A Disease of Privilege? Social Representations in Online Conversations about Covid-19 amongst some South Africans during lockdown
- Sitto, Karabo, Lubinga, Elizabeth
- Authors: Sitto, Karabo , Lubinga, Elizabeth
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Social representations , Socio-economic inequalities , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/459643 , uj:40873 , Citation: Sitto, K. & Lubinga, E. 2020. A Disease of Privilege? Social Representations in Online Conversations about Covid-19 amongst some South Africans during lockdown.
- Description: Abstract: Responses by South Africans to communication from their government about the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown and proposed courses of action for containment have highlighted previously incommunicable socio-economic inequalities pervading access to healthcare. Government’s reaction in a bid to stem the Covid-19 global pandemic, though slow at commencement, has often been swift and decisive with regular briefings by ministerial clusters and the presidency in collaboration with various experts, displaying apparent transparency and ease of comprehension for audiences. However, there have arisen a range of oft-negative responses by citizens such announced courses of action, often based on representations of who the face of the virus is and in turn influencing their responses to government’s courses of action. A Social Representation approach was followed, with focus on citizen representations made regarding the spread of the Covid-19 virus, arising social representations and potential health communication consequences. The PEN-3 cultural model on health beliefs and actions presents a cultural yet contextual understanding of public health and health promotion by predicting people’s behaviour within their immediate environment. Social representations in reaction to initial news of the virus were those of a disease of those ‘lucky’ enough to be well-travelled and those privileged i.e. not the majority of South Africa, especially not black people...
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sitto, Karabo , Lubinga, Elizabeth
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Social representations , Socio-economic inequalities , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/459643 , uj:40873 , Citation: Sitto, K. & Lubinga, E. 2020. A Disease of Privilege? Social Representations in Online Conversations about Covid-19 amongst some South Africans during lockdown.
- Description: Abstract: Responses by South Africans to communication from their government about the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown and proposed courses of action for containment have highlighted previously incommunicable socio-economic inequalities pervading access to healthcare. Government’s reaction in a bid to stem the Covid-19 global pandemic, though slow at commencement, has often been swift and decisive with regular briefings by ministerial clusters and the presidency in collaboration with various experts, displaying apparent transparency and ease of comprehension for audiences. However, there have arisen a range of oft-negative responses by citizens such announced courses of action, often based on representations of who the face of the virus is and in turn influencing their responses to government’s courses of action. A Social Representation approach was followed, with focus on citizen representations made regarding the spread of the Covid-19 virus, arising social representations and potential health communication consequences. The PEN-3 cultural model on health beliefs and actions presents a cultural yet contextual understanding of public health and health promotion by predicting people’s behaviour within their immediate environment. Social representations in reaction to initial news of the virus were those of a disease of those ‘lucky’ enough to be well-travelled and those privileged i.e. not the majority of South Africa, especially not black people...
- Full Text:
An adoption model of mHealth applications that promote physical activity
- Ndayizigamiye, Patrick, Kante, Macire, Shingwenyana, Shalati
- Authors: Ndayizigamiye, Patrick , Kante, Macire , Shingwenyana, Shalati
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: mHealth , South Africa , Physical activity
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/450316 , uj:39579 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/23311908.2020.1764703 , Citation: Ndayizigamiye, P., Kante, M. & Shingwenyana, S. 2020. An adoption model of mHealth applications that promote physical activity.
- Description: Abstract: Physical activity is one of the ways to promote a healthy and balanced life. There is growing evidence that physical activity can be promoted through the use of mHealth applications. However, the adoption of such applications is influenced by many factors. This study investigates these factors and the relationship among them to propose a model for the adoption of mHealth applications that promote physical activity. The study has adopted two theoretical lenses as the guiding frameworks, namely the Diffusion of Innovation Theory and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Data has been collected from a convenient sample of 140 respondents from South Africa, using a survey questionnaire. The Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) has been used to assess the proposed model. The results have revealed that awareness, effort expectancy, social influence and behavioural intention explain 35.3% of the variance of the use behaviour towards adopting mHealth applications that promote physical activity in South Africa. Hence, this study recommends that any...
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ndayizigamiye, Patrick , Kante, Macire , Shingwenyana, Shalati
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: mHealth , South Africa , Physical activity
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/450316 , uj:39579 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/23311908.2020.1764703 , Citation: Ndayizigamiye, P., Kante, M. & Shingwenyana, S. 2020. An adoption model of mHealth applications that promote physical activity.
- Description: Abstract: Physical activity is one of the ways to promote a healthy and balanced life. There is growing evidence that physical activity can be promoted through the use of mHealth applications. However, the adoption of such applications is influenced by many factors. This study investigates these factors and the relationship among them to propose a model for the adoption of mHealth applications that promote physical activity. The study has adopted two theoretical lenses as the guiding frameworks, namely the Diffusion of Innovation Theory and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Data has been collected from a convenient sample of 140 respondents from South Africa, using a survey questionnaire. The Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) has been used to assess the proposed model. The results have revealed that awareness, effort expectancy, social influence and behavioural intention explain 35.3% of the variance of the use behaviour towards adopting mHealth applications that promote physical activity in South Africa. Hence, this study recommends that any...
