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Implementing mother tongue based bilingual education through translanguaging in multilingual classrooms: a systematic review
(Society for Research and Knowledge Management, 2025) Ngubane, Siphesihle Pearl; Ngwenya, Emmanuel Themba
Mother-tongue based bilingual education (MTBBE) and translanguaging have received increased attention in recent years. MTBBE has been widely recognized as an asset in early grades to improving learning outcomes and linguistic equity in multilingual contexts. However, its implementation often faces challenges related to teacher preparedness, complex linguistic realities of classrooms, and public attitude. Translanguaging, which leverages learnersโ full linguistic repertoire, has also emerged as a promising pedagogical strategy to enhance MTBBE since it promotes fluid language use in multilingual context. However, a concern is that research on MTBBE implementation and translanguaging approaches has not addressed the complex issues of multilingual classrooms. This systematic literature review draws on empirical studies on pilot projects on MTBBE and translanguaging in South Africa (SA). Using a PRISMA guideline for systematic literature review, this study reveals the current state of MTBBE implementation in pilot schools across the country and highlights the benefits of translanguaging in the implementation of MTBBE in multilingual classrooms. A data search of MTBBE and translanguaging between 2015 and 2025 was conducted to address this area of interest. This systematic literature review synthesizes the state of implementation of MTBBE in pilot schools and in multilingual classrooms using translanguaging, to inform the educational stakeholders about the implications of the implementation of MTBBE using translanguaging approaches and contribute to the growing body of knowledge in multilingual context by offering insights from educators and the public on the implementation of MTBBE.
Psychometric properties of an adapted work-family boundary management tactics scale
(AOSIS, 2025) Delport, Marthinus
๐ข๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป: Current workplace trends are characterised by the continuous integration of technology and the seamless traversal between work and home domains. This has complicated the workโlife interface, resulting in boundary management challenges.
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ต ๐ฝ๐๐ฟ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ฒ: The purpose of this article was to validate the 12-item workโfamily boundary management tactics scale (WFBMT) within the South African context.
๐ ๐ผ๐๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐ฑ๐: Owing to the increased interest in boundary management behaviours, there is a critical need to validate measurement scales that can be used to operationalise such behaviours. Very few scales currently exist in this regard, with limited empirical evidence.
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ต ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต/๐ฑ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ป ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐บ๐ฒ๐๐ต๐ผ๐ฑ: The study used a quantitative cross-sectional research design. A non-probability sample (N = 521) was drawn from five higher education institutions representing typical knowledge workers. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to investigate the psychometric properties of the scale.
๐ ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป ๐ณ๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด๐: The results demonstrated acceptable goodness-of-fit for the proposed factor structure. Adequate convergent and discriminant validity were achieved. A moderately dominant general factor emerged, although more than half (51.27%) of the explained common variance was attributed to the first-order factors. Scalar invariance was obtained between male and female respondents and between designated and non-designated group employees.
๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น/๐บ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฎ๐น ๐ถ๐บ๐ฝ๐น๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐: The WFBMT represents a reliable and valid measurement to operationalise boundary enactment behaviours in the South African context.
๐๐ผ๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฏ๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป/๐๐ฎ๐น๐๐ฒ-๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฑ: As far as could be ascertained, the study provides the first empirical evidence of the validity and measurement invariance of the WFBMT scale on a South African sample.
Tienuur maak die deure oop ('n toekoms tragi-komedie)
(1986) Fourie, Pieter
Witchcraft in Ga-Rankuwa Township: an African perspective
(Noyam Publishers, 2025) Kimpinde, Mwansa Claude
This study explored the cultural and social significance of witchcraft beliefs and practices in Ga-Rankuwa Township, South Africa, through an African perspective. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research combined academic literature, ethnographic research, and community engagement to provide a comprehensive understanding of witchcraft as a complex phenomenon. The findings revealed that witchcraft operates at the intersection of traditional beliefs, social dynamics, and spiritual worldviews, significantly influencing community interactions and individual behaviours. Discussions highlight how these beliefs shape social relationships, conflict resolution, and coping mechanisms within the community. Based on the insights gained, the study recommends fostering open dialogues within the community to address misconceptions about witchcraft and promote understanding between traditional beliefs and modern perspectives. This research contributes to scholarship by offering a nuanced understanding of witchcraft in contemporary African contexts, emphasizing its relevance in social and cultural dynamics. It also highlights the importance of integrating traditional beliefs into broader discussions on mental health and community well-being, thereby enriching the discourse on spirituality and social cohesion in African societies.
