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A study of the factors that influence the retention of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) students at a South African university.
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Brink , Megan; Hendricks , M N
The issue of student retention is critical for higher education institutions as annually thousands of students drop out of university before completing their degrees. It is particularly prominent among non-traditional students and those who gain access to university through alternate pathways such as the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). In South Africa, RPL is a vital tool for widening access to higher education for those who do not meet traditional academic requirements but possess valuable experiential knowledge and skills. The RPL programmes are thus vital for addressing past issues of exclusion and marginalisation. However, these programmes may not resolve all social and situational difficulties that affect RPL students’ academic performance and ultimately their retention. Factors influencing the retention and throughput of undergraduate students who gained access to the University of the Western Cape through the RPL programme are explored in this qualitative study. The study aims to identify the influence of motivational factors, academic and personal responsibilities on the resilience of students within their chosen course of study. The main research objectives of this study are, namely, to identify factors that contribute to RPL student retention; learn more about the motivational factors that affect student academic performance; students readiness profiles for tertiary study; and to unpack the situational, institutional and dispositional barriers that negatively impact their academic success. This study is underpinned by Vincent Tinto’s Student Integration Theory which examines how students integrate academically and socially into university, and how this integration affects their decision to stay or depart from their studies. This study followed a qualitative research design and made use of semi-structured interviews to collect relevant information from students who gained alternative access into university courses.
An Analysis of the Regulatory Requirements for the Registration of Biosimilar Medicines in Six African Countries with WHO ML3 Status as of July 2024
(University of the Western Cape, 2005) Bhikha Rakshitha; Egieyeh Samuel A; Lephatsoa Nthabiseng
Introduction Biosimilars are medicines of biological origin that contain a highly similar version of the active biological ingredient in a registered biological medicine (innovator), and might cost much less. Biosimilars are gaining importance in Africa as they are included in the priority medicine list published by the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development and will therefore undergo preferential evaluation in countries that support the African Medicines Regulatory Harmonisation Initiative. Biosimilar registration guidelines are constantly updated as new scientific information supporting the development and assessment of biosimilars becomes available. Biosimilars must demonstrate high similarity to the reference product, with no clinically meaningful differences in safety, purity, and potency. The review of biosimilar registration guidelines in African countries with matured regulatory systems is an important and necessary step to guide applicants on the latest regulatory requirements. Aim and objective The aim of this study was to review the biosimilar guidance documents of six selected countries in Africa, with the purpose of identifying similarities and differences. The countries weres elected on the basis of achieving World Health Organization Maturity Level 3 status or higher, as of the end of July 2024. The similarities and differences identified across these guidelines was used to develop a comprehensive checklist to promote regulatory compliance and alignment with the requirements of multiple territories in Africa. Requirements unique to individual country guidelines can be integrated into a single dossier, enabling a more comprehensive and robust submission. The ultimate goal is to facilitate the reduction of review deficiencies and streamline the registration process to support faster market authorization and simultaneous access across multiple target markets in Africa. Method A qualitative content analysis of the guidance documents for registration of biosimilar medicines from six African countries was performed. The selected countries were Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Biosimilar registration guidelines implemented and updated over a period of 11 years, i.e., from 2014 to 2025, were reviewed thematically according to pre-determined categories. Results The review of the biosimilar guidance documents has shown an overall similarity of 69,01 % in the requirements for biosimilar medicine registration. Quality, nonclinical and clinical comparability studies are required in 100,00 % of the test population. The quality studies requirements show a range in similarity of 33,33 % (molecular weight, chemical modification, and aggregate formation) to 100,00 % (primary and higher order structure) in the test population. The non-clinical studies requirements range from 33,33 % (single-dose toxicity study) to 83,33 % (repeatdose toxicity study, Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodyamic [PK/PD], and immunogenicity studies) in the test population. The clinical studies requirements range from 33,33 % (data on all investigated indications and interaction studies / data in special populations) to 83,33 % (PK/PD, immunogenicity studies, safety monitoring, and extrapolation of safety and efficacy across indications) in the test population. Reliance, as recognised in 100,00 % of the study population, will effectively contribute to work sharing and maximising the use of scarce resources at National Medicine Regulatory Authorities. Substitution and interchangeability of biosimilars and reference products still differs great across the study population with these concepts only accepted in 50,00 % of the countries investigated. Conclusion The guidance documents are mostly similar in terms of the requirements for registration of biosimilars, however variability persists in specific procedural, administrative, post-approval pharmacovigilance requirements, and interchangeability provisions. A harmonised checklist assists in closing this gap, by clarifying where a single, robust dossier could satisfy multiple jurisdictions' core scientific requirements.