- Full Text:
Developing a scale for measuring influential factors towards geotourism development
- Matshusa, Khodani, Thomas, Peta, Leonard, Llewellyn
- Authors: Matshusa, Khodani , Thomas, Peta , Leonard, Llewellyn
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Kruger National Park , South Africa , Geotourism
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/457383 , uj:40583 , Citation: Matshusa, K., Thomas, P. & Leonard, L., 2020, ‘Developing a scale for measuring influential factors towards geotourism development’, Acta Commercii 20(1), a861. https://doi.org/10.4102/ ac.v20i1.861 , ISSN: (Online) 1684-1999
- Description: Abstract: Orientation: This article provided a theoretical enhancement for geotourism development positing the geotourism development index that contributed to gaining understanding of geotourism development by different stakeholders. Research purpose: To establish and delineate a measurement scale of factors and subsequent variables that influenced geotourism development. Motivation for this study: Geotourism has been recognised as a branch of sustainable tourism that can be used for local social sustainability through job creation, poverty alleviation, geoconservation and the development of rural economies. Effective geotourism was impossible without understanding the factors influencing geotourism development. Developing the measurement scale for measuring influential factors was deemed important in understanding and towards geotourism development. Research design, approach and method: Quantitative data were collected from 105 volunteering respondents in order to understand their perceptions of the influential factors in the context of geotourism in a South African national park. Consequently, a statistical analysis using exploratory factor analysis was performed through the principal axis factoring data extraction method to determine factors to establish a measurement scale for influential factors towards geotourism development. Main findings: The research proposed a measurement scale for measuring the influential factors towards geotourism development. Practical/managerial implications: Theoretically, this article consolidated the knowledge and understanding of the concept of geotourism development for South African national parks and other stakeholders such as the National Department of Tourism, local communities and academic institutions. Practically, this research emphasised the importance of geotourism-influential factors as mechanisms to develop geotourism and stimulate interest from tourists. Contribution/value-add: Geotourism concept has been under-researched and no previous research has comprehensively and systematically determined the influential factors of geotourism in an African national public park proposing a quantitative measurement scale towards geotourism development with such parks as public resources for abutting communities.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Matshusa, Khodani , Thomas, Peta , Leonard, Llewellyn
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Kruger National Park , South Africa , Geotourism
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/457383 , uj:40583 , Citation: Matshusa, K., Thomas, P. & Leonard, L., 2020, ‘Developing a scale for measuring influential factors towards geotourism development’, Acta Commercii 20(1), a861. https://doi.org/10.4102/ ac.v20i1.861 , ISSN: (Online) 1684-1999
- Description: Abstract: Orientation: This article provided a theoretical enhancement for geotourism development positing the geotourism development index that contributed to gaining understanding of geotourism development by different stakeholders. Research purpose: To establish and delineate a measurement scale of factors and subsequent variables that influenced geotourism development. Motivation for this study: Geotourism has been recognised as a branch of sustainable tourism that can be used for local social sustainability through job creation, poverty alleviation, geoconservation and the development of rural economies. Effective geotourism was impossible without understanding the factors influencing geotourism development. Developing the measurement scale for measuring influential factors was deemed important in understanding and towards geotourism development. Research design, approach and method: Quantitative data were collected from 105 volunteering respondents in order to understand their perceptions of the influential factors in the context of geotourism in a South African national park. Consequently, a statistical analysis using exploratory factor analysis was performed through the principal axis factoring data extraction method to determine factors to establish a measurement scale for influential factors towards geotourism development. Main findings: The research proposed a measurement scale for measuring the influential factors towards geotourism development. Practical/managerial implications: Theoretically, this article consolidated the knowledge and understanding of the concept of geotourism development for South African national parks and other stakeholders such as the National Department of Tourism, local communities and academic institutions. Practically, this research emphasised the importance of geotourism-influential factors as mechanisms to develop geotourism and stimulate interest from tourists. Contribution/value-add: Geotourism concept has been under-researched and no previous research has comprehensively and systematically determined the influential factors of geotourism in an African national public park proposing a quantitative measurement scale towards geotourism development with such parks as public resources for abutting communities.
- Full Text:
Entrepreneurial intention : perspectives from women in a South African province
- Authors: Pheaha, M , Schachtebeck, C.
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Entrepreneurial intention , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/463833 , uj:41409 , Citation: Pheaha, M., Schachtebeck, C. 2020. Entrepreneurial intention : perspectives from women in a South African province. , DOI: https://doi.org/10.35683/jcm20097.90
- Description: Abstract: The objective of this study was to assess the entrepreneurial intention of women in a South African province. The study employed a quantitative, exploratory research design, utilising a self-administered survey of 200 women in South Africa’s North West province. A non-probability sampling approach was followed. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) by means of an exploratory factor analysis, Pearson’s product-moment correlation and multiple regression analysis. Findings revealed that moderate entrepreneurial intentions exist among women in the North West province. Entrepreneurial self-efficacy was found to yield the greatest influence on entrepreneurial intention, followed by risk-taking attributes and cultural perspectives. It also emerged that attitudes towards entrepreneurship, cultural perspectives, risk-taking and self-efficacy had a significant and positive relationship with entrepreneurial intention. There was no statistical difference in entrepreneurial intention in terms of age, educational qualifications and employment status. The study provides guidelines for governmental and non-governmental role players in harnessing and promoting entrepreneurial intention among women. The study provides insights into the existence of entrepreneurial intention in a rural setting in South Africa, which has been neglected in literature. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on entrepreneurial intention in South Africa. The findings can be used to guide policy interventions as they highlight factors which should be integrated into programmes enhancing women’s entrepreneurial intention.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Pheaha, M , Schachtebeck, C.
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Entrepreneurial intention , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/463833 , uj:41409 , Citation: Pheaha, M., Schachtebeck, C. 2020. Entrepreneurial intention : perspectives from women in a South African province. , DOI: https://doi.org/10.35683/jcm20097.90
- Description: Abstract: The objective of this study was to assess the entrepreneurial intention of women in a South African province. The study employed a quantitative, exploratory research design, utilising a self-administered survey of 200 women in South Africa’s North West province. A non-probability sampling approach was followed. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) by means of an exploratory factor analysis, Pearson’s product-moment correlation and multiple regression analysis. Findings revealed that moderate entrepreneurial intentions exist among women in the North West province. Entrepreneurial self-efficacy was found to yield the greatest influence on entrepreneurial intention, followed by risk-taking attributes and cultural perspectives. It also emerged that attitudes towards entrepreneurship, cultural perspectives, risk-taking and self-efficacy had a significant and positive relationship with entrepreneurial intention. There was no statistical difference in entrepreneurial intention in terms of age, educational qualifications and employment status. The study provides guidelines for governmental and non-governmental role players in harnessing and promoting entrepreneurial intention among women. The study provides insights into the existence of entrepreneurial intention in a rural setting in South Africa, which has been neglected in literature. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on entrepreneurial intention in South Africa. The findings can be used to guide policy interventions as they highlight factors which should be integrated into programmes enhancing women’s entrepreneurial intention.
- Full Text:
Experiencing de facto racial residential segregation in urban South Africa : an African Refugee’s auto-ethnography
- Authors: Tewolde, Amanuel Isak
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Auto-ethnography , Racial segregation , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/461823 , uj:41148 , Citation: Tewolde, A.I. 2020. Experiencing de facto racial residential segregation in urban South Africa: an African Refugee’s auto-ethnography.
- Description: Abstract: Residential racial segregation globally and in South Africa is an extensively studied subject; however, little is known about how Apartheid-era legacies of spatial racial segregation in post-Apartheid South Africa are experienced by non-White refugees in urban areas. I address this lacuna by reflecting on my own lived experiences of residing and interacting within segregated all-Black neighbourhood in inner-city Pretoria. Drawing on my daily experiences as a ‘Black’ African refugee with de facto racial segregation, I argue that historical racial residential segregation in South Africa not only affects the South African population but non-White African refugees are also impacted by the structures and residues of Apartheid urban racial segregation geographies.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tewolde, Amanuel Isak
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Auto-ethnography , Racial segregation , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/461823 , uj:41148 , Citation: Tewolde, A.I. 2020. Experiencing de facto racial residential segregation in urban South Africa: an African Refugee’s auto-ethnography.
- Description: Abstract: Residential racial segregation globally and in South Africa is an extensively studied subject; however, little is known about how Apartheid-era legacies of spatial racial segregation in post-Apartheid South Africa are experienced by non-White refugees in urban areas. I address this lacuna by reflecting on my own lived experiences of residing and interacting within segregated all-Black neighbourhood in inner-city Pretoria. Drawing on my daily experiences as a ‘Black’ African refugee with de facto racial segregation, I argue that historical racial residential segregation in South Africa not only affects the South African population but non-White African refugees are also impacted by the structures and residues of Apartheid urban racial segregation geographies.
