Perspectives, challenges and opportunities for water supply management in Rustenburg: A case study of Tlhabane township

Perspectives, challenges and opportunities for water supply management in Rustenburg: A case study of Tlhabane township

by | Dec 6, 2025 | IJAR 2025

Perspectives, challenges and opportunities for water supply management in Rustenburg: A case study of Tlhabane township

Author: Tsie Omphile Mathope

ISSN: 3078-2821
Affiliations: Walter Sisulu University
Source: International Journal of African Reflections 2025, p. 116-159
https://doi.org/10.47348/IJAR/2025/a7

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Tsie Omphile Mathope
Perspectives, challenges and opportunities for water supply management in Rustenburg: A case study of Tlhabane township
International Journal of African Reflections 2025, p. 116-159

Abstract

Water is perceived to be one of the precious resources that should not be denied to any person; however, without the knowledge and attitude of how to sustain it, water will continue to be in short supply. This study aimed to contribute more knowledge about the perspectives on, the challenges of and the opportunities for water supply management in the Rustenburg Local Municipality, specifically in the township of Tlhabane, a small suburb of the municipality situated in North West province, South Africa. The problems leading to poor water supply and management that are experienced by various local communities were explored, with particular reference to Tlhabane township. A descriptive research design was used in this study and the researcher applied the qualitative research method because the two approaches are best used concurrently. The target population identified to respond to the research questions of this study were the community members of Tlhabane who have been facing great water-supply challenges. A probability sampling method was chosen in this study due to its ability to give every person an equal chance of being selected. A systematic random sampling technique was also used in this study, the researcher having determined a sample size of 300 as being sufficient to represent a subset of the Tlhabane community. The data were gathered by distributing open- and close-ended questionnaires to the community members. In addition, five unstructured interviews were conducted with the municipal staff members in the Directorate of Technical and Infrastructure (the Water Supply Unit). The study’s key findings reveal that the community members of Tlhabane expressed frustration at having unreliable access to water. This has led to a growing reliance on self-supply methods. An ageing water infrastructure (eg, asbestos-cement pipes) has led to frequent pipe leaks and bursts. High levels of water loss have been caused by inadequate pipeline maintenance, leading to community protests as a result of persistent water shortages. Limited financial resources have also hindered water infrastructure maintenance and upgrades. The water distribution infrastructure must be upgraded to reduce leaks and wastage. Public–private partnerships must be strengthened for better water management, community participation must be encouraged in water conservation efforts and alternative water sources such as recycled water and sustainable water-supply strategies must be leveraged. Recommendations are made that can be adopted to ensure good service delivery of water to the Tlhabane community. Once these measures are implemented, it is believed the water-supply problems will be overcome. These recommendations are meant to help the municipality to improve its water services to the community by eradicating water shortages. This will serve to ensure that there is economic well-being, employment, peace and stability in the area.

Perspectives, challenges and opportunities for water supply management in Rustenburg: A case study of Tlhabane township

Production of malted fermented sorghum-based complementary foods to enhance food and nutrition security in Benue, Nigeria

by | Dec 6, 2025 | IJAR 2025

Production of malted fermented sorghum-based complementary foods to enhance food and nutrition security in Benue, Nigeria

Authors: Priscilla M Utoo, Philip Bassey, Afiong Oku and Charles Ariahu

ISSN: 3078-2821
Affiliations: Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State; Department of Community Medicine, University of Calabar, Cross River State; Department of Community Medicine, University of Calabar, Cross River State; Department of Food Science and Technology, Joseph Saarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi
Source: International Journal of African Reflections 2025, p. 160-178
https://doi.org/10.47348/IJAR/2025/a8

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Priscilla M Utoo, Philip Bassey, Afiong Oku and Charles Ariahu
Production of malted fermented sorghum-based complementary foods to enhance food and nutrition security in Benue, Nigeria
International Journal of African Reflections 2025, p. 160-178

Abstract

In Benue, Nigeria, malnutrition continues to be a significant public health concern, affecting mostly infants and young children in the form of impeded growth and development. This study aimed to develop and assess the nutritional quality of malted fermented sorghum-based complementary foods. Soya beans, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes and moringa oleifera leaf powder were sourced locally for the formulations. Individual flours were evaluated for their proximate composition, minerals, vitamins and anti-nutrient content. With the aid of material balancing, four different complementary food samples were formulated to produce 16 g of protein per 100 g sample and they were compared with selected traditional complementary food. The results revealed that treated food samples had improved protein, fibre and mineral content compared to the traditional complementary food. The fat and energy content were highest in the non-malted fermented sorghum-based formulation (4.32 g/100 g and 367.60 kcal/100 g sample, respectively) and the lowest in the traditional complementary food (2.06 g/100 g sample and 358.25 kcal/100 g sample, respectively). Sensory evaluation revealed that, generally, the treated formulations were more acceptable to the panelists. This study demonstrates the potential of malted fermented sorghum-based complementary foods to improve food and nutrition security. From the findings, it can be concluded that it is possible to develop scalable and sustainable interventions to treat malnutrition in Benue and Nigeria.

