Browsing by Author "Tshabalala, Khanyisile"

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    Characterisation of Drought Using Hydrological and Meteorological Indices: A Case Study of Bethlehem, South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Tshabalala, Khanyisile; Evans, Mary; Masindi, Khuliso
    The study aims to assess the severity and evolution of drought/s in Bethlehem using the hydrological: Streamflow Drought Index (SDI), Reconnaissance Drought Index (RDI), Effective Reconnaissance Drought Index (eRDI) and meteorological: Standardised Precipitation Index (SPI), Agricultural Standardised Precipitation Index (aSPI), and Precipitation Deciles (PD) indices. These indices were computed using the Drought Indices Calculator (DrinC). The RDI, eRDI, aSPI, and SPI identified three drought events between 1980 and 2017. The PD on the other hand, identified particular years between 1980 and 2017 that received below-normal to much below- normal precipitation. Further, the years identified to have received below normal to much below normal precipitation fell between the drought periods identified by the other indices, such as the 1980 – 1990 drought identified by the SPI, RDI, aSPI, and eRDI; the PD identified 1982, 198, 1985, and 1986 as specific years the received significantly low precipitation within the decade long drought. Of critical note is the absence of the SDI results, stream levels data was not available at the time the results presented in this report were computed. The unavailability of SDI values did not compromise or negatively affect the results presented in this study as the computed indices had a strong correlation, implying the reliability of the results presented in this report
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    The functioning and perceived effectiveness of district health system governance structures in Gauteng province
    (2019) Tshabalala, Khanyisile
    Leadership and governance are critical for achieving universal health coverage (UHC). In South Africa, aspirations for UHC are expressed through the National Health Insurance policy, which underscores the importance of primary health care, delivered through the district health system (DHS). In light of this, the aim of this study was to determine the existence of legislated District Health Councils (DHCs) in Gauteng Province, and the perceptions of members on the functioning and effectiveness of these structures. Methods: The study was done in all five districts in Gauteng. The population of interest was members of existing governance structures. Members completed an electronic-self-administered questionnaire (SAQ), which collected perceptions on the functioning and effectiveness of the governance structures, using a seven point Likert scale. STATA® 13 was used to analyse the survey data. In-depth interviews with the chairpersons of the DHCs and the District Health Council Technical Committees complemented the survey. Interviews were analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: Only three districts had constituted DHCs. The survey response rate was 73%. The mean score for perceived functioning of the structures was 4.5 (SD=0.7) and 4.8. (SD=0.7)for perceived effectiveness. The interviews found that enabling legislation and a shared vision on DHS facilitated governance. In contrast, the complexity of two spheres of government, political differences, difficult interpersonal relationships, lack of orientation and insufficient resources constrained governance. The survey and interviews identified gaps in accountability to communities. Conclusion: The governance gaps identified need to be addressed to ensure the successful implementation of UHC reforms.