- Full Text:
Exploring interdependence in Tourism Economic Development Ecosystems
- Authors: Thomas, Peta
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South Africa , Ecosystem , Tourism
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/440197 , uj:38327 , Thomas, P. 2020: Exploring interdependence in Tourism Economic Development Ecosystems.
- Description: Abstract: , Ecosystems represent complex interrelated systems monitored by economic indicators. To maximise future desired economic performance, resilience within the economic ecosystem leads to its long-term sustainability. The aim of this article is to review how resilience could be achieved for a tourism economic ecosystem to disruptive change. Resilience is a concept that defines business and government’s ability to adapt to economic disruptive change. Resilience for tourism entails ensuring the sustainability of an economic ecosystem to delineate future growth of that destination. The research is descriptive and conceptual in nature, adopting a qualitative research approach. A map of a tourism ecosystem is proposed reliant on economic indicator interpretation to realistically put forward future economic development strategies that promote overall system resilience towards economic growth. Researchers with a specific interest in tourism ecosystems may find this paper useful in understanding the complexity of interpreting economic indicators to develop future economic growth opportunities.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Thomas, Peta
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South Africa , Ecosystem , Tourism
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/440197 , uj:38327 , Thomas, P. 2020: Exploring interdependence in Tourism Economic Development Ecosystems.
- Description: Abstract: , Ecosystems represent complex interrelated systems monitored by economic indicators. To maximise future desired economic performance, resilience within the economic ecosystem leads to its long-term sustainability. The aim of this article is to review how resilience could be achieved for a tourism economic ecosystem to disruptive change. Resilience is a concept that defines business and government’s ability to adapt to economic disruptive change. Resilience for tourism entails ensuring the sustainability of an economic ecosystem to delineate future growth of that destination. The research is descriptive and conceptual in nature, adopting a qualitative research approach. A map of a tourism ecosystem is proposed reliant on economic indicator interpretation to realistically put forward future economic development strategies that promote overall system resilience towards economic growth. Researchers with a specific interest in tourism ecosystems may find this paper useful in understanding the complexity of interpreting economic indicators to develop future economic growth opportunities.
- Full Text:
Fossil suids from Bolt’s Farm Palaeokarst System, South Africa : implications for the taxonomy of Potamochoeroides and Notochoerus and for biochronology
- Authors: Pickford, M. , Gommer, D.
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South Africa , Suidae , Taxonom
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/432472 , uj:37358 , Pickford, M. & Gommery, D. (2020). Fossil suids from Bolt’s Farm Palaeokarst System, South Africa: implications for the taxonomy of Potamochoeroides and Notochoerus and for biochronology. Estudios Geológicos 76(1): e127. https://doi.org/10.3989/egeol.43542.536
- Description: Abstract: , Recent excavations at Aves Cave I (AC), Brad Pit ‘A’ (BPA), Milo ‘A’ (MA), Bridge Cave (BC) and Alcelaphine Cave (AL), in the Cradle of Humankind, Gauteng, South Africa, have yielded fossil suid remains which provide biostratigraphic information about the periods of deposition in the Bolt’s Farm Palaeokarst System. At Aves Cave I there are Late Pliocene deposits which have yielded the extinct suid Potamochoeroides hypsodon, including skeletal elements that were poorly represented in previous collections from Bolt’s Farm as well as rare remains of Notochoerus capensis. At Brad Pit ‘A’ remains of Gerontochoerus koobiforaensis occur. Milo ‘A’ and other deposits have yielded remains of the suid Metridiochoerus andrewsi that indicate a later phase of endokarst sedimentation (Early Pleistocene). The Panthera Spot at Bridge Cave has yielded articulated foot bones of a suid, provisionally identified as Phacochoerus modestus and which suggest an Early Pleistocene age for this infilling. The augmented samples of suids from Bolt’s Farm invite detailed comparisons with the Suidae from Makapansgat which permits a review of the taxonomy of Notochoerus and Potamochoeroides. It is shown that both genera are Suinae, and could be synonyms. Comparisons are also made with Plio-Pleistocene suids from Malawi and Namibia.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Pickford, M. , Gommer, D.
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South Africa , Suidae , Taxonom
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/432472 , uj:37358 , Pickford, M. & Gommery, D. (2020). Fossil suids from Bolt’s Farm Palaeokarst System, South Africa: implications for the taxonomy of Potamochoeroides and Notochoerus and for biochronology. Estudios Geológicos 76(1): e127. https://doi.org/10.3989/egeol.43542.536
- Description: Abstract: , Recent excavations at Aves Cave I (AC), Brad Pit ‘A’ (BPA), Milo ‘A’ (MA), Bridge Cave (BC) and Alcelaphine Cave (AL), in the Cradle of Humankind, Gauteng, South Africa, have yielded fossil suid remains which provide biostratigraphic information about the periods of deposition in the Bolt’s Farm Palaeokarst System. At Aves Cave I there are Late Pliocene deposits which have yielded the extinct suid Potamochoeroides hypsodon, including skeletal elements that were poorly represented in previous collections from Bolt’s Farm as well as rare remains of Notochoerus capensis. At Brad Pit ‘A’ remains of Gerontochoerus koobiforaensis occur. Milo ‘A’ and other deposits have yielded remains of the suid Metridiochoerus andrewsi that indicate a later phase of endokarst sedimentation (Early Pleistocene). The Panthera Spot at Bridge Cave has yielded articulated foot bones of a suid, provisionally identified as Phacochoerus modestus and which suggest an Early Pleistocene age for this infilling. The augmented samples of suids from Bolt’s Farm invite detailed comparisons with the Suidae from Makapansgat which permits a review of the taxonomy of Notochoerus and Potamochoeroides. It is shown that both genera are Suinae, and could be synonyms. Comparisons are also made with Plio-Pleistocene suids from Malawi and Namibia.
