UWCScholar

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Exploring community-based auditing as an instrument of pro-poor delivery of public services by local authorities in Zambia: a case study of the decentralized delivery of Water Supply and Sanitation (WSS) services in Nakonde District of Zambia
(University of the Western Cape, 2026) Daka, Pondani; Okbandrias, Meron
This study explores the possible causes of unsatisfactory service delivery by local authorities in Zambia, arguing that Zambia will continue to experience high poverty levels until community-based auditing (C-BA) is effectively institutionalized as an instrument of pro-poor public service delivery by local authorities. The main objective of the study was to demonstrate that the problem of high poverty levels in Zambia may be reversed by improving the pro-poor performance of local authorities through the institutionalization of community-based auditing at the decentralized (local) level.
Adoption, abduction, defamation, and the witchcraft suppression Act of 1957: an intercultural void in South African law
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Raselabe, Happyness Nokwatu; Kaschula, Russell
This research explores the intercultural void within the South African legal system arising from its foundation in Roman-Dutch law, English common law, and African customary law. Despite the constitutional recognition of legal pluralism, the system remains largely dominated by Western legal frameworks, often excluding African indigenous languages, knowledge systems, and traditions. This exclusion contributes to flawed verdicts in cases where African cultural understanding is essential. Using a qualitative research approach grounded in archival research and critical document analysis, the research examines court cases relating to adoption, abduction, defamation, and witchcraft the latter under the Witchcraft Suppression Act 3 of 1957 (WSA). These cases are rich in traditional and cultural nuance, illustrating the gaps in cultural and linguistic comprehension within legal proceedings. The research is framed by theories of legal pluralism and critical discourse analysis, highlighting how language and cultural disconnects in courtroom discourse can result in misinterpretation, misrepresentation, and loss of crucial evidence. A particular focus is placed on the WSA, interrogating its historical context, application, and continued relevance, and advocating for its repeal. Findings underscore the urgent need for linguistic and cultural transformation within the justice system. This includes elevating African languages to equal status alongside English and Afrikaans and reimagining legal education to produce practitioners capable of operating effectively within South Africa’s diverse legal landscape. The research ultimately calls for the integration of forensic linguistics and traditional knowledge systems into the mainstream legal process.
Oral health-related quality of life among children with atopic diseases
(University of the Western Cape, 2026) Ballaram-Weber, Reenita; Smit, Dirk
Background: Atopic diseases have become a significant public health issue globally. Atopic conditions include atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. However, the impact of these diseases on the oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children in South Africa has been understudied, and healthcare providers may not provide appropriate dental care. Aim: To determine the oral health-related quality of life among children with atopic diseases. Methodology: This cross-sectional study included 54 children with an atopic disease. Demographic and oral health behaviour information were collected. Oral Health-Related Quality of Life was measured using the validated Child Oral Health Impact Profile Short Form – 19 (COHIP-SF 19) questionnaire. Results: The sample consisted of 54 child-parent pairs, most of whom were from the City of Cape Town. In terms of atopic diseases, food allergies (90.7%) were the most prevalent, followed by atopic dermatitis (85.2%) and allergic rhinitis (75.9%). With regard to oral health behaviour, more than half the sample had never visited the dentist and most (76%) children reported brushing either once a day or less. The highest mean child COHIP-SF 19 score was for the social domain (20.07), while the lowest were for the self-image (5.94) and school (6.78) domains. A regression analysis was performed to determine how different variables affected OHRQoL. Dental visit frequency was a significant predictor of COHIP-SF 19 score; participants who reported brushing their teeth once a day had a higher COHIPSF-19 score. Conclusion: The description of oral health behaviours highlighted that a regular dental visit and frequent toothbrushing were strongly associated with improved OHRQoL. The presence of the different atopic diseases was not a significant predictor of OHRQoL. This reinforces the conclusion that oral health behavioural factors, rather than medical comorbidities, drive oral health-related quality of life in this population.
Engaging teachers in critical Mathematics education: modelling water sustainability issues in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2026) Hamza, Zay-yaan; Simons, Marius
This study explores how mathematics teachers engage with mathematical modelling to address water sustainability issues in South Africa. It focuses on how teachers design modelling activities that address real water challenges, such as drought, unequal access, and environmental pressures. The study is grounded in Critical Theory and Critical Mathematics Education, which view mathematics as socially and politically situated rather than neutral. Using secondary data from the LEDIMTALI project, the research analyses teachers’ group discussions and modelling tasks related to water issues. An inductive thematic analysis was used to identify how teachers integrate social awareness, environmental justice, and mathematical reasoning in their modelling practices. The findings show that modelling can move beyond technical calculations and create opportunities for critical reflection on inequality, policy, and sustainability. However, the study also identifies tensions between abstract mathematical procedures and socially responsive pedagogy. The research contributes to mathematics education by showing how modelling can support both conceptual understanding and critical engagement with real-world problems.
Assessing readiness for a register-based census: Institutional preconditions and evidence from Malawi
(Statistical Journal of the IAOS, 2026) Dindi, Pierre Daniel; Stiegler, Nancy; Sinchaya, Dennis
There is scanty evidence on the readiness to implement register-based censuses in developing countries despite their continued global adoption. Using 30 key informant interviews and document review across Malawi’s statistical system, we assess the readiness to transition from traditional censuses and propose a Register-based Census Readiness Index (RCRI), which operationalises the UN framework by assigning 49 indicators to the eight preconditions: strategic vision, political will, legal framework, public support and confidentiality, collaboration with register holders, knowledge of administrative registers, unified identification, and institutional capacity. A four-point maturity scale is constructed, resulting in a RCRI of 50%, suggesting partially established foundations with substantial variations. Public support and confidentiality were strongest (88%), whereas NSO’s vision (13%), unified identification (47%), knowledge of registers and coordination (33%) were weak. Legal framework (61%), institutional capacity (56%) and political will (53%) were partially established. These findings demonstrate that Malawi is not positioned for an immediate fully register-based census, and elucidate the importance of indicator-based methodology in revealing uneven readiness usually obscured by broad qualitative taxonomy. We recommend a phased transition, anchored in long-term strategy, coordination, formalised data sharing, developed core registers, interoperable systems and sustained statistical capacity. The framework sets a basis for assessing readiness for register censuses in other low-and middle-income countries.