Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)

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A model for the acceptance and use of mHealth in South Africa: A UTAUT and TTF perspective
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Livhuwani Grace, Mongwe; Hughes, Mitchell; Kekwaletswe, Ray
Scaling up high impact community based mHealth interventions is one of the agenda items mentioned in the National Digital Health Strategy of South Africa for the period 2019 -2024. Although many mHealth interventions have been explored, many of them end up in the pilot phase and do not reach full implementation. A common theme which was found as a possible driver of scalability is designing an mHealth application that considers usability and acceptability by users. The purpose of this study was to synthesize a model for the acceptance and use of mHealth in the South African health sector. A positivist research approach was used to test the adoption factors using the Task-Technology Fit (TTF) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Seven factors that could potentially impact the adoption of mHealth technology in South Africa were tested. The data for the study was collected through an online survey questionnaire which was shared through social media platforms. Results of this study were used to answer questions related to factors that have an impact on the adoption of mHealth applications in the health sector in South Africa. The study found that when adoption factors were combined into the UTAUT and TTF model, the only factor that was significant was facilitating conditions. The study findings in this regard were not consistent with other studies and it is therefore recommend that other scholars explore the reasons for these differences. The other factors were found to be significant when bivariate regression was used to compare the factors to the dependant variable of user acceptance and use of mHealth technology. The study further found that the combined model of Task Technology Fit has a positive impact on the adoption of mHealth technology in South Africa. The implication of the finding is that mHealth designers should build the functionalities of the innovation with the idea of making the task that the innovation supports easier to perform
Absenteeism and motivational factors at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital Emergency Unit
(2021) Ndwandwe, Martin
Absenteeism, which is the practice of not attending a scheduled work duty as expected by an employer, is a serious concern in South African health institutions, which already suffer staff shortages. This study analyses the causes of absenteeism and its consequences for the emergency unit of a public hospital. The research was conducted through a qualitative and quantitative analysis using primary data. Data was collected through interviews and questionnaires with ten participants working at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital Emergency Unit. Data analysis was conducted using codes and themes which were interpreted to deduce meaningful findings. The main findings were that poor working conditions, poor work relationships, poor management and inadequate compensation contribute to absenteeism. Absenteeism has negative repercussions for all stakeholders at a public hospital, especially the public, for whom the absence of staff equates to poor service delivery. Moreover, absenteeism results in the overloading of remaining staff, an increase in pressure on managers, and a poor reputation for the institution as a whole
An expository analysis of the consequential loss (business interruption) policy in light of covid-19 and the UK and SA litigation
(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Spentzouris, Penelope; Vivian, Robert William
The consequential loss (CL) usually referred to as the business interruption (BI) policy, although about 120 years old, has, until recently. not been subject to much litigation and therefore has had little benefit of judicial interpretation. On the other hand, it is one of the most complex of non-life policies. Things changed with the Covid pandemic, in that, the BI policy was subject to considerable litigation. About 2 000 cases were filed in the US with the litigation still ongoing at the time of the writing of this dissertation. The South African and UK courts litigated but on a different aspect of the policy, compared to the US. The US litigation involved the main policy whereas the UK and SA involved an extension to the policy. This extension does not form part of the US policies. The UK and SA courts relied largely on general legal principles of interpretation of contracts, applied to insurance contracts, to reach their conclusions. In so doing, the courts in these jurisdictions paid little attention to the context and construction of the BI policy taken as a whole, including the historical reason for its existence. Nor did the courts consider the issue of insurability to any detailed extent. It is also pointed out that the leading text book on this policy does not approach the policy in terms of fundamental principles. This dissertation systematically sets out the history, purpose, structure and interpretation of this policy, restating the policy in terms of its history and purpose. The dissertation sets out the lessons which can be learnt from the Covid-19 litigation. An analysis is made of the main policy and the extensions having regard for the various wordings of the BI policy. Finally, the possibility of developing a BI policy which may respond to a future event of a pandemic is considered
Anaysis of the public participation process in the gauteng etolls initiative
(2021) De Freitas, Manuel Simão França
This study analyses the public participation processes led by SANRAL (South African National Roads Agency Limited) within the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP). The public appeared to have been against this project from the beginning claiming that they were not properly consulted on this project. The term public is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary “as a group of people having common interests or characteristics”. The common interest in this study was the etolls initiative.
