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Access status: Open Access ,
Searsia rhemanniana as a potential anticancer agent: Unveiling mechanisms and therapeutic potential
(Central university of technology, 2026) Rampana, Dijeng Euginiah
The increasing global burden of chronic diseases such as cancer and the rise of antimicrobial resistance have intensified the search for novel pharmacologically active compounds from natural sources. This study evaluated the biological activities of crude extracts derived from Searsia rhemanniana, focusing on their cytotoxic, anticancer, genotoxic, and antibacterial properties. Extracts from bark, leaves, and roots were prepared using solvents of varying polarity (dichloromethane, methanol, and water) and tested using in vitro models, including DU145 human prostate cancer cells, HeLa cervical cancer cells, and Vero non-cancerous mammalian cells. Cytotoxicity assays revealed that dichloromethane extracts, particularly those derived from bark and root tissues, exhibited the most potent antiproliferative activity. Similarly, DCM bark and root extracts displayed strong activity against HeLa cells, with IC values ranging from approximately 22. The results show that aqueous bark extract, DCM bark extract, and methanolic leaf extract induce significant increases in micronucleus formation, indicating potential genotoxic effects under in vitro conditions. Methanolic extracts demonstrate the strongest antibacterial activity, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus, with IC values ranging from approximately 60–125 g/mL, while Escherichia coli exhibit higher resistance across extracts. Overall, the findings demonstrate that S.rhemanniana possesses diverse bioactive compounds capable of exerting cytotoxic, anticancer, genotoxic, and antibacterial effects in vitro. The strong antiproliferative activity of DCM bark and root extracts highlights the potential of this species as a source of novel plant-derived anticancer agents. However, the detection of genotoxic responses in certain extracts underscores the need for further phytochemical characterization, mechanistic studies, and in vivo safety evaluations.
Access status: Open Access ,
Investigation of a microbial consortium able to degrade selected emerging pollutants with endocrine-disrupting capabilities from wastewater in Bloemfontein
(Central University of technology, 2025) Qhanya, Lehlohonolo Benedict
Emerging pollutants (EPs) have become a growing environmental concern due to their persistence, ubiquity, and potential to cause adverse ecological and human health effects. Among these, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are of particular interest because of their ability to interfere with hormonal systems. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as atrazine (ATZ), bisphenol A (BPA), 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), and triclosan (TCS) are known to be persistent in the environment and their presence is of global concern. These compounds are often detected in the final effluent of wastewater, indicating the incomplete removal of EDCs. Some wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) utilise wastewater stabilisation ponds (WSPs) that use physical and biological processes to remove EPs. This research aimed to address the identified knowledge gap by investigating the occurrence and persistence of selected EDCs in a wastewater stabilisation system, particularly in two maturation ponds, in Bloemfontein, South Africa, and to determine their biodegradation by the indigenous microorganism consortium. The concentrations of ATZ, BPA, EE2 and TCS in the inflow and outflow of two wastewater maturation ponds (the inflow and the outflow ponds) were quantified by LC-MS/MS. Microbial composition was characterised using next generation sequencing (NGS). The inhibitory effects of these EDCs on microbial community were also investigated by determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). Laboratory enrichment experiments were conducted in mineral salts medium (MSM) inoculated with pond water, with each EDC supplemented at 10 mg/L, incubated at 26°C, and shaken for 35 days. Degradation was monitored over 35 days by LC-MS/MS using peak area (AUC) as a proxy for relative concentration, and microbial growth was tracked through optical density (OD) and colony-forming units (CFU). All four target EDCs were detected in the maturation ponds at variable concentrations. The concentrations of EE2 in the inflow pond ranged from 0.0057 μg/mL to 125.0 μg/mL. Physicochemical variables revealed that pH and TDS influenced the microbial communities in these ponds. Microbial diversity investigated by 16S rRNA sequencing showed the presence of Proteobacteria, the most predominant phylum across the inflow and outflow samples. At the genus level, Flavobacterium and Microcystis were predominant, followed by Dechloromonas and Pseudomonas across the inflow and outflow pond samples. ITS analysis revealed unidentified phyla that accounted for 68.85% of all ASVs, followed by Ascomycota that occurred across the inflow and outflow samples. The inhibitory effects of EDCs on the microbial growth in the wastewater maturation ponds under study were evident. MIC assay results indicated that microbial growth was largely unaffected at lower concentrations (0.1 - 1 μg/mL), with inhibition becoming evident at higher doses (10 - 100 μg/mL). ATZ showed the lowest toxicity, sustaining microbial growth even at 100 μg/mL. BPA exhibited moderate inhibition, with growth declining significantly at 100 μg/mL. EE2 induced marked inhibition between 10 - 100 μg/mL, while TCS demonstrated the highest toxicity, suppressing microbial growth even at concentrations as low as 1 - 10 μg/mL. Maximum optical