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Insights into the diversity of ticks and tick-borne parasites from lions (Panthera leo) and cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) in selected conservation facilities in South Africa
Ledwaba, Maphuti Betty; Khumalo, Nozipho; Byaruhanga, Charles; Makgabo, S. Marcus; Mashaba, Tshegofat; Oosthuizen, Marinda C.; Bakkes, Deon; Chaisi, Mamohale E. (Elsevier, 2026-09)
Ticks are known vectors of pathogens affecting animals and humans globally. However, there are gaps in knowledge regarding the diversity of ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) affecting wildlife in South Africa. This study aimed to determine the occurrence, diversity, and distribution of ticks and TBPs in cheetahs and lions from different localities in South Africa using morphological and molecular techniques. Thirty-three blood samples and 94 ticks were opportunistically collected from 30 cheetahs and four lions in 12 conservation facilities. DNA was extracted from 88 ticks and 33 blood samples. Six tick specimens were submitted to the Gertrud Theiler Tick Museum as reference vouchers. The CO1 and 16S rRNA genes were targeted for tick identification, while the 18S rRNA gene was targeted for the identification and characterisation of Apicomplexan parasites (Babesia, Theileria, Hepatozoon spp.). Nine species belonging to the genera Amblyomma, Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, and Rhipicephalus were identified, with Haemaphysalis elliptica (59/94; 62.8%) identified as the most abundant species. Sequencing results for the CO1 and 16S rRNA genes were consistent with the morphological identification, except the CO1 sequence of FEL 09dT, which was morphologically identified as R. afranicus, but clustered between the reference sequences of R. linnaei and R. turanicus. Analysis of the 18S rRNA sequences from host blood and ticks revealed 98–100% similarity with published sequences of Babesia lengau, Hepatozoon felis, Hepatozoon ingwe, Hepatozoon luiperdjie, and uncharacterized Babesia and Hepatozoon species. This study demonstrates that wild carnivores in South Africa harbour diverse tick species and TBPs, most of which have unknown host range, transmission, and pathogenicity. Therefore, further studies are crucial to unravel the risk they may pose to the ecosystem.
Assessing the regulation of blockchain technologies and cryptocurrency in South Africa
Ramatsebe , Mpho Innocentia (University of Pretoria, 2026-07)
Cryptocurrency, a decentralised and convertible form of virtual currency, represents a transformative innovation within the financial technology (hereafter fintech) sector. Built on blockchain infrastructure, cryptocurrencies enable secure, peer-to-peer transactions that challenge traditional financial systems. The rapid growth of fintech and blockchain-based assets has disrupted global finance, compelling regulators and policymakers to reconsider existing legal frameworks. In South Africa, legislation such as the Banks Act 94 of 1990 and the South African Reserve Bank Act 90 of 1989 were established before the advent of blockchain technologies and cryptocurrencies and therefore lack provisions that specifically govern their use. This research examines the applicability of these statutes, along with related legislation, including the Financial Intelligence Centre Act 38 of 2001, Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act 37 of 2002 and the Financial Sector Regulation Act 9 of 2017 to determine how they may be adapted to accommodate blockchain and cryptocurrency regulation. Given the decentralised nature of cryptocurrencies and the absence of global regulatory consistency, this analysis underscores the need for South African financial authorities to modernise existing laws and establish clear governance structures for fintech innovation, ensuring stability while fostering innovation.
Implementing resilience engineering in engineering project teams in South African fast-moving consumer goods manufacturing companies
Singh, A.; Oosthuizen, Rudolph (South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2025-12-12)
ENGLISH : The volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous nature of modern manufacturing, intensified by the Fourth Industrial Revolution and competition, requires resilient systems for safe operations. This study examines resilience engineering in the fast-moving consumer goods sector, emphasising its role in managing safety within complex socio-technical systems. Resilience emerges from management, decision-making, and system participants' actions. A key finding is the limited practical understanding of resilience engineering, highlighting the importance of a learning culture. A conceptual framework links resilience engineering principles to essential organisational cultures, guiding implementation. The paper suggests future research on the application of resilience engineering in African manufacturing sectors.
Factors contributing to the failure of SMMEs in the mining construction sector in the Northern Cape
Pretorius, Suzaan; Carls, L. (South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2025-12-08)
ENGLIH : Small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) play an important role in economic development, employment, and poverty reduction in South Africa. However, SMMEs in the mining construction sector have very high failure rates, particularly in regions such as the Northern Cape, where the mining sector is a prime pillar of the economy. This study investigates the failure of SMMEs, using a case study methodology. It focuses on key factors that could influence the management of these SMMEs. Four propositions are presented, all of which were validated by the findings. Interviews were conducted with 12 SMME owners, and secondary data were obtained from the SMMEs and other external sources. This study aims to contribute to the limited literature on the factors that influence the success of SMMEs in the mining construction sector in developing countries.
Evaluation of a state-owned South African oil refinery's maintenance strategy selection process and its performance effectiveness
Nqandela, A.; Peach, Rina Helena (South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2025-12-08)
ENGLISH : The ageing infrastructure at a state-owned South African petroleum refinery has led to frequent equipment breakdowns and increased downtime, shifting maintenance from preventive to reactive. This study investigates the most suitable maintenance strategy for nitrogen compressors, which are essential for purging and pressurising reactor systems. Using structured questionnaires and analysing the responses through frameworks such as reliability-centred maintenance (RCM), total productive maintenance (TPM), and risk management theory, the study identifies critical maintenance needs, including functionality tests, lubrication, and vibration monitoring. The findings emphasise the value of early failure detection through daily inspections and condition monitoring to support preventive and predictive maintenance approaches. Risk management plays a vital role in strategy selection, with risk assessments guiding the prioritisation of maintenance tasks. The limited application of failure mode, effects, and criticality analysis (FMECA) suggests room for improvement. This research underscores the need for a holistic maintenance approach that integrates proactive practices and risk management, offering a foundation for future studies of advanced maintenance strategies in refineries.