UWCScholar

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 11

Recent Submissions

Dental genomics in Africa: colonial legacies and research gaps
(Frontiers Media, 2025) Kabbashi Salma; Chetty Manogari; Roomaney Imaan A.
Oral health disparities are closely linked to broader health inequalities, particularly in global health contexts where disproportionate emphasis is placed on diseases other than oral health. In the field of dental genetics, recent investigations have highlighted persistent challenges and barriers in African genomic research. Colonial legacies continue to influence the structuring of research agendas and contribute to the marginalization of indigenous knowledge systems. We discuss the implications of these historical dynamics for the relevance of genetic research findings, and addresses the emerging ethical considerations in clinical applications and community engagement. We emphasize the need for equitable and culturally inclusive approaches to expand our genetic understanding of dental pathologies in underrepresented African populations.
Public participation and service delivery: A case study of Langa community in Cape Town, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Mohmmed, Nahid Siddig Ahmed
This study examines the role of developmental local government in involving the community to improve service delivery in Langa township in Cape Town, South Africa. According to academic research review, there are contributions of public participation in service provision. South Africa has developed a legal framework to strengthen public participation and involve the residents in the decision-making process. However, despite the legal frameworks and Batho Pele principles yet, Langa is an urban informal settlement, historically disadvantaged and more than half of its population does not access their basic rights and lives in unlivable dwellings. Furthermore, there is a need for community consultation for better decision-making. Therefore, public participation has different forms such as institutionalised spaces and citizenry-designed participatory spaces. Hence, this study aimed to assess the extent to which the community has been involved in the decision-making process. The overall aim of this study was achieved by evaluating the level of service delivery and forms of participatory structure in the community of Langa, as well as identifying factors that affect community participation and their well-being in Langa.
An assessment of the District Development Model (DDM) one plan on local economic Development at district municipalities: a case study of West Rand district municipality
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Matsheke, William
The District Development Model aims to improve integrated planning and delivery across the three spheres of government in a spatially targeted way. It focuses on 52 district and metropolitan spaces as convergence points for all government and private sector investment. The integrated planning and delivery in relation to district and metropolitan spaces will be enabled by joint planning, budgeting, and implementation processes. The legislative framework of local government in South Africa, especially the Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000, introduced a new system (reform) of local government which required an efficient, effective, and transparent local public administration that conforms to constitutional principles. It further encouraged a coordinated approach by municipalities towards socio-economic development. The roles of DDM include planning and coordinating LED strategies within the framework of Integrated Development Plans (IDPs. This research focused on conducting an evaluative assessment of the impact of the District Development Model One Plan on improving service delivery through accelerated Local Economic Development in the West Rand District Municipality.
An analysis of the political performance management systems (PMS) impact on organisational effectiveness: A case study of the democratic alliance in the Western Cape provincial government
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Ndengu, Tinashe R.P
The intention of this study is not to debate the different contested views on performance management, good governance, and accountability but to rather assess the applicability of the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) political performance management in the field of public administration. The study further tries to provide a dimension to the link between a political party and a democratic state. In other words, that of the Party's “internal” democracy, which is predominantly its governance system rather than its relationship with the state. Through a qualitative case study of the Western Cape Provincial Government (WCPG), this paper takes stock of the effectiveness of a political Performance Management System (PMS) by specifically looking at the PMS administered by the Democratic Alliance-Western Cape Provincial Government (DA-WCPG) on the elected officials. It focuses on PMS development, its implementation, and its overall attainment as a standard operating procedure internally as well as a toolkit for the provision of public service deliverables externally.Using purposive sampling, a carefully selected sample of five participants from the WCPG (Western Cape Provincial Government) were chosen to participate in this research study. The purposive sampling method was utilized to ensure that the selected participants had the relevant experience and knowledge to provide insightful and valuable data that aligns with the objectives of the research. Each participant was identified based on their involvement in the field of study and their ability to contribute meaningfully to the research inquiry.
Ecosystem-Based approaches, gender Inclusivity and their impact on economic development: A case of Southern Malawi
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Phiri,Maziko Kalumbu
This thesis explores how ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) strategies can become more effective and equitable when they incorporate gender inclusivity, with a specific focus on Southern Malawi. As climate change continues to disproportionately impact women and marginalized groups, the study looks at how gender-sensitive approaches to adaptation can help address these deep-rooted inequalities. The research looks at how gender affects both vulnerability to climate change and the success of adaptation initiatives utilizing frameworks such as ecofeminism, intersectionality, and the capacity approach. Through interviews and fieldwork conducted in Southern Malawi, the thesis investigated current EbA initiatives that aim to protect and restore ecosystems while helping communities adapt to climate-related risks like floods and droughts. However, it was found that while these programs are well-intentioned, they often overlook the critical role women play in natural resource management and community resilience. In many cases, women—who are typically the primary users of natural resources—are excluded from decision-making processes, limiting the effectiveness of these adaptation strategies and perpetuating gender inequalities.