density (OD600nm) and colony forming units (CFU/mL) of LogOD600nm 0.387, and 1.23 x 107 CFU/mL were observed by Day 35. Microbial growth data confirmed active proliferation, suggesting a potential biological contribution to the reduction in the concentrations of EDCs. Study showed 90% signal reduction within 14 days for EE2 and BPA, while TCS showed only limited removal (66%) relative to controls. A spike in TCS control flasks on Day 35 and an increase in the experimental flasks suggested analytical challenges. A possible interference in MSM matrix with ionisation and recovery of TCS was possible. This study demonstrated that the maturation ponds in the wastewater stabilisation system acted as reservoirs for diverse EDCs and harboured microbial communities with biodegradative potential. The integration of field monitoring, microbial characterisation, and laboratory biodegradation assays highlighted both the promise and challenges of EDC bioremediation. While BPA and EE2 were readily degraded, ATZ remained recalcitrant, and TCS posed both analytical and biological barriers to removal. These findings underscore the importance of coupling environmental assessments with laboratory experiments to fully understand EDC. Future work should refine detection methods and media component interference for triclosan detection, investigate metabolic pathways, and explore the role of microbial consortia in enhancing pollutant removal.
Access status: Open Access ,
Food safety knowledge, practices, and microbial hand hygiene of food handlers in public primary schools in Gaborone Botswana
(Central University of technology, 2025) Masole, Onalethata
Background Foodborne illnesses remain a persistent challenge in Botswana, and schools are particularly vulnerable because many children rely on on-site meals. Despite national food-safety standards, outbreaks linked to poor hygiene and inadequate food-handling practices continue to be reported in school environments. International studies show that food handlers often act as sources of contamination due to insufficient knowledge and poor personal hygiene. Given the scale of Botswana’s school feeding program and the vulnerability of young children to foodborne diseases, there is a critical need to assess whether food safety knowledge and reported practices among school food handlers align with actual behavior and microbial hygiene outcomes. This gap underscores the importance of evaluating both behavioural and microbial indicators to strengthen food safety within school kitchens. Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed involving questionnaires, direct observations, and laboratory analysis of hand swab samples. Seventy-seven food handlers from ten randomly selected schools participated. Quantitative data were analysed using EPI Info 7 and Stata 14, while qualitative observations were thematically analysed. Hand swab samples were cultured on selective chromogenic media, enabling simultaneous detection and differentiation of Escherichia coli and total coliforms. Contamination was categorised as none, low (1–49 CFU), moderate (50–99 CFU), or high (≥100 CFU). Comparative and regression analyses were conducted to explore associations between demographic factors, knowledge, practices, and microbial outcomes. Results: Participants demonstrated high self-reported practice scores (89.37%), moderate knowledge levels (79.7%), and lower observed practice performance (75.75%). Despite strong awareness in areas such as hand hygiene, knowledge gaps persisted, particularly in temperature control: 37.66% of food handlers had misconception that freezing food eliminates or destroy bacteria completely, and only 35.06% recognised the existence of heat-resistant toxins. Only 55.8% had received formal food safety training, and none had undergone HACCP training. Mask usage during food preparation was low (22.08%), and 12.99% indicated willingness to work while ill. Demographic factors, including age, gender, education, employment status, and work experience, were not significantly associated with food safety knowledge (p > 0.05). However, hygiene practice scores were significantly higher among older handlers, those with longer work experience, permanent employees, and individuals with prior food safety training (p < 0.05). Knowledge significantly predicted practice (F(1,75) = 5.29, p = 0.024; R² = 0.066), though the effect was weak. Microbial assessments revealed that E. coli was absent in all 77 samples, while total coliform bacteria were detected in 32.47%. Contamination varied across schools, with School 2 displaying the highest prevalence. Knowledge and practice scores did not significantly predict microbial contamination. However, handwashing technique was strongly associated with contamination levels (χ² (4)=13.53, p=0.009), indicating that specific behavioural competencies rather than general knowledge are most influential in determining microbial outcomes. Conclusion: Although food handlers demonstrated moderate to high knowledge and self-reported practices, substantial behavioural gaps persisted, particularly in temperature control, mask use, and handwashing technique. Demographic characteristics were not reliable predictors of knowledge, though practical experience, employment stability, and training significantly influenced hygiene practices. The absence of E. coli indicates acceptable baseline hygiene, yet the presence of coliforms in one-third of handlers highlights continued risks. These findings emphasise that knowledge alone does not ensure food safety compliance; rather, hands-on training, continuous supervision, improved hygiene infrastructure, and institutional support are essential for strengthening food safety culture in school kitchens and protecting the health of children.
