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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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Item 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, RayScaling 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 performItem Absenteeism and motivational factors at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital Emergency Unit(2021) Ndwandwe, MartinAbsenteeism, 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 wholeItem 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 WilliamThe 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 consideredItem Anaysis of the public participation process in the gauteng etolls initiative(2021) De Freitas, Manuel Simão FrançaThis 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.Item 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, PamelaWhile 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 pharmaceuticalItem Assessing the impact of mobile technological innovation on maternal healthcare in South Africa(2020) Matee, Misha GovindBackground: 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.Item Assessing the impact of mobile technological innovation on maternal healthcare in South Africa(2020) Govind (Matee), MishaBackground: 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.Item Assessing the South African National Health Insurance policy process from 2007-2019(2021) Mangwiro, Neville TazivaOver 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 takenItem 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, FrikkieThe 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 intentionsItem E-learning as an innovative platform for medical doctors in South Africa(2021) Pillay, TerenceE-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 AfricaItem Enhancing access to pharmaceuticals by regulating the anticompetitive effects of patents in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022-12) Yako, Loyiso Tandwefika AdumaThe 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 requiredItem 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 SafiTampon 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.Item Impact of COVID-19 on digital transformation(2021) Mabuza, JabulileThe COVID-19 pandemic has been commonly referred to as a ‘black swan event’; it has changed the world as we knew it, from how we live, learn, work and socialise. It is believed that the pandemic has fast-tracked the adoption of technology in many organisations to ensure business continuity and business sustainability; broadly said, the pandemic has fast-tracked digital transformation (DT) in different organisations. This paper aims to study the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on DT in organisations in South Africa by focusing on the changes in IT capabilities in the DT framework. The research design is qualitative; the data collection was through semi-structured interviews with information communication technology (ICT) leaders representing different organisations in South Africa. The data was analysed using the thematic-analysis process to formulate initial codes, initial themes and final themes emerging from the study. The results from the study show that, in terms of ICT in the organisation, the pandemic had a direct and positive impact on ICT strategy and ICT operations. In terms of IT capability transformation, the pandemic resulted in the optimisation and expansion of existing IT capabilities in the organisation and the building of new IT capabilities to meet emerging business needs. In terms of the focus of activities during the pandemic, there seems to be a split in organisations between the primary focus being on ‘digital IT’ or ‘traditional IT’. Overall, the findings of the study show that the pandemic had a positive and significant impact on DT in organisations. However, a definitive conclusion on this would require expanding the scope of the research to all the components of a comprehensive DT framework. This study is significant because it is one of the first studies to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on organisations, on ICT in the organisation, on IT capability transformation and, to a greater extent, DT. The findings from the study show that in response to the pandemic, there is a need for agility in organisations; for organisations to execute on their existing strategy; the future-proofing of IT capabilities; the adoption of a hybrid working model; and for organisations to take risks and embrace new ideas.Item Implementation of the mental health care act in psychiatric hospitals(2017) Mulutsi, Eva NkengIntroduction Mental illness is prevalent in all regions of the world and contributes significantly to premature mortality, high morbidity and loss of economic productivity (Baxter, Whiteford, Vos, & Norman, 2011; Charlson, Baxter, Cheng, Shidaye, & Whiteford, 2016). In South Africa, the Mental Health Care Act (No 17 of 2002) was promulgated in 2004 in response to the high burden of mental illness and to improve mental health service delivery, within a human rights framework. Aims and Objectives: The overall aim of this PhD study was to examine the implementation of the Mental Health Care Act in psychiatric hospitals in South Africa. The specific objectives were to: explore stakeholders’ involvement in the implementation of the Act; examine the policy processes followed in the implementation of the Act; determine whether Mental Health Review Boards execute their prescribed roles and functions; examine the implementation of legal procedures for involuntary admissions of psychiatric patients; and identify factors that influenced the implementation of the Act. Methods: The study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. Sixteen psychiatric hospitals were selected in nine provinces, through stratified random sampling. Using an adapted conceptual framework with policy implementation theory as its foundation, the overall study approach was qualitative in nature, complemented with a record review of involuntary patient admissions in the selected hospitals. The qualitative component consisted of 35 in-depth interviews with: the drafter of the Act (n=1); provincial mental health coordinators (n=9); a psychiatrist at each of the selected hospitals (n=16); and the chair of a Mental Health Review Board in each of the provinces (n=9). At each selected psychiatric hospital, five patient records were selected randomly (n=80), focusing on compliance with the legal procedures for involuntary admissions. The qualitative data were analysed using thematic content analysis and MAXQDA® 11 while STATA® 12 was used to analyse the data from the record reviews. Results: South Africa’s political transition created a window of opportunity for the implementation of the Act. Wide-spread stakeholder support for the spirit and intention of the Act, advocacy for human rights, the broader transformation of the health system, and the need for enhanced governance and accountability in mental health, facilitated the implementation of the Act. However, implementation was hindered by: the relatively low prioritisation of mental health; stigma and discrimination; poor planning and preparation for implementation; resource constraints; and suboptimal stakeholder consultation. The study found that the majority of involuntary psychiatric patients admitted during (the year) 2010 were single (93.8%), male (62.5%), and unemployed (85%), predominantly black African (80%), with a median age of 32.5 years. The primary diagnoses were schizophrenia (33/80), substance-induced psychosis (16/80), bipolar mood disorders (15/80) and acute psychosis (9/80). There was poor compliance with the prescribed procedures for involuntary psychiatric admissions, exacerbated by suboptimal governance by, and functioning of, the Mental Health Review Boards, thus resulting in de facto illegal detention of patients. Conclusion and Recommendations: The Mental Health Care Act is an important policy lever to address the burden of mental illness and ensure quality mental health service delivery in South Africa. However, the enabling potential of the Act can only be realised if the following issues are addressed: improved, and dedicated resources for mental health; training and capacity building of health professionals and hospital managers on key aspects of the Act; improved governance, leadership and accountability through well-functioning Mental Health Review Boards; and improving mental health infrastructure and community-based services.Item Loss of household income and self- reported health during the covid-19 lockdown in South Africa(© University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Pillay, CaylaThe COVID-19 pandemic struck the world unexpectedly and caused a detrimental economic and health crisis worldwide. Globally, lockdown protocols were implemented to ease the pandemic's initial effects, and South Africa was no exception. This paper provides evidence of the relationship between loss of household income and self-reported health. This study uses a fixed-effects Linear Probability Model (LPM), and the results present a negative relationship between loss of household income and self-reported health. The changes in lockdown levels have no significant effect on loss of income. The outcomes suggest that when income is lost, the health of individuals tends to deteriorate.Item Measuring equity in public health financing across provinces in South Africa(2021) Maake, MarumoThe post 1994 government in South Africa has been struggling over the years to address the socio-economic imbalances that existed during the apartheid period. In that period public health services were severely fragmented. While efforts were made over the years to address the inequalities, health indicators suggest that huge challenges still exist. Therefore, this research assesses whether the allocation of public health resources are equitably distributed, using expenditure as a proxy. The methodology used entailed the development of a needs-based formula to measure if the public health expenditure is allocated based population needs across provinces. The formula requires the weighting of the public sector population for its different need factors such as age and sex characteristics, burden of disease and socio-economic indicators such as deprivation indices. The findings of the research revealed that the distribution of public health resources are skewed towards certain provinces. This means that there is an inequitable distribution of health services across provinces and therefore the health allocations are not based on the needs of the population. Critical priority areas such as medicines, medical supplies and laboratory services are worst affected by the skewed distribution.Item Perceptions of community care workers on their roles and responsibilities: Soshanguve, Pretoria(2021) Mawadzwa, TronnyCare workers play a pivotal role in the community affected by HIV/AIDS through regular home visits. The purpose of this research was to understand better the perceptions of care workers who provide services to HIV/AIDS home visits in the community of Soshanguve. The researcher used research strategy because the study was concerned with collecting data about the care workers’ perceptions and opinions about the services offered to HIV/AIDS-affected individuals and their families. The researcher selected a phenomenology research design for this research to help understand the perceptions and experiences of care workers, and it allowed for an in-depth analysis of the information from a single group of care workers. The researcher used semi-structured interview guides to ask questions in a focus group set up and on individuals as Key Informants’ Interviews (KIIs). A sample of 9 care workers took part in the study, broken down into one focus group with 7 participants and 2 KIIs were conducted as well. The findings from the study indicate that care workers have fragmented roles and responsibilities that are always changing. The working conditions are not safe for their health and safety. Care workers reported that they recognized by higher superiors and are forced to work under harsh weather conditions with tight targets to accomplish every month. Findings indicate that care workers require adequate training and psychosocial support to help them cope with emotional