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The societal impact of Ubuntu in Vhembe communities
Tshivhase, Shonisani E.; Mashau, Ntsieni S.; Lebese, Rachel Tsakani; Mulaudzi, Fhumulani Mavis (AOSIS, 2026-01-28)
Ubuntu is regarded as a concept of humanity towards others. It embodies values and ethical principles that guide how individuals should conduct themselves in their daily lives, particularly in their interactions with others. Ubuntu is often cited as a foundational African philosophy, yet its practical application in postcolonial South Africa remains contested. The purpose of this study was to present a reflective narrative on the societal impact of Ubuntu values and principles, and the study was conducted in selected communities in the Vhembe District. The study utilised a community-based participatory research approach, gathering data through interviews and focus group discussions centred on participants’ personal experiences. Data were collected through interviews and focus group discussions with participants from various communities. These included males and females aged 18 to 76 years and above, with older participants considered a vulnerable group because of age-related factors. Throughout the study, the research team remained committed to safeguarding the rights, dignity and well-being of participants from these selected communities. The research population was accessed through the support of the traditional authority, which facilitated contact between the researchers and community members. The findings indicate that Ubuntu-based projects have positively impacted the communities, as expressed by participants during the data collection process. The participants affirmed that they now offer mutual support and assist one another without expecting any monetary reward. The study further revealed that projects based on Ubuntu have aided in reducing social isolation by forming various community-support networks, showing the necessity for community members to continue to support each other and nurture the spirit of collaboration. TRANSDISCIPLINARY CONTRIBUTION : The study provides a comprehensive understanding of Ubuntu values and their societal impact as it integrates a variety of disciplines – philosophy, sociology, psychology, education, law, developmental studies, environmental ethics and community engagement – to ensure that research is coproduced with communities, rather than being carried out on them without their active involvement.
Exploring household forest dependency : socio-economic drivers, resource utilisation, and conservation challenges in eastern Cameroon
Ebanga, André Paul; Zekeng, Jules Christian; Chimi, Cédric D.; Fobane, Jean Louis; Etoundi Menyene, Laurent Florent; Syampungani, Stephen; Mbolo, Marguérite Marie (Elsevier, 2026-06)
Tropical forests play a vital role in sustaining rural livelihoods while providing essential ecosystem services at global, regional, and local scales. However, increasing human pressure and changing socio-economic dynamics threaten the balance between conservation goals and community subsistence needs. In tropical regions, household dependence on forest resources is influenced by complex socioeconomic and demographic factors. This study, conducted in 10 villages adjacent to the Angossas Community Forest (ACF) in eastern Cameroon, assessed how socioeconomic and demographic factors shape forest dependence and local sustainability strategies. Using stratified random sampling, 223 households were surveyed using semi-structured questionnaires, which captured demographic, cultural, and socio-economic variables through both closed- and open-ended recall questions. The methodology integrated descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis), binary logistic regressions, and interdependence tests. The Dependency Index (EDI) was estimated at 0.15, indicating that 78.38% of households were dependent on forest resources. Dependence levels varied significantly across forest product categories (p < 0.05), particularly for timber (15.42%), traditional medicine (16.14%), food (14.22%), cultural practices (13.98%), and handicrafts (12.53%). Regression analysis revealed that education level significantly influenced subsistence use (β = -0.165; p = 0.015) and medicinal plant collection (β = 1.605; p = 0.030). Gender (β = 1.860; p = 0.001) and age (β = 0.624; p = 0.028) were identified as key determinants for timber extraction and agricultural practices. Tree felling was the most prevalent activity (64.04%), while 82.09% of the population engaged in slash-and-burn agriculture. Intensive exploitation affected 41.75% of resources, resulting in species depletion. Our study findings highlight the need to integrate socio-economic factors into forest management policies. Community-based strategies should be strengthened with targeted support and rigorous monitoring to ensure sustainable use of forest resources while safeguarding rural livelihoods.
Development of a predictive, risk-based model to assess the effects of maintenance decisions on vertical mine shaft structures
Wannenburg, Johann; Ngcobo, Glory Nomvula; Heyns, P.S. (Philippus Stephanus) (Elsevier, 2026-05)
PURPOSE : The study addresses the challenge of effective long-term maintenance of the structures of vertical mine shafts. These structures face significant degradation over time due to corrosion, the impact of falling objects, and exposure to harsh environments with high humidity, chemical contamination, and poor ventilation. Current maintenance practices often prioritise short-term needs, neglecting the long-term consequences for structural integrity and operational sustainability. To bridge this gap, the research introduces a novel predictive risk-based maintenance decision-making model. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : The model incorporates finite element analysis and Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate the failure modes caused by corrosion, fatigue and falling objects while accounting for uncertainties in degradation rates and impact probabilities. The analysis calculates the energy of falling objects and estimates corrosion rates based on environmental conditions, enabling accurate predictions of the remaining useful life (RUL) of critical steel components. This is combined with an Integrated Structural Inspection and Maintenance Management (iSIMM) system, which combines structural inspection data with Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS). ORIGINALITY/VALUE : This model enables informed decision-making, enhancing safety, reliability, and cost-efficiency in mining operations. The research’s novelty lies in the integration of predictive and risk-based maintenance strategies, offering new insights into managing mine shaft structural integrity whilst integrating quantitative FEA-derived damage models (for impact) with stochastic, inspection-driven lifecycle simulation as a key methodological that enables the transition from qualitative inspection to predictive, risk-informed planning. FINDINGS : The model is used in a case study of a South African gold mine and demonstrates the practical application, showcasing its ability to optimise maintenance planning, reduce life cycle costs, and extend the lifespan of mine shafts, and to quantify the cost-risk trade-off between different multi-year maintenance strategies, a decision-support feature often missing in practice.