Anti-competitive behaviour as a ground for compulsory licensing of pharmaceutical patents in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-09-14) Omar, Fathima; Andanda, Pamela
While the South African Patents Act provides for compulsory licensing in instances of an abuse of patent rights, millions of South Africans remain unable to access essential medicines because of inter alia the high prices charged by pharmaceutical patent holders. This research explores the idea of utilising Article 31(k) of the TRIPS agreement – which allows for compulsory licences to be issued to remedy anti-competitive behaviour – to ensure access to patented essential medicines. The central argument in the report is that compulsory licenses on Article 31(k) grounds should be granted by the competition authorities after having found anti- competitive behaviour on the part of the pharmaceutical patent holder. Moreover, this research provides solutions and recommendations to appropriately deal with the role of the competition authorities in the regulation of patented pharmaceutical
Assessing the impact of covid-19 on monitoring and evaluation functions of the gauteng department of health
(2023) Dlamini, Nqobile Minenhle; Pophiwa, Nedson
The Covid-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges that required enforced adaptation in all aspects of human life globally. With such an outbreak the government sector was forced to develop mitigation factors and implement precautionary measures useful for curbing the pandemic. Hence, the research focuses on the Gauteng Department of Health as it is at the forefront of the healthcare sector. The main research objective is to understand ways in which the pandemic disrupts the Gauteng Department of Health’s Monitoring and Evaluation functions mechanisms adopted to ensure function continuity. Therefore, it was also important to understand the tools and mechanisms that were adopted and how the pandemic changed their implementation. A total of 10 key participants within the department were interviewed and a question guide was used as a data collection tool during the interview process. The participants interviewed were purposively sampled as a form of non-probability sampling. This study is a qualitative case study research design with an exploratory research approach. During the interview process, the majority of the participants indicated that lockdowns, restrictions on travel, isolations, quarantines, and the shutdown of non-essential activities were highly implemented. However, these restrictions impacted how raw data was collected in the field. Remote data collection had to be introduced and it became common because face-to-face data collection was limited due to contracting the virus. The findings of this study revealed that the Monitoring and Evaluation practices in the department were no longer treated as a priority due to the urgent response to the pandemic. The data that has been collected throughout the research indicates that there are ways in which Monitoring and Evaluation can be developed and innovated. The study also highlighted the best possible interventions or recommendations that can be taken into consideration should a pandemic of this nature arise in the future. This becomes a contribution to the knowledge gap concerning the disruption of an unexpected pandemic
Assessing the impact of mobile technological innovation on maternal healthcare in South Africa
(2020) Govind (Matee), Misha
Background: Maternal mortality is a significant public health issue in developing countries due to its shocking magnitude and lower declining pattern. Identifying determinants and designing intervention will have an important role to overcome the problem. Ending preventable maternal mortality remains one of the world’s most critical challenges despite significant progress over the past decade. These deaths are primarily from preventable causes before, during and after the time of giving birth. (Boerma, et al., 2015) Creative use of new mobile and wearable health information and sensing technologies (mHealth) has the potential to reduce the cost of health care and improve well-being in numerous ways. (Kumar, et al., 2013) The rapid growth in access to mobile phones and networks in Africa has created an opportunity for Health programs to impact the health of Africans positively. Health programs have the potential to contribute to innovative solutions to address health system challenges including (1) disparities in access to health services; (2) inadequacies of health infrastructure; (3) limited human resources for health; (4) cost to the individual of accessing health services; and (5) challenges in health financing. (African Strategies for Health (ASH), 2016) Therefore this study aimed to identify the correlates of mobile technology and maternal mortality in developing countries. Method: This research report conducted used national and international databases of health metrics from 2011 to 2019. Using aggregates of health indicator data from Statistics South Africa (STATSSA), the World Health Organisation (WHO), World Bank, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) databases. Momconnect and Mum & Baby data were collected from Vodacom South Africa, the National Department of Health (NDoH) and Praekelt. The dependent variable was the maternal mortality ratio (MMR). In contrast, the independent variable was the numbers of subscribers for Momconnect and Mum & Baby, two national maternal mobile healthcare applications in South Africa. Data was compiled in excel and analysed using correlation tests and regression analysis. Results: The maternal mortality ratio in South Africa is high. A significant relationship between the maternal mortality ratio and the adoption of mobile healthcare applications was observed. There were an inverse and significant correlation between the maternal mortality ratio and the diffusion of mobile technology. Conclusion: The maternal mortality ratio is correlated with mobile technology.