stress. Lastly, the remuneration of care workers has to be revised as data collected showed that the stipend they receive does not sustain their basic living conditions. Care workers have a passion for assisting the government meet their sustainable development goals on HIV/AIDS. For care workers to effectively perform at work, roles and responsibilities have to be fixed, their working conditions improved, provide training and psychosocial support and revise their stipendItem Perceptions of health care professionals on the feasibility of NHI in the current South African context(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Shezi, Khulekani; Horvey, Sylvester SenyoThe research aimed to investigate the perceptions of health care professionals on the feasibility of a National Health Insurance (NHI) policy in the current South African context. This is motivated by the country’s government plan to introduce a single health care system that is able to provide quality, affordable, and accessible health care services to all citizens, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Listed as one of the programmes for implementation on the country’s National Development Plan (NDP), the NHI is expected to be rolled out to South African citizens by the end of 2026. The study considered different countries that have introduced universal health coverage by use of the NHI, extrapolating key lessons and considerations that can be applied by South Africa for this context, with a specific focus on the views and perceptions of healthcare professionals on the feasibility of such a programme and the uncovering of any undocumented concerns and fears about the NHI. The study employed a qualitative approach, interviewing sixteen health care professionals through open-ended questions. Participants were all based and placed in Ekurhuleni and employed at the public hospitals in the area. This specific sample was chosen because of the volume of patients they see and the challenges regarding resources they face. Most healthcare professionals believe the NHI is not feasible in South Africa. They expressed concern over the required political prowess for implementation and the lack of trust in current governmental structures to ensure the successful running of such a state-owned entity. The participants also mentioned that the current planning for the NHI excludes the voices of healthcare professionals, who will be some of the major stakeholders on the ground. Therefore further fuelling the scepticism on the positive rollout of such a programme. The key recommendation from the research is that the country’s government must involve all stakeholders to ensure the success of the NHI. Additionally, it is presented that there be mandatory cross-subsidization for the elderly and value-added tax for the unemployed. Lastly, it is presented that the government should focus on improving the public sector and its readiness for such a rollout before emphasizing time framesItem Regulating mental illness in the South African workplace — lessons from Canada(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022-12-20) Mylchreest, Aidan; Pillay, KarminiIn post-Covid-19 South Africa, an already stressed population has returned to work. A mental health crisis is emerging and this is evident amongst employees who are struggling with mental illnesses such as depression. In these circumstances, both employers and employees will need guidance when faced with mental illness in the workplace. The recent matter of Jansen v Legal Aid South Africa (2018) 39 ILJ 2024 (LC) (‘Jansen’) is an example of a dispute that arose out of allegations of unfair discrimination and unfair dismissal, due to an employee’s depressive condition. This paper will examine the decisions of the Labour Court and the Labour Appeal Court in Jansen with a view to analyse the approach of the respective courts, in the context of disability and unfair discrimination. This paper identifies the shortcomings of the Jansen judgements and argues that both courts missed an opportunity to provide certainty to both employers and employees. This paper goes on to consider Canada’s progressive approach to mental health and the legal mechanisms developed to provide protection to employees. Canadian jurisprudence will serve as a source of comparison, with a view to extract lessons in managing mental illness in the workplace. Finally, this paper recommends that legislators consider Canada’s legal approach to mental illness with a view to develop a Code of Good Practice focused on mental illness in the workplaceItem Reporting on the mental health of employees: a normative framework(2022) Wilkinson, John JudeMental health is a pervasive problem in our current society. Mental health is influenced by stress, much of which derives from the workplace. In this way, organisations impact the mental health of their employees. Organisations are also impacted by employee mental health through the performance and productivity of employees. By preserving and supporting the mental health of their employees, organisations create value through human, intellectual, financial and social capital. There is currently no formal guidance on how organisations should address and report on employee mental health. This study serves as the first of its kind to address this issue through the development of a normative framework for employee mental health reporting. The study samples the integrated reports of the JSE Top 40 companies from 2017 to 2019 to identify aspects of mental health that are currently considered in the disclosures provided by these organisations. These disclosures are aggregated and categorised according to the pre-determined elements of the proposed framework. The current reporting practices on employee mental health are expanded to develop a comprehensive reporting model with practical recommendations. The model serves to guide organisations on how to report on their efforts to identify and address the mental health issues faced by their employees. The study contributed towards the limited body of knowledge about reporting on social issues and has implications for the performance of organisations and mental health awareness.