The ecology and management of drought accross South African rangelands
(University of the Western Cape, 2026) Ngoako Letsoalo L; Engelbrecht Adriaan; Samuels Igshaan; Tjelele Julius
Parts of South Africa experienced a multi-year drought, from 2015 through to early 2020. Climate change is projected to increase the duration, frequency and intensity of drought, extreme temperature and floods. Variables relating to global warming such as raising temperatures and precipitation patterns pose a significant threat to the sustainability of rangelands and livestock productivity, which negatively affect the livelihoods communities relying on various benefits from rangelands. For example, studies have shown that rainfall variability in arid and semi-arid rangelands significantly impacts grazing capacity by influencing vegetation growth and forage availability and quality. Changes in rainfall patterns, particularly droughts, leads to reduced vegetation cover and forage, consequently decreasing grazing capacity. The impacts of droughts are not evenly distributed across the landscapes or among the farming communities due to variation in geographic condition and socio-economic factors. Thus, assessing rangeland conditions before, during and after drought periods is critical for understanding these impacts to develop effective management strategies specific for the different agro-ecological zones. Additionally, rangeland assessment can assist in developing policies and provide guidance to farmers based on ecological insights and farmers’ indigenous knowledge systems.
From domestic work to the gig economy: challenging exclusion under workers compensation law
(University of the Western Cape, 2026) Willemse, Aubrey John; Mullagee, Fairuz
The research paper considers the structural and intersectional dynamics of inequality in labour and social security law pertaining to domestic workers and workers in the platform and gig economy, under workers’ compensation legislation. With reference to Mahlangu v Minister of Labour, the research focuses on the protection under the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA), and considers the implications of the proposed International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards for platform workers, while reviewing the move from exclusion to inclusion of platform and gig economy workers under COIDA. The research considers the challenges that domestic workers still face, and the “mistakes” in the approach to domestic workers, to draw lessons that may be relevant as we move from exclusion to inclusion in the context of platform and gig economy workers. It is concluded that enhanced enforcement mechanisms are needed to ensure platform compliance with registration and contribution obligations, including substantial penalties for misclassification and proactive monitoring of emerging platforms. These enforcement efforts should be complemented by simplified claims procedures for platform workers and guaranteed interim payments during claim processing to prevent destitution following workplace injuries. Furthermore, the research paper suggests various recommendations.
The role of public libraries in reducing information inequality and poverty: the case of Ngqushwa local municipality public libraries
(University of the Western Cape, 2026) Sibewu, Anezwa; Zinn, Sandy
More has been written about the nature of information, access to information, and information and knowledge societies in Africa than about information inequality or poverty in particular. In the South African context, the transformation to the post-apartheid democratic period meant that one of the key aspects of transformation was levelling the field concerning access to information. Hence, comprehensively investigating information access is crucial because access to information has become a key aspect in this information age. The study aimed to investigate the role of public libraries in reducing information inequality and poverty, focusing on Ngqushwa Local Municipality public libraries. The study identified that information inequality and poverty can be eliminated through digital literacy programmes, enough computers, and internet connectivity. The study further measured how these public libraries could be used to measure information inequality and poverty at schools. The social capital theory framework was employed to focus on how libraries play a key role in reducing information inequality and poverty. The study adopted a post-positivist paradigm and mixed-method approach, using a questionnaire and interviews to collect data. The research site was all the Ngqushwa local municipality libraries, namely Peddie, Hamburg and Sobantu libraries. Data was collected using a questionnaire completed by 70 library users, while interviews were conducted with five library staff, and four school teachers who formed a focus group. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic data analysis. Findings revealed that demographic factors (age, education, and language), economic constraints (unemployment, poverty), and social issues (digital and information literacy) significantly shaped information access. Respondents valued libraries as inclusive and safe spaces but identified persistent challenges, including inadequate information and communication technology infrastructure, limited multilingual resources, and insufficient staff training. Recommendations include investment in information and communication technology infrastructure, expansion of multilingual collections, enhanced staff capacity-building, extended operating hours, and stronger partnerships between libraries, schools, non-governmental organisations, and local government. The study concludes that public libraries in Ngqushwa are critical community assets for reducing information inequalities, yet they require strategic policy and practice interventions to fulfil their potential.