- Full Text:
Living under lockdown in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa : anxious voices from the unplanned shift to online therapy
- Authors: Knight, Zelda Gillian
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Lockdown , South Africa , Online psychotherapy
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/461400 , uj:41096 , Citation: Knight, Z. G. (2020). Living under lockdown in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa: anxious voices from the unplanned shift to online therapy. Research in Psychotherapy: Psychopathology, Process and Outcome, 23(3), 202-210. doi: 10.4081/ripppo.2020.487
- Description: Abstract: This paper is a narrative, phenomenological description of the themes of experiences of some of my South African patients that collectively elicit anxious voices from the unplanned shift to online therapy while living under the world’s longest lockdown in the shadow of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This paper thus presents a thematic description of moments in therapy, which illustrate the influence of lockdown on their sense of self, and the emergence of new anxieties not encountered before. Such themes are: i) new anxieties about death and dying; ii) new anxieties about loss of contact with friends and family and the emergence of existential anxiety; iii) new anxieties about current household relationships and the emergence of object loss; iv) new anxieties about the unplanned shift to online therapy and the threat of internet dis-connection, and finally; v) new anxieties about missing body parts of online therapy: Part-body-on-the-screen relating versus what-was-once-whole-body relating. As this paper is based on psychoanalytic theory, and the notion of intersubjectivity, my own experiences and thoughts are included in the therapeutic engagement. The core contribution of this paper is that it adds a voice to the other voices of other patients around the world who are also living under lockdown. Without this kind of narrative documentation, the world-wide therapeutic community may not know the extent of the anxieties of living under lockdown in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Knight, Zelda Gillian
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Lockdown , South Africa , Online psychotherapy
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/461400 , uj:41096 , Citation: Knight, Z. G. (2020). Living under lockdown in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa: anxious voices from the unplanned shift to online therapy. Research in Psychotherapy: Psychopathology, Process and Outcome, 23(3), 202-210. doi: 10.4081/ripppo.2020.487
- Description: Abstract: This paper is a narrative, phenomenological description of the themes of experiences of some of my South African patients that collectively elicit anxious voices from the unplanned shift to online therapy while living under the world’s longest lockdown in the shadow of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This paper thus presents a thematic description of moments in therapy, which illustrate the influence of lockdown on their sense of self, and the emergence of new anxieties not encountered before. Such themes are: i) new anxieties about death and dying; ii) new anxieties about loss of contact with friends and family and the emergence of existential anxiety; iii) new anxieties about current household relationships and the emergence of object loss; iv) new anxieties about the unplanned shift to online therapy and the threat of internet dis-connection, and finally; v) new anxieties about missing body parts of online therapy: Part-body-on-the-screen relating versus what-was-once-whole-body relating. As this paper is based on psychoanalytic theory, and the notion of intersubjectivity, my own experiences and thoughts are included in the therapeutic engagement. The core contribution of this paper is that it adds a voice to the other voices of other patients around the world who are also living under lockdown. Without this kind of narrative documentation, the world-wide therapeutic community may not know the extent of the anxieties of living under lockdown in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Full Text:
Moving forward with life : acceptability of a brief alcohol reduction intervention for people receiving antiretroviral therapy in South Africa
- Myers, Bronwyn, Parry, Charles D. H., Morojele, Neo K., Nkosi, Sebenzile, Shuper, Paul A., Kekwaletswe, Connie T., Sorsdahl, Katherine R.
- Authors: Myers, Bronwyn , Parry, Charles D. H. , Morojele, Neo K. , Nkosi, Sebenzile , Shuper, Paul A. , Kekwaletswe, Connie T. , Sorsdahl, Katherine R.
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South Africa , Alcohol reduction , Anti-retroviral therapy
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/463961 , uj:41425 , Citation: Myers, B. et al. 2020. Moving forward with life : acceptability of a brief alcohol reduction intervention for people receiving antiretroviral therapy in South Africa. , DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165706
- Description: Abstract: Background: In South Africa, interventions are needed to address the impact of hazardous drinking on antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV (PLWH). Participant feedback about these interventions can identify ways to enhance their acceptability. We interviewed participants in a randomized controlled trial of a brief motivational interviewing and problem-solving therapy (MI-PST) intervention about their perceptions of this alcohol-reduction intervention. Methods: The trial was conducted in HIV treatment clinics operating from six hospitals in the Tshwane region of South Africa. We conducted qualitative in-depth interviews with a random selection of participants. Twenty-four participants were interviewed after the final intervention session and 25 at the six-month follow up. Results: Participants believed that it was acceptable to offer PLWH, an alcohol reduction intervention during HIV treatment. They described how the MI-PST intervention had helped them reduce their alcohol consumption. Intervention components providing information on the health benefits of reduced consumption and building problem-solving and coping skills were perceived as most beneficial. Despite these perceived benefits, participants suggested minor modifications to the dosage, content, and delivery of the intervention for greater acceptability and impact. Conclusions: Findings highlight the acceptability and usefulness of this MI-PST intervention for facilitating reductions in alcohol consumption among PLWH.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Myers, Bronwyn , Parry, Charles D. H. , Morojele, Neo K. , Nkosi, Sebenzile , Shuper, Paul A. , Kekwaletswe, Connie T. , Sorsdahl, Katherine R.
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South Africa , Alcohol reduction , Anti-retroviral therapy
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/463961 , uj:41425 , Citation: Myers, B. et al. 2020. Moving forward with life : acceptability of a brief alcohol reduction intervention for people receiving antiretroviral therapy in South Africa. , DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165706
- Description: Abstract: Background: In South Africa, interventions are needed to address the impact of hazardous drinking on antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV (PLWH). Participant feedback about these interventions can identify ways to enhance their acceptability. We interviewed participants in a randomized controlled trial of a brief motivational interviewing and problem-solving therapy (MI-PST) intervention about their perceptions of this alcohol-reduction intervention. Methods: The trial was conducted in HIV treatment clinics operating from six hospitals in the Tshwane region of South Africa. We conducted qualitative in-depth interviews with a random selection of participants. Twenty-four participants were interviewed after the final intervention session and 25 at the six-month follow up. Results: Participants believed that it was acceptable to offer PLWH, an alcohol reduction intervention during HIV treatment. They described how the MI-PST intervention had helped them reduce their alcohol consumption. Intervention components providing information on the health benefits of reduced consumption and building problem-solving and coping skills were perceived as most beneficial. Despite these perceived benefits, participants suggested minor modifications to the dosage, content, and delivery of the intervention for greater acceptability and impact. Conclusions: Findings highlight the acceptability and usefulness of this MI-PST intervention for facilitating reductions in alcohol consumption among PLWH.
- Full Text:
Organisation culture of a successful Limpopo Secondary School
- Sithole, Mukateko, Smith, Clive, Mara, Cashandra
- Authors: Sithole, Mukateko , Smith, Clive , Mara, Cashandra
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: School culture , South Africa , Assumptions
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/458279 , uj:40698 , Mukateko, S., Smith, C., Mara, C.: Organisation culture of a successful Limpopo Secondary School.
- Description: Abstract: Schools are best described by their unique culture that is peculiar to themselves. School culture is the assumptions, values, norms and cultural artefacts, ceremonies, unwritten rules of behaviour and thinking that are established, shared and accepted through mutual understanding by the members of a school community which influence their functioning. We investigated the characteristics of the organisation culture of a successful Limpopo secondary school. Schein’s (2009) levels of organisation culture provided the theoretical framework for the study. The study was framed within an interpretative paradigm. One-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with six teaching professionals, analysed and coded, to uncover themes and subthemes, which are reported on using Schein’s levels. The levels reported on are firstly school artefacts, notably school uniform, sports, ceremonies and logo. The second level was the school values, being discipline, ethos, community involvement, role modelling and effective communication. The third level contained school assumptions concerning religion, equality, commitment and professionalism. We found that the school under study was well managed in a variety of aspects related to each level. The significant contribution of this study can be valuable to school management and policy makers, if applied in context.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sithole, Mukateko , Smith, Clive , Mara, Cashandra
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: School culture , South Africa , Assumptions
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/458279 , uj:40698 , Mukateko, S., Smith, C., Mara, C.: Organisation culture of a successful Limpopo Secondary School.