Evaluating the impact of poor-quality governance in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in the Free State Province
(University of the Free State, 2024) Holeni, Rifumuni Bridget; Cloete, Pringle
In South Africa, Local Government was established as the third sphere of government with a mandated function of administering and providing basic services to all citizens, governed by specific legislative frameworks and regulations designed to ensure good governance practices. Despite these prescripts and guidelines, it was noted that the widespread occurrence of poor governance practices within Local Government had significantly hindered the ability to function effectively, leading to negative consequences for Local Government, citizens and the country.
Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of poor-quality governance within the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM) in the Free State Province of South Africa. The literature review examined the factors and challenges that contribute to poor governance and its implications for MMM and the provision of service delivery.
In addition, the study concentrated on a desk-based research method that utilised qualitative and quantitative secondary data. MMM has encountered substantial governance challenges marked by leadership instability, rapid urbanisation, corruption, inefficiency and lack of transparency. These challenges have resulted in inadequate service delivery, financial
instability within the Municipality, and widespread distrust among citizens toward municipal authorities.
The analysis revealed a direct correlation between the quality of governance and the quality of the output, which is service delivery. The findings presented a concerning view of an organisation that is not fully functional and fails to comply with the key principles of good governance, as outlined by the legal framework for Local Government and good governance metrics. The findings of the study revealed that poor governance practices in MMM have led to ineffective policy implementation, financial instability, the absence of performance management systems, unethical behaviour, institutional inefficiencies, and inadequate cooperative governance. Additionally, the study emphasised the lack of community participation, which has caused growing dissatisfaction and a loss of faith in municipal governance. This erosion of trust is reflected in the increase in protests.
The findings of the study further revealed that the impact of poor governance extends beyond MMM to affect the entire country. Poor governance has left MMM in a fragile financial state, resulting in an unstable liquidity position that prompted Moody's to downgrade MMMโs rating in August 2019. MMM is also grappling to fulfil its short-term obligations and manage
the expenses associated with the delivery of service. Additionally, poor governance has resulted in a decline in municipal revenue collection, rising debt levels, and unsatisfactory audit outcomes.
Considering the findings, the researcher recommended strategic actions to improve governance within MMM. These encompass the professionalising of Local Government, implementing robust anti-corruption measures, strengthening financial oversight and sustainability, increasing community involvement in decision-making, conducting capacity building initiatives for municipal staff, and leadership evolution to effectively implement good governance practices.
The study concluded by suggesting that addressing the factors and challenges leading to poor governance in MMM could pave the way for implementing good governance, restoring public confidence, improving service delivery, and promoting sustainable economic growth in Mangaung. Furthermore, good governance could contribute to sustainable development
by aligning with the NDP 2030 goals, positioning South Africa to become a capable and developmental state.
Assessment of the LLB programme of the Faculty of Law (University of the Free State) as perceived by alumni and employers
(University of the Free State, 2008) Pelser, Andrรฉ; Botes, Lucius; van Rooyen, Deidrรฉ
Table A portrays a breakdown of the outcome of the fieldwork. Quite a large proportion of the telephone numbers (28.6%) were faulty or did not exist. Furthermore, 29.3% of the numbers just rang or were on voicemail. Another 1.9% of the alumni were not employed, or were still studying and could therefore not complete the questionnaire. In the end, a total of 156 questionnaires were completed. It is quite clear that the University-based contact details (of the originally registered LLB students) get easily outdated. An alumni association could thus assist in maintaining and regularly updating a data base of contact details of alumni (See responses on an alumni association in Figure 7 and Figure 8).