Last resort or lasting harm? Examining pre-trial detention of children in conflict with the law in Kenya: Advocating for accountability in law enforcement

by | Dec 2, 2025 | SACJ, SACJ V38 I2 2025

ARTICLE

Last resort or lasting harm? Examining pre-trial detention of children in conflict with the law in Kenya: Advocating for accountability in law enforcement

Author: Terry Moraa

ISSN: 1996-2118
Affiliations: LLB (Candidate) at Kabarak University, Kenya
Source: South African Journal of Criminal Justice, Volume 38 Issue 2, p. 189-216
https://doi.org/10.47348/SACJ/v38/i2a1

Abstract

This paper is driven by the desire of the global community to restrain children’s detention to when necessary. The paper addresses the ongoing problem of excessive and prolonged pre-trial detention of children in conflict with the law in Kenya, despite national and international legal standards advocating for detention only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate period of time. Detained for minor offences, like stealing chicken, some children wait up to six months in pre-trial detention often being exposed to violence, stigma and long-term developmental harm. Although the 2010 Kenyan Constitution marked a significant step forward in protecting children’s rights, implementation gaps persist. To interrogate this problem, the paper uses a qualitative legal analysis, drawing on legal instruments, policy documents and case studies to explore how existing laws are applied in practice. It evaluates the extent to which Kenya’s child justice framework aligns with international standards and identifies systemic obstacles within the justice system that undermine child rights protections. The paper finds that while Kenya has a strong legislative foundation for child justice, implementation remains weak. Key recommendations include enforcement of the law, a coordinated child justice system and establishing accountability mechanisms for justice system actors who fail to uphold child protection standards. The study underscores the urgent need to reform the justice system by restoring a coordinated, child-centred approach.

Previous consistent statements in sexual offences in South Africa: Interpreting sections 58-60 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act through their drafting history and relevant case law

by | Dec 2, 2025 | SACJ, SACJ V38 I2 2025

ARTICLE

Previous consistent statements in sexual offences in South Africa: Interpreting sections 58-60 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act through their drafting history and relevant case law

Author: Jamil Ddamulira Mujuzi

ISSN: 1996-2118
Affiliations: LLB (Makerere) LLM (UP) LLM (UFS) LLD (UWC), Professor of Law, Faculty of Law, University of the Western Cape
Source: South African Journal of Criminal Justice, Volume 38 Issue 2, p. 217-244
https://doi.org/10.47348/SACJ/v38/i2a2

Abstract

Section 58 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act requires courts to admit previous consistent statements relating to sexual offences. However, it does not explain the purpose for which those statements should be admitted. Section 59 prohibits courts from drawing an inference from the victim’s delay in reporting a sexual offence. Section 60 abolishes the cautionary rule in cases of sexual offences. Academics and courts have disagreed on the probative value of previous consistent statements. Relying on the drafting history of section 58, the author argues that a previous consistent statement can be admitted to corroborate the complainant’s evidence. The author also argues that there are circumstances in which a previous consistent statement is inadmissible; there are instances in which a court can draw a negative inference from the delay in reporting the sexual offence; and that although the cautionary rule was abolished with regard to sexual offences, courts are still required to treat with caution the evidence of victims of sexual offences who are children or single witnesses.

Sex+Lies+HIV=Rape? Understanding deceptive sex in light of S v Conga

by | Dec 2, 2025 | SACJ, SACJ V38 I2 2025

ARTICLE

Sex+Lies+HIV=Rape? Understanding deceptive sex in light of S v Conga

Author: Mary Nel

ISSN: 1996-2118
Affiliations: BA(Law) LLB LLM LLD (Stell) MPhil (Criminology) (Cantab); Senior lecturer, Department of Public Law, Faculty of Law, Stellenbosch University
Source: South African Journal of Criminal Justice, Volume 38 Issue 2, p. 245-269
https://doi.org/10.47348/SACJ/v38/i2a3

Abstract

On 25 September 2024 Leon Santos Conga, who infected his former partner with HIV, was sentenced to life imprisonment for rape and attempted murder by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court. The basis for the rape conviction was that he deceived his partner into believing that he was HIV-negative, and she would not have had sex with him had she been aware of his HIV-positive status. This is the first HIV-related conviction for rape ‘committed under false pretences or by fraudulent means’ in terms of section 1(3)(c) of SORMA. Using the Conga judgment as a point of departure, this contribution critically examines the current South African legal position on deceptive sex, including the rationale for criminalising deceptive sex as rape, and each element of the crime as affected by HIV-related deception in particular. It concludes that while the Conga ruling may be a legally correct expansion of the application of section 1(3)(c) in principle, there are persuasive policy reasons for not following its approach in future owing to the wider societal cost of criminalising HIV-related deception as rape, including exacerbating stigma against HIV-positive individuals and negative public health ramifications.