- Description: Abstract: Schools are best described by their unique culture that is peculiar to themselves. School culture is the assumptions, values, norms and cultural artefacts, ceremonies, unwritten rules of behaviour and thinking that are established, shared and accepted through mutual understanding by the members of a school community which influence their functioning. We investigated the characteristics of the organisation culture of a successful Limpopo secondary school. Schein’s (2009) levels of organisation culture provided the theoretical framework for the study. The study was framed within an interpretative paradigm. One-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with six teaching professionals, analysed and coded, to uncover themes and subthemes, which are reported on using Schein’s levels. The levels reported on are firstly school artefacts, notably school uniform, sports, ceremonies and logo. The second level was the school values, being discipline, ethos, community involvement, role modelling and effective communication. The third level contained school assumptions concerning religion, equality, commitment and professionalism. We found that the school under study was well managed in a variety of aspects related to each level. The significant contribution of this study can be valuable to school management and policy makers, if applied in context.
- Full Text:
Patterns of African and Asian admixture in the Afrikaner population of South Africa
- Hollfelder, N., Erasmus, J. C., Hammaren, R., Vicente, M., Jakobsson, M., Greeff, J. M., Schlebusch, C. M.
- Authors: Hollfelder, N. , Erasmus, J. C. , Hammaren, R. , Vicente, M. , Jakobsson, M. , Greeff, J. M. , Schlebusch, C. M.
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Afrikaner , South Africa , Admixture
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/464120 , uj:41448 , Citation: Hollfelder, N. et al. 2020. Patterns of African and Asian admixture in the Afrikaner population of South Africa. , DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12915-020-0746-1
- Description: Abstract: Background: The Afrikaner population of South Africa is the descendants of European colonists who started to colonize the Cape of Good Hope in the 1600s. In the early days of the colony, mixed unions between European males and non-European females gave rise to admixed children who later became incorporated into either the Afrikaner or the Coloured populations of South Africa. Differences in ancestry, social class, culture, sex ratio and geographic structure led to distinct and characteristic admixture patterns in the Afrikaner and Coloured populations. The Afrikaner population has a predominant European composition, whereas the Coloured population has more diverse ancestries. Genealogical records previously estimated the contribution of non-Europeans into the Afrikaners to be between 5.5 and 7.2%. Results: To investigate the genetic ancestry of the Afrikaner population today (11–13 generations after initial colonization), we genotyped approximately five million genome-wide markers in 77 Afrikaner individuals and compared their genotypes to populations across the world to determine parental source populations and admixture proportions. We found that the majority of Afrikaner ancestry (average 95.3%) came from European populations (specifically northwestern European populations), but that almost all Afrikaners had admixture from non-Europeans. The non-European admixture originated mostly from people who were brought to South Africa as slaves and, to a lesser extent, from local Khoe-San groups. Furthermore, despite a potentially small founding population, there is no sign of a recent bottleneck in the Afrikaner compared to other European populations. Admixture amongst diverse groups from Europe and elsewhere during early colonial times might have counterbalanced the effects of a small founding population. Conclusions: While Afrikaners have an ancestry predominantly from northwestern Europe, non-European admixture signals are ubiquitous in the Afrikaner population. Interesting patterns and similarities could be observed between genealogical predictions and our genetic inferences. Afrikaners today have comparable inbreeding levels to currentday European populations.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hollfelder, N. , Erasmus, J. C. , Hammaren, R. , Vicente, M. , Jakobsson, M. , Greeff, J. M. , Schlebusch, C. M.
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Afrikaner , South Africa , Admixture
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/464120 , uj:41448 , Citation: Hollfelder, N. et al. 2020. Patterns of African and Asian admixture in the Afrikaner population of South Africa. , DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12915-020-0746-1
- Description: Abstract: Background: The Afrikaner population of South Africa is the descendants of European colonists who started to colonize the Cape of Good Hope in the 1600s. In the early days of the colony, mixed unions between European males and non-European females gave rise to admixed children who later became incorporated into either the Afrikaner or the Coloured populations of South Africa. Differences in ancestry, social class, culture, sex ratio and geographic structure led to distinct and characteristic admixture patterns in the Afrikaner and Coloured populations. The Afrikaner population has a predominant European composition, whereas the Coloured population has more diverse ancestries. Genealogical records previously estimated the contribution of non-Europeans into the Afrikaners to be between 5.5 and 7.2%. Results: To investigate the genetic ancestry of the Afrikaner population today (11–13 generations after initial colonization), we genotyped approximately five million genome-wide markers in 77 Afrikaner individuals and compared their genotypes to populations across the world to determine parental source populations and admixture proportions. We found that the majority of Afrikaner ancestry (average 95.3%) came from European populations (specifically northwestern European populations), but that almost all Afrikaners had admixture from non-Europeans. The non-European admixture originated mostly from people who were brought to South Africa as slaves and, to a lesser extent, from local Khoe-San groups. Furthermore, despite a potentially small founding population, there is no sign of a recent bottleneck in the Afrikaner compared to other European populations. Admixture amongst diverse groups from Europe and elsewhere during early colonial times might have counterbalanced the effects of a small founding population. Conclusions: While Afrikaners have an ancestry predominantly from northwestern Europe, non-European admixture signals are ubiquitous in the Afrikaner population. Interesting patterns and similarities could be observed between genealogical predictions and our genetic inferences. Afrikaners today have comparable inbreeding levels to currentday European populations.
- Full Text:
Perceptions of franchise stakeholders on trust in franchising relationships
- Dube, Benefit, Mara, Cashandra, Ntimane, Vongani
- Authors: Dube, Benefit , Mara, Cashandra , Ntimane, Vongani
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South Africa , Franchisor , Franchisee
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/447158 , uj:39184 , Citation: Dube, B., Mara, C. & Ntimane, V. 2020. Perceptions of franchise stakeholders on trust in franchising relationships. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 9 (1).
