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Levels of inflammatory mediators associated with periodontitis in preeclampsia
(University of the Western Cape, 2025-05-11) Aborass, Marwa; Chetty, Manogari; Peck, Thabit; Keyster, Marshall
Background: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease triggered by bacterial infection, which can lead to the destruction of the tooth-supporting tissues, including the gingiva, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. If untreated, it can result in tooth mobility, impaired chewing function, and eventual tooth loss. Beyond the oral cavity, periodontitis can act as a persistent source of infection and inflammation, contributing to systemic inflammation that may increase the risk of pregnancy complications. Preeclampsia (PE) is a complex multisystem disorder affecting both maternal and foetal health. It continues to be a major contributor to maternal and perinatal illness and death. particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Growing evidence suggests a possible link between maternal periodontitis and the development of PE, likely mediated through inflammatory pathways. However, most existing studies have been conducted in high-income settings. In South Africa, where both periodontitis and PE are prevalent, there is an urgent need for local, context-specific research to better understand this relationship and inform preventive healthcare strategies. Aim: To determine whether there is an association between periodontitis, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and PE among pregnant women in the Western Cape, South Africa. Objectives: To compare the periodontal status and levels of specific inflammatory mediators between preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women, and to examine the relationship between these inflammatory markers and periodontal status in relation to PE. Additionally, the study sought to assess whether periodontitis is linked to a higher risk of PE. Methods: This case-control study included 294 pregnant women: 141 with a confirmed PE diagnosis at enrolment (cases) and 153 normotensive pregnant women (controls) admitted to the Gynaecology and Obstetrics departments of tertiary hospitals in the Western Cape, South Africa. All participants were evaluated by a qualified dental clinician, who performed the clinical periodontal examination. Periodontitis was defined as the presence of two or more sites with a PPD > 4 mm, CAL > 3 mm, and positive BOP. Serum levels of Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and E2-E4 (PGE2-E4), Interleukin 1-β (IL-1), IL-6, IL-8, and Tumour Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) were determined using 2.5 ml of blood collected from each participant in a PAX gene Blood RNA Tube. RNA extraction and gene expression using SYBR Green quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) on the Quant Studio 12K Flex Real-Time PCR System.
Assessment of corporate social responsibility within the stakeholder theory in commercial microfinance institutions in Bolivia
(University of the Western Cape, 2006) Benitez, Mauricio Moron; Pieter Le Roux
Currently, some microfinance institutions in Bolivia are adopting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), a concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and publish the results. CSR is applied mostly by big companies in the North and in sectors more in the eye of the public, such as oil production or textile and apparel. A number of research questions arise: Why would small financial institutions from a country in the South and under little public scrutiny incorporate CSR in their organizations? Microfinance, their business operation, is already considered social, why go beyond that? Could it be the case of truly social-committed firms or are they just acting strategically? What role do stakeholders play in the microfinance institutions' (MFls) decision to engage CSR? The following paragraphs describe the problem statement, justification and research questions of this thesis.
Boundaries between freedom of expression and hate speech: the case of struggle songs current perspectives from the global South
(SAGE Publications Inc., 2026) Botha, Joanna; Gunner, Liz; Nkoala, Sisanda; Winks, Ben
This discussion article addresses the historical, political and social context of struggle songs in South Africa and the circumstances in which such songs should be considered prohibited hate speech. The analysis is framed around the decision in AfriForum v Malema, in which the Supreme Court of Appeal held that the singing of the Dubul’ ibhunu (Kill the boer) song on the occasions in issue did not amount to hate speech. The article approaches the problem from three main perspectives, namely law, politics and music, and to a lesser extent, psychology. It concludes that while courts are required to interpret struggle songs with reference to their performative and figurative meaning and their function, an objective and balanced approach must also be adopted. Regard must be had to the nature of the occasion when a particular song is sung, the role-players involved, the power dynamics at play and the potential for harm against the group targeted.
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.