Assessing the impact of mobile technological innovation on maternal healthcare in South Africa
(2020) Matee, Misha Govind
Background: Maternal mortality is a significant public health issue in developing countries due to its shocking magnitude and lower declining pattern. Identifying determinants and designing intervention will have an important role to overcome the problem. Ending preventable maternal mortality remains one of the world’s most critical challenges despite significant progress over the past decade. These deaths are primarily from preventable causes before, during and after the time of giving birth. (Boerma, et al., 2015) Creative use of new mobile and wearable health information and sensing technologies (mHealth) has the potential to reduce the cost of health care and improve well-being in numerous ways. (Kumar, et al., 2013) The rapid growth in access to mobile phones and networks in Africa has created an opportunity for mHealth programs to impact the health of Africans positively. mHealth programs have the potential to contribute to innovative solutions to address health system challenges including (1) disparities in access to health services; (2) inadequacies of health infrastructure; (3) limited human resources for health; (4) cost to the individual of accessing health services; and (5) challenges in health financing. (African Strategies for Health (ASH), 2016) Therefore this study aimed to identify the correlates of mobile technology and maternal mortality in developing countries. Method: This research report conducted used national and international databases of health metrics from 2011 to 2019. Using aggregates of health indicator data from Statistics South Africa (STATSSA), the World Health Organisation (WHO), World Bank, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) databases. Momconnect and Mum & Baby data were collected from Vodacom South Africa, the National Department of Health (NDoH) and Praekelt. The dependent variable was the maternal mortality ratio (MMR). In contrast, the independent variable was the numbers of subscribers for Momconnect and Mum & Baby, two national maternal mobile healthcare applications in South Africa. Data was compiled in excel and analysed using correlation tests and regression analysis. Results: The maternal mortality ratio in South Africa is high. A significant relationship between the maternal mortality ratio and the adoption of mobile healthcare applications was observed. There were an inverse and significant correlation between the maternal mortality ratio and the diffusion of mobile technology. Conclusion: The maternal mortality ratio is correlated with mobile technology.