- Description: Abstract: Franchising plays a crucial role to the growth of emerging economies like South Africa. It brings together two entrepreneurs with individual goals of wealth creation to work together as franchisor and franchisee. However, this relationship is susceptible to risks such as free-riding and opportunism by both parties due to their sometimes-diverging interests in business. Exploring perceptions of trust in franchisorfranchisee relationships inspired this study, which is an extract from a masters’ dissertation. The agency, leader member exchange and resource scarcity theories and related literature were used to investigate perceptions of franchisors and franchisees respectively, network success and the role of trust in the franchise relationship. The study found that while the franchise agreement provides guidelines on expected conduct and remedies to challenges that may arise, it sometimes becomes the source of conflict. Despite, the balance of power seemingly weighing in favour of the franchisor, franchisees buy into franchises trusting that the franchisor will act in good faith and in the best interest of the whole network. Perceived franchisor trustworthiness, approachability and openness to communication enhance franchisee positive attitude, cooperation and brand loyalty. The study, therefore, concludes that trust is a determining factor in the success, performance and sustainability of franchises. Theoretically, this study contributes to existing literature on franchising and may be used to guide future research. Future studies may be on the cost of non-compliance, sabotage or litigation in relation to benefits of a culture of trust and honesty in franchise relationships. The practical contribution of the study is that it suggests possible ways of improving trust in franchise relationships.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Dube, Benefit , Mara, Cashandra , Ntimane, Vongani
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South Africa , Franchisor , Franchisee
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/447158 , uj:39184 , Citation: Dube, B., Mara, C. & Ntimane, V. 2020. Perceptions of franchise stakeholders on trust in franchising relationships. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 9 (1).
- Description: Abstract: Franchising plays a crucial role to the growth of emerging economies like South Africa. It brings together two entrepreneurs with individual goals of wealth creation to work together as franchisor and franchisee. However, this relationship is susceptible to risks such as free-riding and opportunism by both parties due to their sometimes-diverging interests in business. Exploring perceptions of trust in franchisorfranchisee relationships inspired this study, which is an extract from a masters’ dissertation. The agency, leader member exchange and resource scarcity theories and related literature were used to investigate perceptions of franchisors and franchisees respectively, network success and the role of trust in the franchise relationship. The study found that while the franchise agreement provides guidelines on expected conduct and remedies to challenges that may arise, it sometimes becomes the source of conflict. Despite, the balance of power seemingly weighing in favour of the franchisor, franchisees buy into franchises trusting that the franchisor will act in good faith and in the best interest of the whole network. Perceived franchisor trustworthiness, approachability and openness to communication enhance franchisee positive attitude, cooperation and brand loyalty. The study, therefore, concludes that trust is a determining factor in the success, performance and sustainability of franchises. Theoretically, this study contributes to existing literature on franchising and may be used to guide future research. Future studies may be on the cost of non-compliance, sabotage or litigation in relation to benefits of a culture of trust and honesty in franchise relationships. The practical contribution of the study is that it suggests possible ways of improving trust in franchise relationships.
- Full Text:
Platinum mine workers’ exposure to dust particles emitted at mine waste rock crusher plants in Limpopo, South Africa
- Sepadi, Maasago M., Chadyiwa, Martha, Nkosi, Vusumuzi
- Authors: Sepadi, Maasago M. , Chadyiwa, Martha , Nkosi, Vusumuzi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South Africa , Platinum mining , Crusher plants
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/431501 , uj:37235 , Citation: Sepadi, M.M., Chadyiwa, M. & Nkosi, V. 2020. Platinum mine workers’ exposure to dust particles emitted at mine waste rock crusher plants in Limpopo, South Africa. , DOI:10.3390/ijerph17020655
- Description: Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sepadi, Maasago M. , Chadyiwa, Martha , Nkosi, Vusumuzi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South Africa , Platinum mining , Crusher plants
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/431501 , uj:37235 , Citation: Sepadi, M.M., Chadyiwa, M. & Nkosi, V. 2020. Platinum mine workers’ exposure to dust particles emitted at mine waste rock crusher plants in Limpopo, South Africa. , DOI:10.3390/ijerph17020655
- Description: Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract.
- Full Text:
The development of a Waste Tyre Pyrolysis production plant business model for the Gauteng Region, South Africa
- Nkosi, Nhlanhla, Muzenda, Edison, Mamvura, Tirivaviri A., Belaid, Mohamed, Patel, Bilal
- Authors: Nkosi, Nhlanhla , Muzenda, Edison , Mamvura, Tirivaviri A. , Belaid, Mohamed , Patel, Bilal
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Batch pyrolysis , Business model , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/457906 , uj:40651 , Nhlanhla, N., et al.: The development of a Waste Tyre Pyrolysis production plant business model for the Gauteng Region, South Africa.
- Description: Abstract: Some of today’s modern life challenges include addressing the increased waste generation and energy deficiencies. Waste tyres have been identified as one of the key environmental concerns due to their non-biodegradable nature and bulk storage space demand. Pyrolysis is a thermochemical process with the potential to address the growing waste tyre problem, energy deficits, and material recovery by converting waste tyres to pyrolysis oil that can be used as a fuel. This study seeks to critically evaluate the feasibility of constructing and operating a waste tyre processing facility and then subsequently marketing and selling the pyrolysis secondary end products by developing a financial business model. The model encompasses costing, procurement, installation, commissioning, and operating a batch pyrolysis plant in Gauteng, South Africa. To achieve the study objectives, an order of magnitude costing method was used for model construction. The results showed the feasibility and sustainability of operating a 3.5 tonne per day batch waste tyre pyrolysis plant in Gauteng Province, South Africa, with a 15-year life span and a projected payback period of approximately 5 years. It was concluded that for the pyrolysis plant to be successful, further treatment steps are required to improve the process economics; also, a stable and sustainable product market should exist and be regulated in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nkosi, Nhlanhla , Muzenda, Edison , Mamvura, Tirivaviri A. , Belaid, Mohamed , Patel, Bilal
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Batch pyrolysis , Business model , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/457906 , uj:40651 , Nhlanhla, N., et al.: The development of a Waste Tyre Pyrolysis production plant business model for the Gauteng Region, South Africa.
- Description: Abstract: Some of today’s modern life challenges include addressing the increased waste generation and energy deficiencies. Waste tyres have been identified as one of the key environmental concerns due to their non-biodegradable nature and bulk storage space demand. Pyrolysis is a thermochemical process with the potential to address the growing waste tyre problem, energy deficits, and material recovery by converting waste tyres to pyrolysis oil that can be used as a fuel. This study seeks to critically evaluate the feasibility of constructing and operating a waste tyre processing facility and then subsequently marketing and selling the pyrolysis secondary end products by developing a financial business model. The model encompasses costing, procurement, installation, commissioning, and operating a batch pyrolysis plant in Gauteng, South Africa. To achieve the study objectives, an order of magnitude costing method was used for model construction. The results showed the feasibility and sustainability of operating a 3.5 tonne per day batch waste tyre pyrolysis plant in Gauteng Province, South Africa, with a 15-year life span and a projected payback period of approximately 5 years. It was concluded that for the pyrolysis plant to be successful, further treatment steps are required to improve the process economics; also, a stable and sustainable product market should exist and be regulated in South Africa.
- Full Text:
The peculiarities of South African history : Thompsonian social history and the limits of colonialism
- Authors: Sparks, Stephen
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South Africa , Colonialism , E.P Thompson
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/451594 , uj:39799 , Citation: Sparks, S. 2020. The peculiarities of South African history : Thompsonian social history and the limits of colonialism.