Agreeing language in veterinary endocrinology (ALIVE) : hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, (Euglycaemic) diabetic ketosis/ketoacidosis, and diabetic remission-a modified Delphi-method-based system to create consensus definitions
Niessen, Stijn J.M.; Shiel, Robert; Wehner, Astrid; Campos, Miguel; Daminet, Sylvie; Fracassi, Federico; Graham, Peter; Korchia, Jeremie; Lathan, Patty; Leal, Rodolfo; Miceli, Diego Daniel; Mooney, Carmel T.; Perez Alenza, Maria De Los Doloros; Peterson, Mark E.; Schoeman, Johan P. (MDPI, 2026-01)
Companion animal endocrinology has benefited from international standardisation of disease terminology for diabetes mellitus, Cushing's syndrome, and hypoadrenocorticism through Project Agreeing Language in Veterinary Endocrinology (ALIVE). A group of 14 experts and one chair convened for the third cycle of Project ALIVE, focusing on thyroid disease terminology. The cycle employed the modified Delphi approach from previous cycles, augmented by procedural refinements-such as inclusion of an off-site chair and stricter adherence to timelines -to improve efficiency and flexibility. Novel in this round was the integration of feedback from a previous cycle, which resulted in updated definitions for diabetes mellitus originally developed in ALIVE Cycle 1. Outcomes: A 100% consensus was achieved among panellists and 91.4-100% among 105 members of international veterinary endocrinology societies (32% of total memberships) over 78 thyroid-related terminology items and five revised definitions pertaining to diabetes mellitus. These standardised definitions are expected to facilitate clearer communication and education, enhance diagnostic consistency, support research comparability, and improve clinical care in feline and canine endocrine diseases. SIMPLE SUMMARY After having achieved international consensus over disease, diagnosis, classification, and monitoring concepts in the area of companion animal diabetes mellitus, Cushing’s syndrome, and hypoadrenocorticism, a group of 14 experts and one chair embarked on the third cycle of project “Agreeing Language in Veterinary Endocrinology” (ALIVE), this time focusing on thyroid disease terminology. This cycle’s methods followed, like previous ones, a modified Delphi-approach with small changes to improve efficiency and flexibility, including an off-site chair. For the first time, additionally, feedback on definitions of a previous cycle was incorporated, leading to an update of diabetes mellitus related definitions of ALIVE Cycle 1. This third cycle was completed successfully, accomplishing a majority-based consensus among panellists and international veterinary endocrinology society memberships over 78 thyroid related terminology and five updated diabetes mellitus definitions. As has been the case with the definitions created for other hormonal diseases, it is hoped this work will improve education, research, diagnosis, and treatment in cats and dogs with endocrine disease.
With water we will wash away the past - the elusive promise of redressing water inequalities in post-apartheid South Africa
Bourblanc, Magalie (Water Alternatives Association, 2026)
Water issues in South Africa have been a subject of fascination for numerous scholars around the world. Its ground-breaking National Water Act 36 of 1998 (NWA), promulgated during the democratic political transition, was meant to introduce a complete overhaul of the water sector and ensure access to water for all. In a society haunted by a long legacy of racial discrimination and exploitation, water was deemed to bring about a process of reconciliation. The NWA quickly became one of the cardinal policy reforms of the newly elected African National Congress (ANC). Twenty-five years after its adoption, however, the results are disappointing. While access to drinking water for previously discriminated-against populations was dramatically improved (especially in urban areas), the same cannot be said of access to water for productive use. Indeed, regarding the water allocation reform in rural South Africa, 'water apartheid' is still alive and well. In their accounts of the failure of the reform, scholars often blame politicians and political elites for their supposed lack of willingness to follow up on the intentions of the progressive Act. In the tradition of public policy analysis, I concentrate on the policy side rather than on the politics to explain the failed promise of the water allocation reform. Reviewing the law implementation process, I analyse how policy objectives have been filtered through state departments’ organisational culture and professional routines and operationalised on the ground through technical policy instruments. Ultimately, I shed light on how, despite new political principles and dispensations that claim the contrary, it has been possible to reproduce racial inequality and to further entrench inequalities inherited from the past. I show that this has been done by concealing water grabs from political attention through resorting to discreet policy instruments and practices that obscure the critical question of water sharing.