UWCScholar

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Jurisdiction of the constitutional court in contempt of court matters: critical evaluation of the state capture case
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Mana, Zuko
The judgment of the Constitutional Court in Secretary of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State v Zuma and Others (Zuma II), 1informs this research paper. However, it is imperative to foreshadow two other judgments that have a factual bearing on Zuma II. These judgments are: Secretary of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State v Zuma (Zuma I), 2 and Zuma v Secretary of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State and Others (Zuma III).
Assessing the efficacy of floodplain wetland management policies in the Msunduzi river basin: a comprehensive analysis of policy implementation, adherence, and support for alternative livelihoods
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Mokgala, Palesa Jessica
Wetlands are among the world's most valuable ecosystems, playing a crucial role in supporting biodiversity while simultaneously providing vital ecosystems services for local communities. The Msunduzi floodplain wetland in KwaZulu-Natal is important for agriculture, fishing and the provision of natural resources for the livelihoods of communities dependent on them. However, despite this importance, the wetland is continuously subjected to considerable degradation that is detrimental to the residents of Msunduzi and their livelihoods. South Africa has several environmental legislations tasked with the management and protection of these important ecosystems, but few studies have been able to assess their effectiveness in successfully managing and promoting the sustainable utilisation of wetlands particularly in rural areas. Therefore, the overarching aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of wetland management policies in the sustainable management of wetlands and support of livelihoods in Msunduzi River Basin. This aim was addressed through the following objectives: (1) by systematically reviewing literature that focused on wetland governance and policy effectiveness across wetlands in Africa and, (2) by assessing community awareness and perceptions of wetland policy implementation in the Msunduzi River Basin, evaluating how policies promote sustainable livelihoods and wetland resource use. By adopting a mixed-methods approach that integrated a systematic review of African wetland governance with surveys conducted in the Msunduzi River Basin, data on policy effectiveness and local perceptions was collected. The findings revealed an alarming deficiency in community awareness of any existing wetland management policies which was accompanied by scepticism about their effectiveness. This was further worsened by community perceptions on inadequate community participation in policymaking and decision-making. These findings were supported by literature that highlighted that community awareness of wetland policies remains low across Africa, which led to continued unregulated and unsustainable wetland resource use.
Occupational health and safety hazards associated with informal solid waste scavenging at Richmond sanitary landfill, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
(Springer, 2026) Musasa, Tatenda; Muringaniza, Kudakwashe C. R.; Simakani, Ashley
Solid waste scavenging has historically been a challenge in most developing countries. This study assesses occupational health and safety (OHS) hazards associated with informal solid waste scavenging at Richmond Sanitary Landfill (RSL) in Bulawayo city, Zimbabwe. The case study research design was used combining qualitative and quantitative methods. Data was collected from secondary sources as well as primary sources using questionnaires, interviews, and observations. The participants were sampled using snowball and purposive sampling methods. A total of 90 questionnaires were administered to representatives of selected households involved in scavenging at RSL from which inferences were made. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Occupational health and safety hazards at RSL were dominated by ergonomics hazards emanating from manual lifting and awkward postures (86%), dust (79%), leachate ponds (50%), noise (58%), sharp objects (43%), chemical contaminated waste (21%) and pathogen infested waste (17%) all of which have potential to cause injuries and illnesses. OHS hazards were identified as a risk factor and a Chi square test of the association between occupational hazards and injuries encountered (p = 0.00) was done. The Municipality of Bulawayo did not have a documented number of scavengers working at their landfill, or an OSH program. To address OHS issues, there is need for the Municipality to adopt an OSH policy. Training of scavengers and waste pickers is recommended to make them competent in identifying health and safety hazards, effective use of personal protective clothing and enabling them to uphold best safety and health practices.
Euclid preparation: LXXVIII. Full-shape modelling of two-point and three-point correlation functions in real space
(EDP Sciences, 2026) Guidi M.; Veropalumbo A.; Pugno A.; Moresco M.; Sefusatti E.; Porciani C.; Branchini E.; Breton M.-A.; Camacho Quevedo B.; Crocce M.
We investigated the accuracy and range of validity of the perturbative model for the two-point (2PCF) and three-point (3PCF) correlation functions in real space in view of the forthcoming analysis of the Euclid mission spectroscopic sample. We took advantage of clustering measurements from four snapshots of the Flagship I N-body simulations at z = {0.9,1.2,1.5,1.8}, which mimic the expected galaxy population in the ideal case, i.e. in the absence of observational effects such as purity and completeness. For the 3PCF we considered all available triangular configurations given a minimal separation (rmin). We first assessed the model performance by fixing the cosmological parameters and evaluating the goodness of fit provided by the perturbative bias expansion in the joint analysis of the two statistics, finding an overall agreement with the data down to separations of 20 h-1 Mpc. Subsequently, we built on the state-of-the-art analysis and extended it to include the dependence on three cosmological parameters: the amplitude of scalar perturbations (As), the matter density (ωcdm), and the Hubble parameter (h). To achieve this goal, we developed an emulator capable of generating fast and robust modelling predictions for the two summary statistics, which thus enables an efficient sampling of the joint likelihood function. We therefore present the first joint full-shape analysis of the real-space 2PCF and 3PCF, testing the consistency and constraining power of the perturbative model across both probes and assessing its performance in a combined likelihood framework. We explored possible systematic uncertainties induced by the perturbative model at small scales, finding an optimal scale cut of rmin = 30 ha-1 Mpc for the 3PCF when imposing an additional limitation on the nearly isosceles triangular configurations included in the data vector. This work is part of a series of papers in which we validate theoretical models for galaxy clustering measurements in preparation for the Euclid mission.
Remote working during the coronavirus disease 2019: exploring the motivation of employees in a human resource department in a renewable energy company in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Volwana, Phathisa
This study explores the motivation of employees in the Human Resource (HR) department of a renewable energy company based in the Western Cape during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. As remote working became a necessity due to the pandemic, the research investigates how this sudden shift impacted the motivation of Human Resource Management Practitioners (HRMP). Informed by the theoretical framework of Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory, the study adopted a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews with HR team members to gather rich insights into their experiences and perceptions in terms of motivation during the pandemic. By applying Bloomberg and Volpe’s (2016) content data analytical technique, key themes emerged from the research around motivation, recognition and rewards, learning and development opportunities, and perceptions of the work environment and resources provided. The findings reveal that, while flexibility and autonomy associated with remote work were viewed positively, the importance of effective communication, continuous learning and well-being support was underscored. The study concluded that, to ensure sustained performance and well-being among employees, organisations needed to adopt a holistic approach with regard to employee motivation in remote work settings, thus balancing autonomy with structured support systems. This research contributes to an understanding of the dynamics involved in employee motivation in the context of remote work, offering valuable insights for HR departments and organisations endeavouring to optimise their post-pandemic remote working strategies. The findings underscore the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive remote work environment to maintain long-term employee engagement and productivity. These insights are particularly relevant in terms of the renewable energy sector, where innovation and adaptability are critical attributes for success.