UWCScholar
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An analysis of the laws which criminalise sex work in South Africa and the effects thereof
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Baron, Corinne Chanté
This thesis seeks to establish whether the current criminalisation regime followed by South Africa infringes the constitutional rights of black female sex workers. Black female sex workers are the focal point of this thesis as they are one of the most vulnerable groups in South Africa. Sex workers are one of South Africa’s most marginalised communities and are often plagued by injustices including gender-based violence and exploitation and are left with no legal recourse due to the illicit nature of their profession1. Those brave enough to seek the help of the South African Police Services (SAPS) or the healthcare system are rarely met with a safe environment and find themselves subjected to secondary abuse by those who are sworn to protect and serve.2
Impostor syndrome and job satisfaction: perceptions of community service physiotherapists within the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) America, Erin
BACKGROUND: Impostor syndrome, marked by persistent self-doubt despite evident success, is common among high-achievers and can negatively affect wellbeing and performance. Newly qualified physiotherapists, transitioning from academic to clinical settings during their community service year, may be particularly vulnerable. Exploring their experiences is crucial for early identification and support, which in turn contributes to targeted interventions, professional development, and the creation of more supportive work environments. AIM/PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore how community service physiotherapists in the Western Cape understand, experience, and manage Impostor Syndrome while completing their community service year. METHOD: A qualitative approach, using an exploratory study design, was employed to gather in-depth insights through one-on-one, semi-structured interviews. The study population comprised of 20 physiotherapy graduates from South African universities who completed their community service year in either 2023 or 2024 at one of the twenty-four health care facilities (including hospitals and community health care centers) within the public sector of the Western Cape. Only 10 participants were able to be recruited and participated in the study. Purposive sampling was employed, and snowball sampling supplemented recruitment. Interviews were conducted via Google Meet for accessibility. Data saturation was reached after 10 interviews. Verbatim transcripts were thematically analysed using ATLAS.ti software. Trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of the Western Cape’s Biomedical Research Ethics Committee and the Western Cape Department of Health. Informed consent was secured, and confidentiality and anonymity were maintained in line with Protection of Personal Information Act. Participation was voluntary, and minimal risk was anticipated. Emotional responses during interviews were addressed with support options.
Covid-19 and the right to social security for self-employed and informal workers in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Le-Ann Cupido
The year 2020 brought the world to a standstill when the Covid-19 pandemic was declared. Like in many other nations all over the world, one of the most drastic forms of intervention was the implementation of a national lockdown within South Africa. This in essence meant that all nonessential places of work were closed for business. As a result of this lockdown, those in the informal and self-employed economy found themselves unable to work and unable to gain an income. Job and income losses also occurred within the formal economy; however, an important distinction is that those within the informal economy had no protection under the available social security framework. The South African Government put measures in place to assist those impacted by the severity of the Covid-19 pandemic, however it was found that those measures were based on the existing social security framework that inherently disadvantaged those in the informal and self-employed economy. There are various international and regional instruments that are in support of extending social protection to the informal and self-employed economy. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the vulnerabilities of those in the informal and self-employed economy were exacerbated as they found themselves unable to provide for the basic needs of themselves and their families and as a result suffered the most. This study therefore focuses on the need to extend the right to social security towards the informal and self-employed economy.
Addressing technology-facilitated sexual violence in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Newton, Kerwin Mel
The fast development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has greatly changed how we connect, communicate, and interact with the world. This research explores Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence (TFSV), a new and evolving form of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) linked to the digital world. Fuelled by the fast development of ICT, TFSV changes how we think about sexual violence. It extends beyond physical spaces, spreading across digital platforms and covering a range of criminal and civil sexual offences committed through digital communication technologies. This research focuses on exploring the various forms of TFSV and its intersection with SGBV within the unique context of South Africa. TFSV includes actions like non-consensual sharing of intimate images, online harassment, cyberstalking, and virtual rape, highlighting the double-edged nature of technology. The study is grounded in a theoretical framework that blends feminist perspectives. This approach emphasises the unique harm caused by TFSV and shows the complex gender dynamics within the digital world. This thesis undertakes an analysis of both South African and international legal frameworks to evaluate whether current laws, at both domestic and global levels, are sufficient in addressing TFSV crimes. It also examines the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders, such as service providers, online communities, law enforcement, and social media platforms, in managing and responding to TFSV incidents. Particular focus is placed on the challenges posed by the digital divide, which can limit the effectiveness of efforts to combat TFSV. In addition, the research explores the complex impact of TFSV on victims, including the emotional, psychological, and social consequences, while delving into the nuanced issue of consent in the digital environment. By offering a critical analysis of these various aspects, the thesis seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the challenges and intricacies involved in TFSV cases, ultimately advocating for more effective legal and societal responses to this growing problem.
Aloe ferox, Agathosma betulina, and Bulbine frutescens extracts show antifungal activity at concentrations favourable to the proliferation of epidermal cells
(Elsevier GmbH, 2025) Ndlovu, Banele; Klaasen, Jeremy; Abrantes, Pedro; Africa, Charlene; Fisher (née Rahiman), Farzana
Introduction: The increasing prevalence of antifungal resistance presents an enormous challenge to healthcare professionals. The adverse effects and resistance of current antifungal drugs have prompted the need for alternate antifungal therapy in the form of natural products. Although anecdotal reports have suggested that Aloe ferox, Agathosma betulina, and Bulbine frutescens have been used to successfully treat fungal skin infections, little scientific evidence is available to validate these claims. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether the concentrations of A ferox, A betulina, and B frutescens hydroethanolic extracts showing antifungal activity against skin-related Candida species are cytotoxic to normal human epidermal cells. Methods: Crystal violet and lactate dehydrogenase assays were employed to determine cell viability and cytotoxicity on the human epidermal cells. Broth microdilutions were performed to evaluate the susceptibility of Candida species to plant extracts. Results: Candida spp. inhibition was observed at a concentration of 200 µg/ml, while optimum extract concentrations for cell proliferation ranged between 200 and 400 µg/ml for B frutescens and 200 µg/ml for A ferox and A betulina. This suggests that these plants could prove to be effective as antifungal agents at a dosage of 200 µg/ml while still supporting the growth of epidermal cells at the same concentration, which is an important process in maintaining healthy skin. Conclusions: These findings from this study lay a foundation for further studies confirming the applicability of these medicinal plants as safe alternative antifungal treatments that promote skin cell proliferation, regeneration, and enhance tissue repair.