Assessing the South African National Health Insurance policy process from 2007-2019
(2021) Mangwiro, Neville Taziva
Over a decade has gone by since the National Health Insurance (NHI) policy was put on the policy agenda when the African National Congress (ANC) passed a resolution to implement it. However, much of the discussion has focused on the design/content of the NHI and little attention has been put on the policy process and how it may have influenced the policy outcomes from 2007 to 2019. The purpose of this research is to assess the NHI policy process to examine the relationship between the nature of the process and the resulting policy outcomes. Elements of a systematic rapid review were adopted to conduct this study. The study took the form of a qualitative exploratory case study. Data collection involved document review using search words and various rapid review inclusion and exclusion methods to select documents. A Multiple Streams Framework (MSF) was adopted for the study. The study found that the elitist (top-down) approach taken by the government has been the main reason for the design/content of the NHI policy. Furthermore, the policy proposals themselves are very complex, which naturally slows completion of the process as the technical barriers to implementation become apparent. In large part these technical barriers are reflected through wide-ranging contestation from a significant spectrum of stakeholders. Also, the consultation process failed to meet its objectives, a feature that pervades the entire policy process to date. It was concluded that the NHI has a long way to go and that a more participative approach should be taken
Associations between economic preferences and behavioural health intentions among young adults living in an informal settlement
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-03) Andrady, Wayne Jude; Booysen, Frikkie
The emergence of non-communicable diseases in South Africa, most notably among the urban poor, is resulting in an increased burden of diseases. Since NCDs can develop in distinct periods of the life course, post-adolescence-intentions to engage in health behaviours need to be investigated. Furthermore, there is consistent evidence that health behaviours are associated with economic preferences. Yet, it is unclear whether economic preferences are also associated with behavioural health intentions. Objectives: The study aims to examine how risk-taking and patience are associated with behavioural health intentions among young adults in a poor informal urban settlement in South Africa. The study also explores whether there are gender differences in behavioural health intentions and whether these economic preferences contribute to gender gaps in behavioural health intentions. Data and Methods: The study utilized secondary survey data collected from a sample of 240 young adults using a structured questionnaire. The study collected data on behavioural intentions for seven health- protective and health-harming behaviours. Risk-taking and patience are measured using qualitative, quantitative and combined measures from the Global Preference Survey. Ordered probit and seemingly unrelated regression models were estimated and t-tests were employed to quantify gender gaps, followed by the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition analysis. Findings The study reveals that economic preferences have a moderate association with behavioural health intentions among young adults. However, these results seem contradictory to priori expectations and further research is required. Our findings emphasize the importance of recognizing and addressing the limitations associated with imperfect measures of economic preferences when investigating their association with health behavioural intentions
Combining complexity leadership with operational systems and structures for adaptability in South African private hospitals
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Nel, Karen
The global healthcare landscape is complex. The South African Government and various other researchers have highlighted the unequal nature of the healthcare system in South Africa. The system is unsustainable and urgently needs substantial transformation in its current form. As set out by the South African Government, introducing universal healthcare coverage for the whole population is a solution. This will, however, significantly impact and change all role- players relatively quickly, especially for private hospitals. The purpose of this study was to critically examine whether private hospitals in South Africa were positioned for adaptability, considering complexity leadership (with concepts: entrepreneurial leadership, operational leadership and enabling leadership) and operational systems and structures (with concepts: agile, lean and leagile), as an approach to deal with the potential changes. A mixed methods study with an explanatory sequential design was utilised where the quantitative results and sample informed the population and questions of the qualitative study. Additionally, the quantitative results' drivers were identified in the qualitative study, namely causal factors, leadership and operational consequences, and aggravating factors. This study confirmed that the leadership displayed in private hospitals and the operational systems and structures implemented in private hospitals were not aligned with complexity leadership and operational systems and structures as defined in the conceptual model of this study. A unique finding was that operational systems and structures in private hospitals had a significantly higher impact on the hospitals' daily management than the leadership displayed in these hospitals. This was especially evident between managers and non-managers and between clinical and non-clinical employees, with non-clinical employees viewing the impact of the operational systems and structures implemented in