Access status: Open Access ,
Design of a digital mobile radio network for a rail-bound mission-critical wireless network
(Central university of technology, 2025) Nyawose, Nkosinathi Nhlanhla
The migration from analogue to digital communication systems has become a strategic imperative for industries that depend on mission-critical communication (MCC), such as the railway sector. This study investigates the feasibility and implementation of a Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) network as a replacement for the legacy Private Mobile Radio (PMR) analogue infrastructure used in railway MCC. The research evaluates various digital technologies—Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA), Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Digital Mobile Radio (DMR)—through comparative analysis, technical specifications and practical deployment considerations. DMR is identified as the most suitable technology due to its spectrum efficiency, superior voice quality, low power consumption and cost-effectiveness. A pilot DMR site was designed and configured using Wireless Radio Planning (WRAP) simulation software, incorporating link budget calculations, antenna configurations and terrain-based propagation modelling. The pilot site was implemented to validate the simulation outcomes, using a Tait TB9300 repeater, Webb CR400 antenna and Hytera PD785 handheld radio. Measurements focused on key performance indicators, including Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) values ranging from −72 dBm to −119 dBm; harmonic distortion, with second and third harmonic suppression of 56.87 dB and 59.30 dB respectively; and system power efficiency, achieving a 57% reduction in current consumption compared to analogue mode. The results demonstrated close correlation between predicted and actual performance, with a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 2.53%. The DMR system met regulatory requirements, including harmonic suppression thresholds set by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) and the International Telecommunication Union Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R), thereby affirming its technical compliance and operational robustness. This research presents a validated implementation model for adopting DMR in railway communication systems, supporting reliable, scalable and secure voice communication infrastructure for Transnet and other mission-critical applications.
Access status: Open Access ,
The impact of municipal waste disposal facilities on water resources: a case study of the upper Vaal water management area in South Africa
(Central University of technology, 2025) Noe, Herbert Malise
Environmental degradation caused by waste mismanagement is a global problem. For example, open dumping and burning in low-income countries are the primary waste treatment and disposal methods. This chapter compares the waste management policies and technologies used in South Africa with those of developed countries. In addition, the relationship between municipal and integrated solid waste management is explored and the two types are compared. The commitment of the municipality, residents (i.e., the community), businesses, shop-owners, industrial manufacturers, and other waste producers are crucial to achieve a sustainable waste management system starting and ending at disposal. South African municipalities are legally responsible for the removal of waste, but community involvement in waste management has become increasingly relevant, if not critical, if cities and towns in South Africa are to be kept clean and hygienic. This search used three databases to find studies that met the eligibility criteria so that the findings would answer the research questions and achieve some of the objectives.
Access status: Open Access ,
A roadmap for effective digital reporting of on-site construction safety incidents
(Central University of technology, 2026) Nkuna, Nhlanhla
This dissertation determines a roadmap for improving the digital reporting of on-site construction safety incidents, focusing on the barriers and enablers that shape reporting practices. Underreporting remains a critical challenge in the construction industry, often linked to systemic, organisational, and behavioural factors. Using a qualitative multiple case study of three construction-sites in Mangaung, Free State, South Africa, the study examines current reporting practices, explores the potential of digital technologies (DTs), and proposes a structured framework to mitigate underreporting. The findings identify key barriers, including fear of victimisation, weak management commitment, poor communication, language limitations, and low digital literacy. Enablers include supportive leadership, open communication, competent safety officers, user-friendly reporting tools, and regular training. While mobile applications, wearable devices, and other DTs demonstrate potential to improve reporting speed, accuracy, and confidentiality, their uptake is limited by inadequate infrastructure and organisational resistance. To address these challenges, the study proposes a context-specific digital roadmap that integrates theoretical insights with empirical evidence. The roadmap is structured around four interrelated pillars: creating awareness, engaging stakeholders, promoting enablers, and removing barriers. It emphasises multilingual inclusivity, digital literacy development, and cultural alignment as prerequisites for adoption. Advanced technologies such as building information modelling (BIM), augmented and virtual reality (AR & VR), geographic information systems (GISs), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and wearable technologies (WTs) are also incorporated to strengthen proactive hazard management and data quality. The research contributes to both academic and industry knowledge by offering a human centred and evidence-based framework for the digital transformation of construction safety reporting. It concludes that successful digital adoption requires a balance between technological innovation, organisational readiness, and cultural acceptance. If implemented, the roadmap has the potential to enhance transparency, accountability, and safety performance in South Africa and other developing contexts.
