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Now showing 1 - 5 of 11

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Trends, inequalities, and tertiary progression in educational attainment in South Africa, 2012 – 2017: evidence from nids
(University of the Western Cape, 2026-01) Nel, Chrishanda Kyla; Madyibi, Siphe
In a country where inequality remains deeply rooted in both education and income, understanding the economic value of higher education is critical. This thesis estimates the private returns to higher education in South Africa and explores how they differ depending on the employment sector, gender and race. The analysis models wages using a Mincer-type function, with the natural log of income as the dependent variable, using the National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) panel (Waves 3–5). Estimating using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) is done with proper weighting and labor-market and demographic controls. Grounded in the Human Capital Theory, this study builds on existing research by examining how economic returns to education interact with South Africa’s entrenched social and labor market inequalities. Although earlier research has demonstrated that education has positive returns, few studies have used a nationally representative panel to break down these benefits by race, gender, and work sector. The study represents the complicated demographic dynamics influencing South Africa's post-apartheid economy and captures a more inclusive perspective of the labor force by including those who live in the country but were not born there. According to the results, while an increase in years of education significantly increase personal income, the size of these increases varies by group level. When compared to men and traditionally privileged groups, women and historically underrepresented racial groups regularly have lower income returns. The results show that despite the fact that education still has a lot to offer economically, its ability to promote equality is limited by enduring racial and gendered disparities. Policies that increase fair access to high-quality tertiary education are essential for strengthening education's role in fostering inclusive growth, as are initiatives to improve employment prospects for women and underrepresented groups.
E-commerce b2c contracts of necessity: a South African legal perspective on unilateral amendments
(University of the Western Cape, 2026) George, Clayton Rewayne; Kondo, Tinashe
This thesis examines unilateral amendment clauses in South African e-commerce business-to- consumer (B2C) contracts of necessity, focusing on their fairness and enforceability under contract and consumer protection law. It addresses power imbalances in digital contracts where vulnerable consumers, compelled by economic and social needs, have limited alternatives and bargaining power. The study develops a definition of ‘e-commerce B2C contracts of necessity’ which integrates legal doctrine, constitutional principles, and consumer protection concerns and emphasizes contracts that are essential for basic human rights such as life, dignity, healthcare, housing, and education. Using reliance theory, the thesis shows how unilateral amendments undermine consumers’ reasonable reliance on stable contract terms and erodes trust and fairness. It identifies challenges such as complex legal jargon, hidden clauses, vague hyperlinks, and lengthy contracts that impair informed consent, particularly by disadvantaged consumers.
An energy policy analysis: examining the effects of south africa’s energy policies on informal eateries in khayelitsha
(University of the Western Cape, 2025-12) Mahlungwana, Asemahle; Culwick Fatti, Christina; Anciano, Fiona
Despite legislation to ensure universal access to energy, energy security continues to be a challenge for low-income and marginalized communities in South Africa, like Khayelitsha. According to the Constitution of South Africa and the National Energy Act, one of the roles of the national and local governments is to formulate policies that ensure energy security for all citizens. These policies may impact the operation of informal businesses if they do not align with the informal businesses’ energy needs. Therefore, it is important to explore the extent to which there are gaps between policy and practice. The study explores the relationship between the City of Cape Town’s policies on energy security and energy access, and the lived experience of informal eateries in Khayelitsha in accessing energy. The study explores these aims through the research question: “To what extent do government energy policies support energy security practices by informal eateries in Khayelitsha?”. The question is answered using a qualitative research approach and case study design that uses Khayelitsha as a case study site. Energy policy documents are analyzed to assess the extent to which they accommodate informal eateries needs ,and CoCT government officials were interviewed to get their perspectives on energy security in informal enterprises. Additionally, to get the informal eateries operators’ perspective on energy policies, semi-structured interviews and participant observation were employed as data collection methods. Using these data collection methods, the findings presented state that there is a need for refinement of energy policies. The interviewed CoCT officials also note the exclusion of informal businesses from policy. This exclusion from policy, does have an impact on informal businesses as they experience challenges securing energy. This study identifies ways in which the government energy policies could better support energy security of informal businesses with the intention of offering recommendations for more accommodative energy governance that is inclusive of informal businesses in cities.
