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An analysis of South Africa’s efforts to realize the right to basic education in light of Covid-19
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Macekiswana, Sanele
This study is an analysis of South Africa’s efforts toward ensuring the realisation of the right to basic education during the Covid-19 pandemic. In South Africa, the Covid-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges which intensified the existing inequalities that are threatening the realisation of the right to basic education for many young South Africans. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the shift from physical school attendance to online learning was one of the remarkable challenges that the basic education system failed to address due to a number of challenges such as lack of access to internet and technology in many South African schools. As a result, millions of young South Africans were left behind and their right to basic education was violated. Therefore, for the South African government to be still facing such challenges after 30 years of democracy shows a lack of commitment to protecting the right to basic education that is entrenched in our constitution.
A mini-thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Laws (LLM) in International Trade, Investment and Business Law
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Salum, Hamisi S
The global trade landscape has seen increased interdependence among countries, leading to increased bilateral relations. This has underscored the necessity for an entity to oversee and regulate countries' trade activities. As a result, the World Trade Organisation WTO was established in 1994, superseding the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) formed in 1947 during the Uruguay Round the WTO governs global trade with a membership of over 164 since 29 July 2016,1 the WTO facilitates smooth trade by eliminating barriers and promoting import and export agreements between nations. The GATT 1994 permits members to establish Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs), such as customs unions and free-trade areas, as an exception to the principle of non-discrimination.2 In pursuit of fair trade, WTO members introduced the concept of anti-dumping, countervailing and the safeguard measures.3 Together, these measures, known as trade remedies, were implemented during the Uruguay Round. The WTO safely regulate the use of these trade remedies through the Agreement on Anti-Dumping and Countervailing, Subsidies, and Safeguard agreements. Therefore, within the context of trade liberalisation, industries may be susceptible to unfair trade practices or heightened competition from imported goods, potentially resulting in detrimental effects on domestic businesses, industries and market, thus, trade remedies serve as pivotal tools utilised by governments to intervene strategically, aiming to safeguard employment opportunities and stimulate investments within the economy.
Periodontal health and metabolic status of type 1 diabetic children and adolescents
(Frontiers Media, 2025) Scholtz-Evans Lezaan; Jeftha Anthea; Kimmie Faheema
Background Several meta-analyses of children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) have shown that periodontal disease (PD) is linked to metabolic control. In South Africa, the prevalence of PD and its impact on T1DM children is however unknown. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of PD in T1DM children and adolescents attending the Paediatric Diabetic Clinic at Tygerberg Hospital and to assess the impact of metabolic control on the periodontal status. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the periodontal status of T1DM patients. A basic periodontal examination (BPE) was performed and information on the HbA1c level, type and duration of T1DM, age, sex, BMI percentile, and pubertal status was gathered from patient records. A logistic regression model was used to identify associations between periodontal health status and risk factors. Results All 169 T1DM participants [median age 11.0 (9.0, 14) years] presented with PD. Based on BPE codes, 124 (73%) had gingivitis and 45 (27%) had periodontitis. The median HbA1c was significantly higher in the periodontitis group [12.6% (IQR: 10.4–13.6)] compared to the gingivitis group [8.9% (IQR: 8.1–9.9)] was statistically significant p = <0.001. Age was identified as risk factors (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.1–1.4; p = 0.002), with children in the periodontitis group being older [13.0 (10, 15) years] than those with gingivitis [11.0 (8.0, 13.5) years; p < 0.001]. Additionally, the periodontitis group had a lower median BMI percentile [59 (IQR: 29–78)] than the gingivitis group [74 (IQR: 42–92); p < 0.001]. Conclusions Besides the limitations inherent to the study design, every child and adolescent with T1DM presented with periodontal disease. Older age and poorer metabolic control were significantly associated with increased odds of periodontal disease, highlighting a strong link between metabolic control and periodontal health in this population. Longitudinal studies or clinical trials with adequate sample sizes are recommended. These findings underscore the need to intensify both diabetes management and dental care through integrated, long-term approaches.
The challenges of securing convictions against the kingpins of organised crime in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Adams, Michelle Fiona
In recent years the citizens of South Africa have been inundated with reports about the scourge of violence and violent crime, often associated with gangs and organised crime syndicates.1 Despite the prevalence of such crimes, it is quite astounding how few investigations, prosecutions or convictions target the masterminds behind these operations. 2 Instead, it is usually the foot soldiers who bear the brunt of legal consequences, while the leaders of the criminal groups evade justice. 3 The quotes of Plato and Aristotle encapsulate the impetus for conducting research on this topic: “Poverty is the parent of revolution and crime”, by Aristotle4 (384-322 BC) and: “Good people don’t need laws to tell them to act responsibly....and bad people will find a way around the laws”, by Plato.5 These insights highlight the complex interplay of socioeconomic factors and legal enforcement in addressing crime. A substantial portion of the information in this study is drawn from personal experience.6 I have presided over numerous gang-related matters. In one particular case in the High Court, an accused testified that he started out as a drug dealer for a gang and received a monthly remuneration for his participation.
Impact of intercropping on agronomic and metabolic responses of Medicago sativa and Hordeum marinum under nutrient deficiency and drought stress
(Frontiers Media SA, 2025) Ludidi, Ndiko; Guerchi, Amal; Mnafgui, Wiem
Background: Intercropping has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance crop performance and resilience under conditions of abiotic stress. Medicago sativa and Hordeum marinum constitute a potentially complementary forage system for semi-arid regions, yet their integrated physiological and metabolic responses to combined water and nutrient limitations remain poorly characterized. This study evaluated whether intercropping could improve productivity, nutrient acquisition, and biochemical stress adaptation under drought and reduced fertilization.