Fourteen well-trained research assistants/ fieldworkers, capable of conversing fluently in several languages, conducted telephonic interviews from the offices of the CDS. The racial divide was kept in mind โ i.e. black respondents were interviewed by black fieldworkers. A standard fieldwork training manual was used and the fieldworkers were trained on all aspects of the questionnaire. The questionnaire was available in English and Afrikaans (See Annexure 1).
At the end of every interview, respondents were asked to give the details of their immediate line manager / supervisor. These details were then used to develop a database in order to contact the responsible line heads or supervisors. Many of the alumni did not feel comfortable to give these details, while others were self-employed. The details for a total of 114 line heads were obtained. These respondents were also contacted, and a total of 44 interviews were completed. Several supervisors / line heads (27,2%) were too busy or refused to participate in the study. Furthermore, 18,4% of the supervisors / line managers were either on leave, or the contact details were faulty.
Behaviour analysis of households selected for participation in a load-management pilot programme
(University of the Free State, 2010) Pelser, Andrรฉ; van Rooyen, Deidrรฉ; Botes, Lucius
This report stems from an initiative by Eskom Research to investigate the viability of new technology that will allow the power utility to limit the power supply to individual households during peak and off-peak time periods, rather than resorting to all-out blackouts. It is believed that the new technology will enable residential consumers to control their energy consumption in order to assist Eskom the better to manage the load on the national grid during high-demand periods. In a first step to assess the effectiveness of the Utility Load Manager (ULM), Eskom Research initiated a pilot programme in Gauteng Province.
The Centre for Development Support (CDS) at the University of the Free State was commissioned to monitor both the experiences and the behavioural change of the pilot population regarding the installation of a ULM in selected households. This document mainly reports on the findings of two primary surveys โ briefly referred to as the benchmark and the monitor surveys - among a sample of residential electricity consumers who participated in the said pilot programme. The surveys were built on a similar survey conducted in April 2008 among a limited sample of electricity consumers as part of the field trial of the load-limiter device and display. During the 2009-2010 roll-out of the load management pilot programme, a third (secondary) survey was also conducted amongst a sample of non-participants, i.e. households who, though invited to participate in the programme, declined to do so. The purpose of this survey was to capture and document the reasons for failing to take part in the pilot programme. The findings of this survey are reported in Section 5 of this report.
The two primary surveys set the following aims: (i) to profile the energy-consumption patterns of the selected households to serve as a benchmark for tracking future behavioural change in this regard; (ii) to document the experience and perceptions of the selected households following the installation and use of the ULM; (iii) to determine the confidence levels amongst the selected households pertaining to their adaptation to, and usage of, the display; (iv) to identify any significant correlations between the cultural and socio-economic characteristics of the sampled population, on the one hand, and their adaptation to and usage of the display, on the other; and, (v) to identify any requirements in respect of education that might be necessary to strengthen the abilities of electricity consumers to operate the device.