- Description: Abstract: From the late 1970s, South Africanist social history of broadly Thompsonian characteristics richly explicated the experiences of South Africa’s African population under ‘racial capitalism’. This article asks what value this scholarship might have in a moment when South African universities (like their British and American counterparts) face calls for the decolonisation of curricula. Social historians delineated the peculiar nature of South Africa’s precocious but uneven capitalist transformation under colonial conditions, accounting for the preservation and resilience of communal rural areas falling under the control of chiefs and the dominance of oscillating migrant labour. Where structuralists saw a political economy tailor-made for mining capital, social historians identified important limits to the powers of capital and colonialism in the region -- limits set, in large part, by the region’s African communities. Underlining the tragic irony of the powerful symbiosis between the patriarchal and ethnically defined livelihood strategies of (male) African migrant labourers and the interests of mining capital and segregationists, South Africanist social historians advanced a significantly less romantic vision of ‘the commons’ than that typically found in Thompson’s work or the work of his students.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sparks, Stephen
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South Africa , Colonialism , E.P Thompson
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/451594 , uj:39799 , Citation: Sparks, S. 2020. The peculiarities of South African history : Thompsonian social history and the limits of colonialism.
- Description: Abstract: From the late 1970s, South Africanist social history of broadly Thompsonian characteristics richly explicated the experiences of South Africa’s African population under ‘racial capitalism’. This article asks what value this scholarship might have in a moment when South African universities (like their British and American counterparts) face calls for the decolonisation of curricula. Social historians delineated the peculiar nature of South Africa’s precocious but uneven capitalist transformation under colonial conditions, accounting for the preservation and resilience of communal rural areas falling under the control of chiefs and the dominance of oscillating migrant labour. Where structuralists saw a political economy tailor-made for mining capital, social historians identified important limits to the powers of capital and colonialism in the region -- limits set, in large part, by the region’s African communities. Underlining the tragic irony of the powerful symbiosis between the patriarchal and ethnically defined livelihood strategies of (male) African migrant labourers and the interests of mining capital and segregationists, South Africanist social historians advanced a significantly less romantic vision of ‘the commons’ than that typically found in Thompson’s work or the work of his students.
- Full Text:
A factor analysis of transportation infrastructure feasibility study factors : a study among built environment professionals in South Africa
- Okoro, Chioma Sylvia, Musonda, Innocent, Agumba, Justus Ngala
- Authors: Okoro, Chioma Sylvia , Musonda, Innocent , Agumba, Justus Ngala
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Feasibility studies , Infrastructure , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/399973 , uj:33360 , Citation: Okoro, C.S., Musonda, I. & Agumba, J.N. 2019. A factor analysis of transportation infrastructure feasibility study factors : a study among built environment professionals in South Africa.
- Description: Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Okoro, Chioma Sylvia , Musonda, Innocent , Agumba, Justus Ngala
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Feasibility studies , Infrastructure , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/399973 , uj:33360 , Citation: Okoro, C.S., Musonda, I. & Agumba, J.N. 2019. A factor analysis of transportation infrastructure feasibility study factors : a study among built environment professionals in South Africa.
- Description: Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract.
- Full Text:
A factor analysis of transportation infrastructure feasibility study factors : a study among built environment professionals in South Africa
- Okoro, Chioma Sylvia, Musonda, Innocent, Agumba, Justus Ngala
- Authors: Okoro, Chioma Sylvia , Musonda, Innocent , Agumba, Justus Ngala
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Feasibility studies , Infrastructure , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/404244 , uj:33893 , Citation: Okoro, C.S., Musonda, I. & Agumba, J.N. 2019. A factor analysis of transportation infrastructure feasibility study factors : a study among built environment professionals in South Africa.
- Description: Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Okoro, Chioma Sylvia , Musonda, Innocent , Agumba, Justus Ngala
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Feasibility studies , Infrastructure , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/404244 , uj:33893 , Citation: Okoro, C.S., Musonda, I. & Agumba, J.N. 2019. A factor analysis of transportation infrastructure feasibility study factors : a study among built environment professionals in South Africa.
- Description: Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract.
- Full Text:
A prehospital randomised controlled trial in South Africa : challenges and lessons learnt
- Stassen, Willem, Wallis, Lee, Castren, Maaret, Vincent-Lambert, Craig, Kurland, Lisa
- Authors: Stassen, Willem , Wallis, Lee , Castren, Maaret , Vincent-Lambert, Craig , Kurland, Lisa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: ST-elevation myocardial infarction , South Africa , Telemedicine
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/405554 , uj:34060 , Citation: Stassen, W. et al. 2019. A prehospital randomised controlled trial in South Africa : challenges and lessons learnt. African Journal of Emergency Medicine 9 (2019) 145–149 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.afjem.2019.02.002
- Description: Abstract: The incidence of cardiovascular disease and STEMI is on the rise in sub-Saharan Africa. Timely treatment is essential to reduce mortality. Internationally, prehospital 12 lead ECG telemetry has been proposed to reduce time to reperfusion. Its value in South Africa has not been established. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of prehospital 12 lead ECG telemetry on the PCI-times of STEMI patients in South Africa. A multicentre randomised controlled trial was attempted among adult patients with prehospital 12 lead ECG evidence of STEMI. Due to poor enrolment and small sample sizes, meaningful analyses could not be made. The challenges and lessons learnt from this attempt at Africa's first prehospital RCT are discussed. Challenges associated with conducting this RCT related to the healthcare landscape, resources, training of paramedics, rollout and randomisation, technology, consent and research culture. High quality evidence to guide prehospital emergency care practice is lacking both in Africa and the rest of the world. This is likely due to the difficulties with performing prehospital clinical trials. Every trial will be unique to the test intervention and setting of each study, but by considering some of the challenges and lessons learnt in the attempt at this trial, future studies might experience less difficulty. This may lead to a stronger evidence-base for prehospital emergency care.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Stassen, Willem , Wallis, Lee , Castren, Maaret , Vincent-Lambert, Craig , Kurland, Lisa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: ST-elevation myocardial infarction , South Africa , Telemedicine
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/405554 , uj:34060 , Citation: Stassen, W. et al. 2019. A prehospital randomised controlled trial in South Africa : challenges and lessons learnt. African Journal of Emergency Medicine 9 (2019) 145–149 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.afjem.2019.02.002
- Description: Abstract: The incidence of cardiovascular disease and STEMI is on the rise in sub-Saharan Africa. Timely treatment is essential to reduce mortality. Internationally, prehospital 12 lead ECG telemetry has been proposed to reduce time to reperfusion. Its value in South Africa has not been established. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of prehospital 12 lead ECG telemetry on the PCI-times of STEMI patients in South Africa. A multicentre randomised controlled trial was attempted among adult patients with prehospital 12 lead ECG evidence of STEMI. Due to poor enrolment and small sample sizes, meaningful analyses could not be made. The challenges and lessons learnt from this attempt at Africa's first prehospital RCT are discussed. Challenges associated with conducting this RCT related to the healthcare landscape, resources, training of paramedics, rollout and randomisation, technology, consent and research culture. High quality evidence to guide prehospital emergency care practice is lacking both in Africa and the rest of the world. This is likely due to the difficulties with performing prehospital clinical trials. Every trial will be unique to the test intervention and setting of each study, but by considering some of the challenges and lessons learnt in the attempt at this trial, future studies might experience less difficulty. This may lead to a stronger evidence-base for prehospital emergency care.
