the Public Service was subsequently recommended.
Technopreneurship among the generation z cohort: Modelling the reasons for the adoption of drop shipping as a business model in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Mutyambizi, Gillian Jean
This study investigated technopreneurship among Generation Z in South Africa, with a specific focus on the adoption of drop shipping as a digital business model. The research addressed South Africa's youth unemployment crisis and the growing importance of technopreneurship asa potential solution. Given Generation Z's digital proficiency, entrepreneurial drive, and adaptability, the study explored the factors that influenced their intention and actual use of drop shipping as a viable technopreneurial opportunity. The study aimed not only to conceptualise but also to empirically validate the relationships between technological optimism, Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT) characteristics, perceived enjoyment, attitudes, intentions, and the practical application of drop shipping among Generation Z. Drawing on IDT, the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), and the Traditional Behavioural Reasoning Model (TBRM) frameworks, the study developed and validated a comprehensive conceptual model to elucidate technopreneurial behaviour within the South African Generation Z context. Using a positivist paradigm, this study employed a quantitative research design with a structured questionnaire administered to 359 Generation Z students from the University of the Western Cape and the University of the Witwatersrand. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to assess the measurement and structural models.