Access status: Open Access ,
Environmental and public health impacts of waste in the Free state province
(Central University of technology, 2025) Motaung, Mamello Agnes
Developing countries, including South Africa, continue to face significant challenges in achieving effective and sustainable waste management, despite progressive legislation. Weak institutional capacity, poor enforcement, inadequate infrastructure, and rapid urbanisation contribute to the growing burden of unmanaged waste. In South Africa, these challenges are especially evident in the Free State province, where municipalities struggle to comply with national waste management standards. This study assessed the environmental and public-health impacts of waste exposure among residents living near landfill sites in the province and explored ways to minimise these impacts through a One Health approach, which recognises the interconnection between environmental integrity, human well-being, and animal health. The research adopted a quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional design. Primary data were collected from residents, municipal officials, and waste pickers living near selected landfill sites using structured questionnaires, observational checklists, and field mapping supported by Global Positioning System (GPS) devices. Study sites were purposively selected based on prior evidence of operational deficiencies and exposure risks. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics to determine associations between environmental exposure and reported health outcomes, as well as to capture residents’ perceptions, lived experiences, and coping mechanisms. The findings revealed that most landfill sites in the Free State operate below the minimum standards prescribed by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). Waste loads were largely uninspected and mixed, leading to the indiscriminate disposal of hazardous and general materials such as healthcare waste, e-waste, absorbent hygiene products, and food waste. Open burning, leachate seepage, and vector proliferation were common across sites. Due to inadequate fencing and limited monitoring, school-age children and domestic animals were frequently observed scavenging at landfills for food or reusable items. The study further highlights operational inconsistencies in landfill classification, as several sites continue to accept mixed waste streams, despite the provisions of the Gauteng Pollution Buffer Zones Guidelines. Residential dwellings were found on seven landfill sites (38.9%), and three sites (16.7%) were located within 2 km of water bodies, the closest being approximately 140 m away, posing a substantial risk of water contamination. Sociodemographic analysis showed that most respondents were low-income earners with an average household income of R1 877,85. The majority were unemployed (57.9%), while 32.2% were employed in low-paying jobs, and 19.8% were waste pickers. A significant proportion (62%) engaged at least occasionally in waste picking, while 9.9% relied on social grants or pensions. Most respondents lived in substandard housing, such as shacks (38.8%), Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) houses (29.8%), or backyard dwellings (19%), with limited access to clean water, sanitation and healthcare. The association between limited municipal water access and reliance on wood as a primary energy source was statistically significant (p = 0.026 < 0.05), reflecting poverty-driven adaptive choices. Waste pickers and informal recyclers face heightened occupational hazards due to inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and the absence of occupational health monitoring. The ecological dimension of exposure was also evident: reports of sick or dead livestock and increased rodent and mosquito infestations indicated that waste mismanagement extends beyond human health, threatening both animal health and environmental stability. While 62.8% of respondents had never been hospitalised, 21.5% reported admissions due to illnesses related to poor air quality, pathogen exposure and environmental stressors, primarily respiratory ulcers, bronchitis, diarrhoeal infections and tuberculosis. The association between healthcare visits and disease prevalence (p = 0.004 < 0.05) reinforces the environmental health burden faced by communities near landfill sites. Using the One Health framework, the study demonstrated the interconnectedness of environmental degradation, human ill-health, and animal exposure, all driven by weak waste governance systems. The absence of multi-sectoral monitoring perpetuates cycles of vulnerability and exposure. To address this gap, the study proposed a Digitised Community Awareness and Self-Monitoring Tool (DCASMT), an innovative participatory mechanism for real-time environmental and health monitoring, local reporting, and interdepartmental coordination. This model seeks to enhance accountability, data-driven decision-making, and proactive health responses. The study concludes that waste management in the Free State is both an environmental and public health crisis with deep social-justice implications. The ongoing exposure of vulnerable populations to waste-related hazards constitutes a violation of the constitutional right to a safe and healthy environment. To mitigate these risks, the study recommends: • Revising landfill classifications and strengthening compliance monitoring systems; • Enforcing segregation, treatment, and safe disposal of hazardous waste; • Integrating environmental health surveillance into municipal waste management plans; • Institutionalising the DCASMT as part of a broader One Health implementation strategy; and • Promoting waste diversion in alignment with the waste management hierarchy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By linking environmental quality, public health, and community participation, the study underscores the necessity of multi-level policy coordination and the ethical imperative of protecting both human and ecological health in developing country contexts.
