OpenUCT is the open access institutional repository of the University of Cape Town (UCT). It preserves and makes UCT scholarly outputs digitally and freely available, including theses and dissertations, journal articles, book chapters, technical and research reports, as well as open educational resources.
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Open Access
Obstetric fistula in Malawi: preparedness for prevention and management of obstetric fistula
(2026) Jere, Khumbo; Maswime, Salome; Adelowo, Amos
Obstetric fistula remains a severe maternal morbidity in low-resource settings, reflecting persistent inequities in access to timely, safe obstetric care. This doctoral study examines Malawi's preparedness to prevent and manage obstetric fistula using a mixed-methods approach anchored in the Thaddeus and Maine Three Delays Model. Quantitative analysis integrated 2015–16 DHS data, national health facility datasets, and a ten-year surgical audit (n = 2,430 repairs) from the Bwaila Fistula Care Centre. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were applied to model accessibility to antenatal and surgical care, identify service gaps, and assess equity. Findings reveal that while antenatal care attendance is high, disparities persist in timely intrapartum care, surgical availability, and workforce distribution—contributing to the ongoing burden. Rural women face disproportionate geographic barriers, with median travel times exceeding WHO thresholds. Literature and regional evidence indicate a growing proportion of surgically induced high fistulas in comparable settings, underscoring the need for strengthened surgical safety, supervision, and competency-based training in Malawi. Recommendations include decentralised surgical hubs, retention of skilled providers, improved intrapartum monitoring, and integration of fistula prevention into national maternal health programmes. These insights contribute evidence to inform Malawi's 2023–2030 National Fistula Strategy and broader Universal Health Coverage goals.
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Open Access
The role of women in the small-scale fishery sector in South Africa: the case of St Helena Bay
(2026) Iversson, Piazza Tatiana; Sowman, Merle; Daya, Shari
Small-scale fisheries are a cornerstone of coastal livelihoods, food security, and cultural heritage worldwide, supporting millions of people and contributing significantly to global fish production. These fisheries are inherently diverse, involving a wide range of activities from harvesting and processing to marketing of the catch. However, the contributions of women in small-scale fisheries remain largely invisible within mainstream narratives, policies, plans and development initiatives. Across the globe, and in South Africa, women play critical roles that often extend beyond traditional value chain activities, including leadership in community networks, advocacy for sustainable practices, and informal resource management. Despite this, their efforts are frequently under recognised, undervalued, and they are largely excluded from decision-making processes. This research explored the different roles and contributions of women in all aspects of the St Helena Bay small-scale fisheries sector, moving beyond the conventional view of women's involvement as confined to pre- and post-harvest activities. Employing a gendered lens and grounded in qualitative fieldwork, the study adopted a case study approach and used semi structured interviews to gather in-depth insights. A total of 17 women involved in various parts of the small-scale fisheries value chain were interviewed. The research examined the factors that influence their full participation in the sector and considered pathways for enhancing gender equity in the small-scale fisheries sector. In St Helena Bay, women engage in diverse roles that traverse the traditional fisheries value chain. Beyond their involvement in pre-harvest preparation and post-harvest processing, women serve as caregivers, leaders, knowledge holders and custodians of the ocean. Despite these multifaceted contributions, women face systemic challenges such as marginalisation, economic precarity, and inadequate representation in policy and decision-making processes. These realities underscore the need for a nuanced understanding of their vital contributions to the sector and a reimagining of their position within the fisheries value chain. The findings reveal that women play a critical role in the fisheries value chain and their contributions are integral not only to the sustainability and resilience of small-scale fisheries but also to their broader socio-economic fabric of their community. However, they face significant challenges including economic hardships, limited support from government, onerous permitting conditions, and no social protection. This study underscores the urgent need for inclusive governance and targeted support mechanisms that recognise and enhance the contributions of women in fisheries. By reimagining the value chain through a gender-inclusive perspective, this research recommends pathways that could enhance gender equity in small-scale fisheries in St Helena Bay and more broadly, in South Africa.
