UWCScholar

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Exploring identity construction among adolescents attending former Model C schools and residing in low-income communities in Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2026) Wippenaar, Melissa
During adolescence, individuals navigate various social contexts to form clear and coherent identities that lay the foundation for adulthood. Constructing a clear and stable identity while navigating contrasting social contexts can be particularly complex, potentially leading to internal conflict or confusion. Therefore, understanding these complexities is significant for informing how adolescents can be better equipped to develop coherent identities, which are essential for psychological well-being and effective functioning in adulthood. This study examined these complexities by exploring how adolescents attending former Model C schools and residing in low-income communities in Cape Town construct their identities. A conceptual framework integrating literature and theory—Stages of Psychosocial Development Theory, Self-Categorisation Theory, and Bioecological Systems Theory—underpinned the study. A qualitative approach, following an interpretivist, exploratory design, was applied. The study purposively sampled thirteen (13) participants who attended a former Model C school and resided in a low-income community in Cape Town. Data were collected through semi structured one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions, and were supported by field notes. Thematic analysis, guided by Braun and Clarke’s six-step framework, was adopted to analyse the data.
Angular correlation functions of bright Lyman-break galaxies at 3 ≲ z ≲ 5
(Oxford University Press, 2025) Ye, Isabelle; Bull, Philip; Bowler, Rebecca A.A; Cochrane, Rachel K; Adams, Nathan J; Jarvis, Matt J.
We investigate the clustering of Lyman-break galaxies at redshifts of 3 ≲ z ≲ 5 within the COSMOS field by measuring the angular two-point correlation function. Our robust sample of ∼60 000 bright (mUV ≲ 27) Lyman-break galaxies was selected based on spectral energy distribution fitting across 14 photometric bands spanning optical and near-infrared wavelengths. We constrained both the 1- and 2-halo terms at separations up to 300 arcsec, finding an excess in the correlation function at scales corresponding to <20 kpc, consistent with enhancement due to clumps in the same galaxy or interactions on this scale. We then performed Bayesian model fits on the correlation functions to infer the Halo Occupation Distribution parameters, star formation duty cycle, and galaxy bias in three redshift bins. We examined several cases where different combinations of parameters were varied, showing that our data can constrain the slope of the satellite occupation function, which previous studies have fixed. For an MUV-limited sub-sample, we found galaxy bias values of bg = 3.18+0.14−0.14 at z ≃ 3, bg = 3.58+0.27−0.29 at z ≃ 4, bg = 4.27+0.25−0.26 at z ≃ 5. The duty cycle values are 0.62+0.25−0.26, 0.40+0.34−0.22, and 0.39+0.31−0.20, respectively. These results suggest that, as the redshift increases, there is a slight decrease in the host halo masses and a shorter time-scale for star formation in bright galaxies, at a fixed rest-frame UV luminosity threshold.
Multidisciplinary assessment of geoheritage and geotourism for economic development: a case study of Oyo State, Southwestern Nigeria
(Springer, 2026) Bankole, Ayomipo O.; Omosanya, Kamaldeen Olakunle L.; Mosuro, Ganiyu Omotola; Sheriff, Shadrach; Maigana, Maryam Sani; Bunyaminu, Isah; Oseni, Ridwan D.; Lawal, Temitope K.; Amosun, Aishat O.; Odugbesan, Joseph A.; Akinsipe, Aramide B.; Ajumobi, Olashile B.; Anthony, Oyindamola B.
Geoheritage resources in Nigeria remain underdocumented in ways that link their scientific significance with their cultural meanings and practical tourism potential. This study presents an integrated assessment of selected geosites in Oyo State, southwestern Nigeria, to evaluate their geoheritage significance and geotourism prospects within a sustainable regional development framework. The study combines geological field mapping, drone-assisted visual documentation, GIS-based terrain analysis, community-based interviews, numerical geosite evaluation, and application of the Geosite Assessment Model (GAM). Our geological observations reveal diverse lithological and structural features, including granitic terrains, pegmatitic intrusions, and migmatitic outcrops that contribute to the scientific value of the sites. Terrain analysis further highlights strong spatial contrasts across the study area, with rugged upland landscapes in the north and gentler lowlands in the south. Community interviews show that several geosites also function as cultural landscapes rooted in local memory, spirituality, and identity. The integrated assessment shows clear differences among sites in terms of scientific value, scenic appeal, accessibility, functional attributes, and tourism readiness. Ado Awaye Hill emerged as one of the strongest multifunctional geosites, while Asejire Dam showed relatively favorable supporting amenities. In contrast, several other sites are still constrained by weak infrastructure, limited accessibility, and insufficient tourism services. Overall, our results indicate that the geosites of Oyo State have substantial geoheritage and geotourism potential, but their contribution to regional development will depend on improved conservation planning, community participation, and targeted investment in visitor infrastructure. Importantly, our study provides a transferable framework for geoheritage assessment in data-scarce regions of sub-Saharan Africa.
The lattice of smooth sublocales as a Bruns–Lakser completion
(Springer Science and Business Media B.V., 2026) Arrieta, Igor; Suarez, Anna Laura
We characterise the frame morphisms f:L→M that lift to frame maps f¯:Sb(L)→Sb(M), where Sb(L) is the collection of joins of complemented sublocales of a frame L, or equivalently the Booleanization of the collection S(L) of all its sublocales. We do so by proving that Sb(L) is isomorphic to the Bruns–Lakser completion of the meet-semilattice formed by the locally closed sublocales, i.e. the sublocales of the form c(a)∩o(b) for a,b∈L.
The transformative journey of ukuthwasa: Exploring the process of ukuthwasa and its impact on the lives, identities and careers of young women
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Lalala, Limpho Faith
Ukuthwasa is a profound journey rooted in African cultures and represents a deeply rooted cultural and spiritual practice for people called to be traditional healers. This ethnographic study explored the experiences of young women who have undergone ukuthwasa and how they navigate their ancestral dependencies in relation to their everyday lives. The study also explored how these young women embrace their spirituality and how this process contributes to the broader decolonial project of reclaiming African spirituality. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 8 young women who had undergone ukuthwasa, and they were recruited through the snowballing method. The data was recorded and manually transcribed and analysed through thematic analysis. The study was guided by the ritual theory and the concept of the rite of passage and used these two theories to contextualise the study. The findings of this study demonstrate that the journey of ukuthwasa is more than just a “fashion trend”; it is a deeply rooted journey that transforms individuals' lives from their identity, choices, and beliefs to their modes of practice. The findings also show how ukuthwasa impacts the lives of young women and how they navigate their calling demands within their contemporary lives.