Access status: Open Access ,
The effect of asparagus laricinus fractions on major drug metabolising enzymes – cyp3a4 and 2d6
(Central University of technology, 2025) Morake, Kelebogile Kefilwe
Asparagus laricinus Burch. is a shrub widely used in traditional South African medicine and is known to contain diverse phytochemicals such as flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, alkaloids and terpenoids that may interact with drug-metabolising enzymes. Because nearly 50% and 25% of drugs used in clinical practice are metabolised by CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 respectively – with CYP3A4 being the predominant hepatic form and CYP2D6 showing genetic polymorphism – herbal constituents that inhibit these enzymes may cause clinically significant herb-drug interactions by altering the plasma concentration of concomitant medications. Although the pharmacological activity of A. laricinus has been documented, its possible effect on CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 activity had not previously been studied. The aim of this study was to analyse the phytochemical composition of Asparagus laricinus leaves, evaluate their effects on the major drug-metabolising enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2D6, and to investigate the kinetic profile of these enzymes in the presence of the plant fractions. The crude methanolic leaf extract was fractionated into seven parts (A–I), and qualitative phytochemical screening was performed on each. Phenolic glycosides, flavonoid conjugation and steroidal saponins were identified as possible contributors, tentatively confirmed by LC-MS. Using in-vitro fluorescent-based high-throughput assays, a very strong dose-dependent inhibition of the enzymes was observed. Fraction H showed the highest dual activity (CYP3A4 IC₅₀ = 0.0026 μM; CYP2D6 IC₅₀ = 1.5 μM) in a mixed/non-competitive interaction, while fractions C and E were selective inhibitors of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, respectively. The kinetic profiling supported the presence of potent inhibitory compounds within these fractions. Using in vitro, fluorescent-based, high-throughput assays, a very strong dose-dependent inhibition of the enzymes was observed. Fraction H showed the highest dual %inhibition effect (CYP3A4 % inhibition = 95,84%; CYP2D6 % inhibition = 91.26%) in a mixed/non-competitive interaction, while Fractions C and E were selective inhibitors of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, respectively. The kinetic profiling supported the presence of potent inhibitory compounds within these fractions. Overall, the findings indicate that some A. laricinus fractions contain strong CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 inhibitors, suggesting a potential risk of herb-drug interactions when the plant is used concurrently with medications metabolised by these enzymes. This highlights the importance of pharmacovigilance, particularly in cancer patients who use A. laricinus preparations alongside traditional medicines.