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Open Access
Exploring South African public higher education students' digital beyond-the-classroom practices: a collective case study of ten Chinese foreign language learners
(2026) Futcher, Jarryd; Mayisela, Thabisa; Govender, Shanali
Ubiquitous technologies and networked applications have created new digital language learning opportunities that extend beyond traditional classroom settings. These opportunities enable "digital beyond-classroom" (DBC) language learning practices—activities that occur in semi-formal and informal digital contexts outside conventional educational environments. This study adopts a social practices approach to examine students' DBC practices, focusing on how learner intentions, digital settings, and available resources create contexts that shape the language and literacy learning experiences. This study addresses tensions and taken-for- granted assumptions on the use of technology for self-directed learning within the context of Chinese foreign language (CFL) research. From an interpretivist paradigm and adopting a case study design (including the use of an online semi-structured questionnaire and semi-structured interviews), this study explores the DBC practices of a purposive, convenience sample of 10 participants who studied CFL at three South African, public higher education institutions. The data was analysed inductively in relation to the research question, “How do students from public higher education institutions in South Africa engage in digital beyond-classroom practices to support their Chinese foreign language learning?”. The findings reveal a variety of beyond-classroom practices which, using a thematic analysis approach, generated two themes: beyond-classroom practices for language learning and beyond-classroom practices for everyday use purposes. Using Benson's (2011) LBC framework (i.e., location, formality, pedagogy, and locus of control), a significant finding is that students fluidly switched between digital and physical modes based on their evolving perceptions of which best supported their learning goals and practical applications of the language. Additionally, the technical, cognitive, and social-emotional dimensions of Mayisela's (2019) digital literacy practices supported identifying digital literacies and the entanglement between students' intentions (for language learning or everyday purposes), perceived digital affordances, community culture, and identities. The study concludes that CFL learners' DBC practices mediated means to develop language skills, cultural knowledge and foreign language (FL) learner identities in complex and entangled ways. These findings provide educators, instructional designers and learners insights into how certain digital practices may support FL learning. Finally, the study recommends that future research consider critical ecological and postdigital approaches to researching language learners' literacy practices in a postdigital world.
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Open Access
An action research approach to developing a recognition of prior learning framework for postgraduate studies in emergency medicine
(2026) Groome, Debbie Jane; Cunningham, Charmaine
Vocational learning has been key to developing South Africa's emergency medical services workforce. However, the National Qualifications Framework introduced in 1995 replaced vocational learning systems with standardised qualifications. While the framework supports recognition of prior learning (RPL) as a pathway to access higher education, its primary focus remains on undergraduate programmes. This creates potential challenges for vocational paramedics transitioning to postgraduate studies. Addressing systemic barriers and fostering equitable access for these learners is critical to promoting diversity and inclusion within academic and professional domains. This research adopted a social constructivist approach embedded in Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory, with an indirect participatory action research methodology. The study examined the support needs of vocational paramedics, admitted to postgraduate study at the University of Cape Town (UCT) through the RPL process, during their year of study. Methods: The research aim was addressed via four studies, each building on the other. Study one was a descriptive literature review, and study two entailed sequential mixed methodology research that included the quantitative analysis of learning styles and academic performance. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to capture the lived experiences of RPL candidates. The results were used to design study three, which included three participatory action cycles, culminating in study four, the development of a contextual support framework. The research was conducted between 2021 and 2023, with ethical approval from the Human Research Ethics Committee and the Department of Student Affairs at the UCT. Results: The RPL process validated the knowledge and skills vocational paramedics had gained through work and life experiences. The results indicated that RPL candidates demonstrated academic performance comparable to those admitted through traditional pathways. However, the findings suggested that their vocational learning background did not adequately prepare them for the institutional and technological aspects of postgraduate study. Personal motivation and peer and familial support emerged as enablers, while institutional culture and technological challenges were identified as barriers during the thematic analysis. The first action cycle introduced a tutor support programme available to all learners, providing additional support. This informed the second action cycle, which implemented a Tutor Student Charter to establish clear expectations and boundaries. The final action cycle focused on examining learners' engagement with university resources. The findings of the three studies contributed to the development of a support framework designed to bridge the gap between vocational learning and academic expectations. Conclusion: The aim of this research was achieved. Four interconnected studies demonstrated that while RPL candidates exhibited strong academic potential, they faced challenges navigating academic and institutional environments. By exploring vocational paramedics' experiences transitioning into postgraduate programmes, the research highlights RPL's transformative role in promoting equitable and inclusive access to higher education. Through the development of the Bridge-Scaffold Support Framework, the study offers a conceptual model designed to bridge the gap between vocational learning and academic demands. Contributing to the broader discourse on vocational learning and adult education, this research positions RPL as a mechanism for advancing educational equity. However, the findings emphasise that successful transitions require more than institutional access; they demand systemic strategies that integrate learner-centred support and foster collaborative practice.