hospitals as significantly more impactful than the leadership displayed in these hospitals. Furthermore, it was identified that operational leadership and lean systems and structures were the preferred approaches in private hospitals and negatively impacted the display of entrepreneurial leadership and agile systems and structures in these hospitals. Moreover, it was found that exploitative leadership, which is the leadership approach when dealing with old certainties, labelled as operational leadership in the current complexity leadership framework, should be relabelled a administrative-operational leadership in South African private hospitals, as a result of the hierarchical, autocratic culture. Assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the leadership displayed and the operational systems and structures that were implemented in these hospitals, it was identified that employees can either experience disruption in a positive light through an adaptive response supported flexibility, or be traumatised by it when management implemented an order response with increased controls. It was conclusively confirmed that private hospitals in South Africa do not regularly display complexity leadership nor implement operational systems and structures as defined in this study's conceptual model. Four recommendations were made that can assist the private hospital industry in becoming more adaptable. The first recommendation is for the industry to implement CL and OSS as defined by the study's conceptual model. This implementation will naturally develop into an adaptive space. The second recommendation is to overcome the disconnect between industry players, head offices and hospitals, and to increase collaboration. Although the adaptive space will impact this recommendation positively, it has to be driven and supported by senior leadership. The third recommendation is to develop a formal industry framework for adaptability in private hospitals. The fourth recommendation is for the implementation of integrated and applied development programmes for leaders and staff at all levels. The programmes will assist everyone to better understand the relationship between CL, OSS, business acumen, and business success
Commercialisation of customised pharmaceutical compounded creams and ointments in a community pharmacy setting
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Matulodi, Itumeleng Bianca; Magida, Ayanda
This research intended to discover and explore a business opportunity for high-quality, cost-effective creams/ointments and the therapeutic benefits to the end-user in a community pharmacy setting. A mixed research method was utilised in the proposed business venture in the form of primary and secondary data collection, solidifying methods in answering the research questions. A random sample size of 120 adults was used for the quantitative survey questions and 80 adults for the qualitative survey. Microsoft Excel spreadsheet was utilised to enter all the data and to make inferences from the primary and secondary data obtained. The Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28 was used to code data and run the statistical analysis. The research results revealed that the cream combination may be prescribed by either the GP/Specialist and will not depend on gender, age, the frequency of prescribing, and whether the individual is using it for the first time or more. There was a perfect association between price and cream. Pharmaceutical compounded creams/ointments have a critical part in providing patient- centric products and services for individuals who may be underserved. This is a business that can be leveraged.
E-learning as an innovative platform for medical doctors in South Africa
(2021) Pillay, Terence
E-learning could be an innovative continued medical education platform for medical doctors in South Africa, especially now with the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on physical contact between pharmaceutical companies’ representatives and doctors. This study aimed to determine and develop a more effective way to reach and provide accurate, credible education for all doctors using an e-learning platform as an alternative to representative visits. This research involved a quantitative study, deploying a survey to a sample of 456 doctors in South Africa via an online platform. The results arising from the analyses to prove the three hypotheses were statistically significant, and all were accepted. In summary doctors in South Africa valued their relationships with medical representatives, but simultaneously questioned the credibility of the education received from the representatives. Many doctors accessed the internet for their own education as one of their channels of education. In view of the research findings, an innovative e-learning platform is proposed to deliver continued medical education to all doctors and to allow for best practices sharing across the medical fraternity in South Africa
Effects of Covid-19 on the psychological well-being of employees in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Ashruf, Ahmed; Conradie, Bruce
On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Covid-19 virus to be a pandemic (Zanke et al., 2020, p.49). The virus first spread in South Africa when a traveller returned to the country after visiting Italy. To stop the infection from spreading South Africa implemented a national lockdown as per the Disaster Management Act, Regulations: Alert level 5 on the 26th of March 2020. South Africans were only permitted to leave their homes for medical crises, food, and medication (Villani et al., 2021, p.2). Furthermore, universities and schools were shut down whereby some functioned online, intern-regional, and international travel was suspended. During this time, all kinds of meetings were prohibited. Inter-regional travel became feasible six month later, and five months later it was conceivable for those living in various regions to be able to return to their homes (Villani et al., 2021, p.2). However, front line workers were only permitted at the time to attend work while other companies transitioned to remote work