Socio-legal reflections on Zimbabweโs Lithium Industry: the role of public participation in Resource Governance and Environmental Justice
(Academy of Science of South Africa, 2025) Mutlokwa, Hoitsimolimo; Okoloise, Chairman
Zimbabwe has one of the largest lithium deposits in Africa. As the world strives to decarbonise and to relinquish energy sources that produce harmful emissions, the demand for lithium is rising to astronomical levels. Zimbabwe's lithium is a prime target for the producers of lithium-ion batteries used in electric cars, smartphones, laptops, and solar panels for domestic use. However, Zimbabwe's law and mining policy need to include measures to ensure that citizens properly participate in and profit from its extractive activities, including the mining of lithium. Outdated mining legislation and past experience show that the exploitation of a resource can be a curse in Zimbabwe, as in the smuggling of diamonds and the sequestration of the wealth generated by gold mining to only a few individuals. Public participation in decision-making in the lithium industry is a scarce commodity, and it is generally expected that a repeat of the catastrophic circumstances of Zimbabwean gold and diamond mining is likely to be seen in the lithium industry. This article examines the social implications of the lack of effective regulation of Zimbabwe's lithium industry. It assesses Zimbabwe's current decision to ban raw lithium exports and answers the question whether this has positive social implications for communities that live near lithium deposits.ER -
Protecting the rights of children in conflict with the law in South Africa: the Law versus the Practice
(University of the Free State, 2024) Leeuw, Tembisa; Mubangizi, John
This study examines the protection of children's rights in conflict with the law in South Africa, highlighting the discrepancies between legal provisions and practical implementation. It acknowledges that children, defined as individuals under 18, possess varying degrees of cognitive maturity and are often influenced by their environments, which may lead to unlawful behaviour. Despite constitutional guarantees and international standards aimed at safeguarding their rights, significant challenges remain in their treatment within Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCCs). The research explores historical contexts, the evolution of child justice policies, and the conditions faced by children in detention, emphasising the need for humane treatment and rehabilitation. It investigates the roles of various stakeholders, including Child and Youth Care Workers (CYCWs), in ensuring that children's rights are honoured and their developmental needs are met. Through a critical analysis of existing frameworks and practices, this study aims to identify gaps and propose recommendations for enhancing the protection and rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law, ultimately advocating for a more rights-based approach in the South African legal system.
South Africa's population includes a significant number of children, many of whom encounter the law. The Constitution emphasises children's rights, particularly those in conflict with the law, but implementation remains a challenge. Historical context highlights the transition from punitive measures to a focus on rehabilitation. Despite constitutional protections, many face inadequate treatment in detention settings.
CYCCs aim to rehabilitate children awaiting trial or sentencing but often fall short in providing safe environments. Issues include overcrowding and inadequate psychological support, leading to further rights violations. CYCWs play a crucial role in supporting the development of children in care. Their responsibilities include providing emotional and psychological support, but challenges persist in their training and resources. The key legislative frameworks safeguarding childrenโs rights include the Child Justice Act and the Children's Act, which align with international human rights standards. However, gaps exist between legislation and practice, leading to continued human rights violations.
The extent and scope of procedural fairness under legality review
(University of the Free State, 2023) Sejaphala, Lehumo; Brand, Danie
The prevailing view in administrative law scholarship concerning the relationship between the ๐๐ณ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ ๐ฐ๐ง ๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ช๐ฏ๐ช๐ด๐ต๐ณ๐ข๐ต๐ช๐ท๐ฆ ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ช๐ค๐ฆ ๐๐ค๐ต (hereafter โPAJAโ)ยน and the principle of legality over the last decade has been that these two mechanisms for review of public conduct should not be used interchangeably and that instead, they should be applied separately, within each of their scopes of application. In other words, the prevailing view maintains that PAJA and its grounds of review must be exhausted first before resort can be had to the principle of legality โ which serves as a safety net to catch all exercises of public power which fall outside the purview of PAJA.ยฒ Indeed, this is not just the prevailing view but a constitutional injunction occasioned by amongst others, the principle of subsidiarity which serves to give impetus to the doctrine of the separation of powers.ยณ This notwithstanding, a thorough reading of administrative law cases since the enactment of PAJA shows that the courts have not maintained this constitutionally ordained PAJA and legality review distinction consistently. There are indeed cases in which our courts have imported procedural fairness (a separate ground of review under PAJA) into the legality review. However, it is still not clear as to when and under what circumstances a reviewing court will subject public conduct (not administrative in nature, and therefore not subject to PAJA), to procedural fairness as seemingly subsumed into the principle of legality. Against this backdrop, I ask in this dissertation what the unintended consequences of this prevailing approach have been. Second to that, I ask whether the prevailing view has not resulted in the development/broadening of legality as a ground for the review of โnon-administrativeโ public conduct. And most significantly, whether our courts have managed to develop a cogent substantive approach to the question of whether or not in a given case of legality review, procedural fairness should apply.