Access status: Open Access ,
Development of a small- to medium-sized resorbable, bone-regenerating scaffold using additive manufacturing
(Central University of technology, 2026) Moletsane, Morakane Gloria
Lithography-based ceramic is a recent additive manufacturing technology for scaffolds with complex geometry and internal structure. This technology opens the possibility of manufacturing custom-made biodegradable bone regeneration scaffolds. All the specimens used in this investigation were made of hydroxyapatite LithaBone HA480 from Lithoz GmbH. This material is an improvement from the previous material HA400 from Lithoz. The manufacturing of HA480 specimens was done on a CeraFab S65 machine with a layer thickness of 25 μm at Lithoz in Vienna, Austria. The other specimens and implant demonstrator were manufactured at the Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (CRPM), South Africa, using the same material and process parameters. The aim of the study was to create a customisable, resorbable three-dimensional porous bone scaffold with controllable degradation and bone regeneration rates by additive manufacturing. Selection of a suitable lattice structure for the study was done through comparing Maxwell’s criteria, porosity and mechanical properties between diamond, rhombic and diagonal lattice structures. The diamond lattice structure was selected because of its Maxwell number indicating a stretch-dominated structure, interconnected pores, and good mechanical properties. The calcium to phosphorus ratio of the HA480 was found to be 1.64±0.21 which was comparable to that of standard hydroxyapatite. Microhardness testing was performed on the solid HA480. Solid HA480 exhibited similar micro-hardness on surfaces parallel (556±25 HV) and perpendicular (559±27 HV) to the build direction. To determine the degradation ability of the material, HA480 diamond lattice structure specimens were immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 1, 7, and 28 days. Biodegradation weight loss results indicated that after 28 days the scaffold degraded by 8.11%. Further investigation regarding biodegradation was done by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) which revealed evidence of material loss for Day 7 with decreased size of the struts. Surface analysis in the SEM on specimens at Day 28 revealed bone-like apatite, which confirmed that HA480 possessed enhanced bioactivity. Compression tests were performed according to the standard ISO 13175-3:2012. A set of ten HA480 diamond lattice structure specimens were compressed until failure to determine the compressive strength for dry, as well as hydrated specimens immersed in SBF for 1 and 28 days. The dry condition compressive strength was 10.7 MPa, while for the hydrated specimens, the compressive strength was 7.59 MPa after 1 day and 3.04 MPa after 28 days. The modulus of elasticity for HA480 was 0.5±0.4 GPa for the dry specimens which was higher than for cancellous bone. For the hydrated specimens after 1 day and 28 days of biodegradation the modulus of elasticity was 0.4±0.1 GPa and 0.6±0.02 GPa, respectively. Specimens of HA480 were sintered and after 28 days were analysed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results were comparable to those of standard hydroxyapatite. The surface roughness of HA480 was measured as Ra = 0.60±0.05 μm which was appropriate for cell attachment. Solid HA480 specimens were seeded with human osteoblast cell line hFOB 1.19 for determining the material’s biocompatibility and cell attachment properties. The fluorescence level results were lower on Day 1, but cell proliferation increased on Day 3, while fluorescence decreased on Days 5 and 7. Optimal cell attachment was observed from Day 1 to Day 7. An implant demonstrator with a diamond lattice structure was designed and printed in HA480 material. The accuracy of the LCM and the biomedical and mechanical properties of the implant demonstrated that the LCM technology can be used to manufacture custom-designed scaffolds for bone regeneration.
Access status: Open Access ,
Assessing health and safety conditions in the buildings at an institution of higher learning in South Africa: a case in the Free State province
(Central University of Technology, 2026) Mokgobo, Mojabeng Vinolia
Higher education institutions (HEIs) in South Africa are mandated to provide safe, hazard-free learning and working environments. Yet, evidence increasingly suggests a gap between legislative requirements and actual safety conditions within campus buildings. This master's study investigated this problem by assessing the health and safety compliance of buildings at a selected institution in the Free State province, identifying prevalent hazards, and determining the factors influencing compliance. The study aimed to evaluate the current state of health and safety conditions, guided by five objectives: identifying compliance-enhancing components, examining occupational hazards, determining factors associated with compliance and non-compliance, assessing compliance levels, and evaluating the effectiveness of existing control measures. An exploratory sequential mixed-method design was employed, incorporating surveys with 372 students and 235 staff, interviews with health and safety professionals, and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) audit checklists across eight buildings. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, regression modelling, and thematic analysis. Findings revealed partial compliance, with buildings scoring between 45% and 67% on checklist assessments. Major deficiencies included expired fire extinguishers, blocked exits, poor ventilation and lighting, weak waste management, and inadequate signage. Students showed low safety awareness: only 22% were trained, and 40.1% had never received safety communication. Staff demonstrated moderate awareness (mean ≈ 3.1/5), yet only 14.5% were fully compliant. Regression analysis showed that institutional support was the strongest predictor of compliance. Interviews highlighted deteriorating infrastructure, weak leadership commitment, fragmented communication, and reactive rather than preventive safety practices. The study concludes that although policies align with national legislation and ISO 45001 principles, implementation remains inconsistent owing to systemic deficiencies in leadership, infrastructure, communication, and resource allocation. Strengthening management accountability, institutionalizing continuous training, improving hazard communication, and adopting a proactive risk-based maintenance system are recommended to achieve sustainable compliance and safer campus environments.