Effects of donor funding on the HIV/TB programme outcomes in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Sokhela, Cleopatra Zinhle; Saruchera, Fanny
There has been decreasing donor funding for the past years, especially in developing countries. With the global economic crisis fuelled by the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been mounting pressure on governments and NGOs to sustain healthcare services and the HIV/TB programme implementation. Despite the efforts made in curbing HIV and TB in South Africa, the country is still struggling to meet its planned HIV and TB programme outcomes. The purpose of this study was to establish the factors that influence donor funding for HIV/TB programmes in South Africa and understand how NGOs utilise donor funds to achieve HIV/TB programme objectives. The study intended to determine the factors that influence donor funding for HIV/TB programme in South Africa; to establish how NGOs utilise donor funds to achieve HIV/TB programme objectives in South Africa; to establish strategies to sustain South African NGOs beyond donor funding, and to propose HIV/TB programme implementation strategies for NGOs in South Africa. The study was guided by the donor and recipient models intended to establish the relationship between donor interest, political interest, NGO funding, and HIV/TB programme outcomes and establish if NGOs sustainability is influenced by decreased donor funding. A quantitative and deductive study was conducted using an online survey. Data was collected from 308 respondents drawn from 30 donor-funded organisations across South Africa. The study's key findings revealed that donors give generously for the HIV/TB programme with no expected returns. Poor HIV/TB programme implementation by NGOs and lack of social impact affects future international funding opportunities. The study further established a positive relationship between recipient needs, NGO funding, and HIV/TB programme outcomes. The paper also concludes that NGO sustainability is not affected by declining donor funding, but a strong positive relationship between NGO leadership capacity and NGO sustainability was identified. A significant portion of respondents indicated that sustainability planning, government co-funding, diversified revenue-generating strategies, meaningful stakeholders' engagement and NGOs leadership capacity development were essential to ensure better HIV/TB programme outcomes and NGOs' sustainability beyond donor funding. In order to enhance the sustainability of donor-funded organisations and programme outputs, the study recommended the need for donors to review regulation governing donated funds utilisation; developing sustainability plan at the beginning of the funding cycle, NGOs to review their business models and NGO leadership capacity development on resource mobilisation and financial management. Future studies could focus on South African NGOs providing HIV/TB services readiness to transition from donor funding and evaluating the most effective revenue-generating strategies that NGOs can implement in South Africa
Emerging technologies and technological catch-up in the pharmaceuticals sector in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Singh, Vyasha; Hilli, Thembela
This study investigates the establishment and evolution of innovation capabilities in synthetic biology, an emerging technology used as a mechanism for technological catch-up in latecomer countries, for application in the South African pharmaceuticals sector which aims to make innovative health treatments more accessible to patients, especially those in developing countries. There is a crucial need for developing countries to obtain endogenous technological and innovation capabilities as these are vital for achieving progress with regards to a countries desire to catch-up to leading nations. The qualitative research design used a longitudinal case study approach to determine how the development of capabilities in synthetic biology has evolved in South Africa since its inception at a dedicated research centre established in 2007 by The South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Two innovation capability frameworks were applied to assess these capabilities to determine the current level of innovation capability in relation to its technology development, operations, management, and transactions capabilities which ultimately inform its innovation performance. The study utilized data from interviews with individuals directly involved with the centre’s research and management activities; a categorical questionnaire seeking data on technology development activities; as well as data extracted from organizational operational reports and strategic plans. The key findings showed that South Africa has a shortage of skilled human capital in synthetic biology coupled with insufficient financial resources to enable the area to realise its full potential. Therefore the innovation capability ranking of the centre has stagnated at an incremental/ intermediate level. The resulting effect is that, despite the national goals it has set out to achieve, the area has yet to create real impact for the pharmaceutical sector. The recommendations provided at the end of the study will advise the centre on possible pathways it could take to improve its overall innovation capability. At this present level, technological catch-up by means of leapfrogging, remains out of reach, and will hinder the countries progress in closing the gap between itself and leading countries in terms of the rates of technical change with respect to synthetic biology
Enhancing access to pharmaceuticals by regulating the anticompetitive effects of patents in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022-12) Yako, Loyiso Tandwefika Aduma