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Open Access
Contextual factors influencing the adoption of social media marketing by SMEs in the tourism industry of Saudi Arabia
(2026) Alhaidari, Nawal Nasser; Chigona, Wallace
Problem statement: Social media has proved itself a valuable tool for personal connections and as a vital resource for small and medium enterprises. Small and medium enterprises increasingly recognise the importance of social media as a powerful marketing tool. Despite the surge in social media adoption and significant investments in the Saudi Arabian tourism sector, small and medium enterprises in Saudi Arabia lack the knowledge and skills on how best to use social media marketing. While studies on social media in the tourism sector are expanding in scope and depth, the exploration of social media marketing adoption by small and medium enterprises is still in its infancy. There is a gap in comprehension regarding how contextual factors influence and shape social media marketing adoption by small and medium enterprises in Saudi Arabia. It is vital to understand the influence that contextual factors have on social media marketing adoption by SMEs. Purpose of the study: The primary objective of this study was to identify and categorise the contextual factors that influence the adoption of social media marketing by small and medium enterprises within the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia. The study not only demonstrated but also analysed the influence of contextual factors on social media marketing by small and medium enterprises. The study offers insights into how small and medium enterprises in the Saudi Arabian tourism industry are currently adopting social media for marketing, and the way they are identifying their specific marketing objectives on these platforms. Research methodology: This research followed a subjectivist approach and employed an exploratory methodology within an interpretivist paradigm to interpret and understand the nuances of the contextual factors and the way they influence the adoption of social media marketing by small and medium enterprises within the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia. The conceptual model has been developed with guidance from institutional theory and sensitising concepts from the reviewed literature. This framework formed the conceptual foundation of the study, which was qualitative in nature and employed semi-structured interviews with owners of small and medium enterprises in the Saudi Arabian tourism sector. This researcher used semi-structured interviews, observations, and document reviews to collect information. The participants from small and medium enterprises in Saudi Arabia were chosen using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The data collected was analysed using the thematic analysis method. Key findings: The study revealed that small and medium enterprises within the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia primarily employ social media platforms for communication, market research, interaction, and for creating marketing content to achieve their social media objectives. It was found that the social media marketing objectives of participating small and medium enterprises included building brand awareness, enabling advertising and promotions, competitor monitoring, engaging with targeted audiences, establishing legitimacy, and driving website traffic. The findings however showed that there were contextual factors influencing social media marketing adoption by small and medium enterprises within the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia. The findings revealed various contextual factors, namely coercive pressure, mimetic pressure, normative pressure, resource-facilitating conditions, technology-facilitating conditions, and the global pandemic, which influenced the adoption of social media marketing by owners of small and medium enterprises. Contribution: The current study offers significant contributions to knowledge, theory, and practice. First, it puts forward theoretical propositions detailing how contextual factors influence the adoption of social media marketing by Saudi Arabian small and medium tourism enterprises. The findings offer valuable insights that can be applied to similar contexts in other developing countries. The integration of the study and institutional theory alongside sensitising concepts from the reviewed literature is a noteworthy theoretical advancement, providing a unique perspective on the contextual factors for social media marketing from an information systems research standpoint. Additionally, the research provides practical guidelines for small and medium enterprises in the tourism industry to use social media platforms effectively. These practical insights can be particularly useful for small and medium enterprises aiming to build a good social media presence. The study found how social media contributes to marketing and the way it bolsters efforts to promote ongoing, strategic marketing among Saudi small and medium enterprises. This aligns with the greater goal of enhancing social media use effectively and strategically for marketing, in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030.