Pyrazine induced synergetic amelioration of Li2Sx shuttling and improvement of lithium-sulfur battery performance
(Elsevier Ltd, 2026) Li, Jiahao; Ji, Shan; Ji, Shan; Linkov, Vladimir M.; Ma, Xianguo; Wang, Xuyun; Zhang, Han
Although lithium‑sulfur (LiS) batteries possess an exceptional theoretical specific capacity, their practical application has long been hindered by the severe shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and sluggish redox kinetics. To address these core challenges, this study proposes an electrolyte additive strategy based on nitrogen-containing heterocyclic molecules, systematically investigating the regulatory effects of pyridine, pyrazine, and 1,3,5-triazine on LiPS interfacial chemistry. All three additives are capable of anchoring LiPSs through LiN coordination and effectively modulating their frontier molecular orbital energy levels, thereby accelerating LiPS conversion and promoting the formation of three-dimensional (3D) Li2S deposition structures. Among them, pyrazine exhibits unique advantages due to its para-dinitrogen configuration: it not only achieves potent chemical anchoring but also reacts in situ with LiPSs to generate organosulfur intermediates, synergistically suppressing the shuttle effect and significantly enhancing sulfur utilization. Most importantly, this molecule achieves an optimal balance between coordination strength, orbital modulation capability, and interfacial stability. Consequently, the LiS cell utilizing the pyrazine additive delivers an initial discharge capacity of 709.48 mAh g−1 at 1C. Under practical conditions of high sulfur loading (3.0 mg cm−2) and lean electrolyte (E/S = 13.3 μL mg−1), the cell maintains a high reversible capacity of 527.06 mAh g−1 after 120 cycles at 0.2C, highlighting its superior cycling stability and potential for practical application.
Curcumin and curcumin-loaded poly(caprolactone) nanoparticles restore mitochondrial function in an in vitro Parkinson’s disease model
(Elsevier B.V., 2025) Dube, Admire; Buck, Amy Claire; Smith, Liezel
Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms resulting from the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key mechanism in idiopathic and familial PD, yet the cause is poorly understood. Paraquat (PQ) induces mitochondrial dysfunction, though its effect remains uncertain. Curcumin, a phytochemical with antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and neuroprotective properties, shows therapeutic promise for PD but has unfavorable pharmacokinetics. Nanoparticles (NPs) offer a solution by improving curcumin’s stability, bioavailability, and in providing targeted delivery. Purpose: To examine mitochondrial bioenergetics in a PQ-induced PD in vitro model and evaluate the potential of curcumin-loaded polymeric nanoparticles (CNPs) to rescue mitochondrial function. Methods: CNPs were synthesized and characterized to explore therapeutic suitability. Using the Oroboros system, mitochondrial respiration was assessed in SH-SY5Y cells treated with PQ, curcumin, CNPs, and their respective pre- and post-PQ treatment regimens. Furthermore, mitochondrial morphology was assessed. Results: PQ caused a significant decrease in complex I-linked oxidative phosphorylation and the electron transfer system capacity. CNP pre- and post-PQ treatments reduced PQ-induced structural mitochondrial damage. For post-PQ treatment, CNP improved complex IV activity, while curcumin recovered PQ’s effect on N- and Gppathway activity. CNP pre-PQ treatment enhanced pyruvate-linked respiration and reduced ROX levels. Notably, curcumin pre-PQ treatment had the strongest protective effect, restoring multiple respiratory parameters. Conclusion: The findings from this study suggest that curcumin and CNPs have potential in protecting PQ-induced reduction of respiratory states and rates in mitochondria. The findings lay a foundation for optimizing curcumin delivery using NPs for potential therapeutic applications in PD.