The South African regulatory framework does not adequately address the interface between intellectual property (IP) and competition law thus rendering patents vulnerable to anti-competitive abuse and missing a critical opportunity to facilitate greater access to pharmaceuticals. This paper dissects policy and regulatory inadequacies from three perspectives. Firstly, by highlighting the slow pace in addressing necessary reform. Particularly in the context of global convergence in IP regulation and policy for nations that are party to the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). Secondly, the disuse of existing regulatory tools and policy instruments. Thirdly, the paper considers the fragmentation and disconnect between the broad set of IP regulators. There is scope to develop fields of work and guiding principles related to the interaction between competition law and intellectual property laws in South Africa to facilitate greater access to pharmaceuticals. To give true meaning to South Africa’s intention to move towards universal healthcare, a collaborative working model between all healthcare, competition and IP regulators to ensure regulatory reform that is fit for purpose and quality universal access to healthcare is required
An examination of tampon tax and how it effects the social, health and economical aspects of countries including a comparative analysis of how some countries have dealt with tampon tax
(2019) Asmaljee, Sumaiyah Safi
Tampon tax is a colloquial term in common usage describing taxes levied on female menstrual hygiene products that are taxed as luxury goods in spite of the fact these items are considered necessities such as food and medicine, which are either exempted or taxed at 0% in some countries. Tampon tax in South Africa is the levying of value-added tax (VAT), to female menstrual hygiene products. Internationally, activists have initiated various campaigns and protests for the removal of tampon tax as it is not regarded as a luxury but rather a necessity, and South Africa has followed suit. There have been various campaigns and initiatives towards making female menstrual hygiene products more affordable and/ or accessible to the females from low-income households in South Africa. Reduction in sales tax rates, removal of goods and services tax on female menstrual hygiene products and the utilisation of the income earned from sales tax on female menstrual hygiene products are options available to negate the economic effects of tampon tax on females in their reproductive years. This paper discusses tampon tax and its effect on social, health and the economic well-being of South Africa. The paper will include comparative analyses to what is being done in some countries to alleviate the negative effects of the tampon tax. This paper will also examine the value-added tax in South Africa. Arguments in favour of and against tampon tax are also discussed.
Exploring primary healthcare services for informal workers: a case of South African women informal/ street traders in the City of Johannesburg Region F
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-03) Dube, Duduzile Ellen; Niekerk, Robert Van.
In all humility and gratitude, I am overwhelmed to acknowledge my depth of gratitude to all those who have assisted me in putting this idea, well over the degree of simplicity and into something concrete. I would like to convey my sincere appreciation and gratitude to my esteemed supervisor Professor Robert Van. Niekerk for his invaluable supervision, tutelage, support, and patience in this challenging and interesting research journey from start to finish. Oh, what a journey of discovery Prof. Thank you to the defence panel committee who generously provided knowledge, expertise and most importantly an endorsement to fulfil my research project. My sincere appreciation to the research participants, this project would not have been possible without, izandla zedlula ikhanda. Ngiyabonga kakhulu boMama!!! I also appreciate my cohort colleagues for the late-night feedback sessions and moral support especially Phello, Max and Basil, many thanks’ gents. Thanks, should also go to my lovely CoJ siblings (Nstako, Millicent, Busi and Chester aka my research assistants) for your selflessness during the data collection phase of my research journey. Additionally, a heartfelt thanks to my CoJ principals/ colleagues for your unwavering support and encouragement there is just too many to mention. Thank you for believing in me even at times when all doubt filled my mind, I will remember you for a very long time. A special acknowledgement to Ms Tembeka Mhlekwa former Executive Director, Department of Economic Development (CoJ) for an important and unprovoked talk in 2018 that has led me to this moment, I am forever grateful. I wish to acknowledge the help provided by Mr Elliot Dubasi in putting together the unit of investigation arguably the most important activity in this project. Ngiyabonga!!!
Exploring the nexus between digital maturity, entrepreneurial orientation, and SMEs’ organization resilience in Johannesburg in the post-lockdown era
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-02) Mitha, Irshad
The research study investigates the nexus between digital maturity, entrepreneurial orientation, and SMEs’ organization resilience in Johannesburg in the post-lockdown era. The research aims to understand the relationship between SMEs’ digital maturity and organization resilience and to analyse the mediating role of entrepreneurial orientation on the relationship between SME retaillers’ digital maturity and SMEs retaillers’ organization resilience

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Browsing Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs) by SDG "SDG-3: Good health and well-being"

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