- Full Text:
An assessment of transformation strategies in South Africa: A multi-case study of the accounting, financial services, government, and construction sectors
- Musonda, Innocent, Gumbo, Trynos, Okoro, Chioma
- Authors: Musonda, Innocent , Gumbo, Trynos , Okoro, Chioma
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Built environment , Socio-economic , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/405000 , uj:33989 , Citation: Musonda, I., Gumbo, T., Okoro, C. 2019 : An assessment of transformation strategies in South Africa: A multi-case study of the accounting, financial services, government, and construction sectors.
- Description: Abstract : Globally, transformation is etched in all sectors of the economy. In the South African context, transformation is viewed as the catalyst to address the country’s socio-economic problems and their associated impact on different sectors and the economy at large. However, progress on transformation within the built environment has been slow in comparison with other sectors of the economy. As a result, this has led to a need to examine the transformation processes in the country. This article aims to analyse transformation strategies as conceptualised and implemented by various sectors. The article is based on a multi-case study of identified sectors and organisations that have developed and implemented transformation strategies. The materials used to conduct the study include sector transformation strategies, charters, journal articles, articles published in reputable South African newspapers, organisation reports, information publicly available on the internet, and interviews conducted with sector representatives. The findings show that, for all sectors, transformation strategies are driven through skills development of human resources, with a view to redressing historical imbalances and providing equal opportunities. The process of strategy development involves sector- wide participation and having a champion for the strategy. In order to ensure that strategies are implemented, specific structured training and education programmes from the grassroots to professional level, as well as monitoring of progress are emphasised. Recommendations are made in line with the findings in order to guide the Council for the Built Environment in the development of a strategy for the built environment.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Musonda, Innocent , Gumbo, Trynos , Okoro, Chioma
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Built environment , Socio-economic , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/405000 , uj:33989 , Citation: Musonda, I., Gumbo, T., Okoro, C. 2019 : An assessment of transformation strategies in South Africa: A multi-case study of the accounting, financial services, government, and construction sectors.
- Description: Abstract : Globally, transformation is etched in all sectors of the economy. In the South African context, transformation is viewed as the catalyst to address the country’s socio-economic problems and their associated impact on different sectors and the economy at large. However, progress on transformation within the built environment has been slow in comparison with other sectors of the economy. As a result, this has led to a need to examine the transformation processes in the country. This article aims to analyse transformation strategies as conceptualised and implemented by various sectors. The article is based on a multi-case study of identified sectors and organisations that have developed and implemented transformation strategies. The materials used to conduct the study include sector transformation strategies, charters, journal articles, articles published in reputable South African newspapers, organisation reports, information publicly available on the internet, and interviews conducted with sector representatives. The findings show that, for all sectors, transformation strategies are driven through skills development of human resources, with a view to redressing historical imbalances and providing equal opportunities. The process of strategy development involves sector- wide participation and having a champion for the strategy. In order to ensure that strategies are implemented, specific structured training and education programmes from the grassroots to professional level, as well as monitoring of progress are emphasised. Recommendations are made in line with the findings in order to guide the Council for the Built Environment in the development of a strategy for the built environment.
- Full Text:
An exploratory factor analysis of transportation project sustainability indicators : a case of projects in South Africa
- Okoro, Chioma, Musonda, Innocent, Agumba, Justus Ngala
- Authors: Okoro, Chioma , Musonda, Innocent , Agumba, Justus Ngala
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Infrastructure , Performance , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/396810 , uj:32956 , Citation: Okoro, C., Musonda, I. & Agumba, J.N. 2019. An exploratory factor analysis of transportation project sustainability indicators: a case of projects in South Africa.
- Description: Abstract: Sustainable transportation is vital since its impact traverses generations. The concept of sustainable transportation is known to account for incorporation of various elements including environmental, economic, social and institutional factors. The current study employed exploratory factor analytic technique using maximum likelihood factoring to identify critical indicators for assessing transportation infrastructure projects in South Africa. Using purposive and snowball sampling, a questionnaire was distributed via email, google forms and by hand, to project managers, directors, construction managers, planners and feasibility study consultants involved in transportation projects at different stages, in the nine provinces of South Africa. Empirical data amassed from 132 responses, were analysed using SPSS version 25 software.s Descriptive analyses were used for preliminary analyses. Inferential statistics was conducted using exploratory factor analysis, to output common factors and the minimum number of variables that were related to each construct. Findings revealed that a four-factor structure including infrastructure condition and impacts, user acceptability, financial management and safety and security, can adequately measure transportation infrastructure project sustainability. By establishing critical indicators for assessing transportation projects, the study provides relevant evidence to develop strategies to ensure that such investments bring lasting and desirable impacts in the long run. The study was conducted in South Africa and may not be generalisable to other geographical regions, which may have differing priorities with regard to sustainable performance of transport infrastructure. Further studies are on-going to validate the four-factor structure using confirmatory factor analytical techniques.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Okoro, Chioma , Musonda, Innocent , Agumba, Justus Ngala
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Infrastructure , Performance , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/396810 , uj:32956 , Citation: Okoro, C., Musonda, I. & Agumba, J.N. 2019. An exploratory factor analysis of transportation project sustainability indicators: a case of projects in South Africa.
- Description: Abstract: Sustainable transportation is vital since its impact traverses generations. The concept of sustainable transportation is known to account for incorporation of various elements including environmental, economic, social and institutional factors. The current study employed exploratory factor analytic technique using maximum likelihood factoring to identify critical indicators for assessing transportation infrastructure projects in South Africa. Using purposive and snowball sampling, a questionnaire was distributed via email, google forms and by hand, to project managers, directors, construction managers, planners and feasibility study consultants involved in transportation projects at different stages, in the nine provinces of South Africa. Empirical data amassed from 132 responses, were analysed using SPSS version 25 software.s Descriptive analyses were used for preliminary analyses. Inferential statistics was conducted using exploratory factor analysis, to output common factors and the minimum number of variables that were related to each construct. Findings revealed that a four-factor structure including infrastructure condition and impacts, user acceptability, financial management and safety and security, can adequately measure transportation infrastructure project sustainability. By establishing critical indicators for assessing transportation projects, the study provides relevant evidence to develop strategies to ensure that such investments bring lasting and desirable impacts in the long run. The study was conducted in South Africa and may not be generalisable to other geographical regions, which may have differing priorities with regard to sustainable performance of transport infrastructure. Further studies are on-going to validate the four-factor structure using confirmatory factor analytical techniques.
- Full Text: