4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions

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A comparative study of how four selected newspapers framed the coverage of the death of mthokozisi ntumba
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) MAGOMANI, AMUKELANI; Balliah, Dinesh
For years, traditional media such as newspapers have played a pivotal role in circulating news and information for public consumption. South Africa has recently experienced an increase in news on police brutality cases against protesters on various platforms covered by the newspapers. This study analyses the framing of media coverage by Daily Maverick, Daily Sun, Mail & Guardian, and Sowetan newspapers of the pre-and post-trial of the law enforcement officers charged with the killing of Mthokozisi Ntumba. This case was centred on forceful actions by police officials to disperse a crowd during a student protest. Although Ntumba was not amongst the protesting crowds, he was shot and killed by police officers. The study aims to discover the ways in which Ntumba’s case was reported by the four selected newspapers. The nature, aim, objectives and contextual significance of this study dictates that a qualitative research approach be used. The study was underpinned by the framing theory. Qualitative data was collected using the content analysis method, with purposive sampling used to select all textual units that contributed towards answering the study’s research questions. A sample of 83 articles was selected on the basis that the articles reported the news of the killing of Ntumba and the follow up court trial of the police officers. Qualitative framing analysis was used to study the media coverage of the killing of a bystander and police brutality in South Africa. From the study’s findings, it was revealed that different frames were used by the four selected newspapers in the coverage of Ntumba’s case. The frames used by the selected newspapers highlighted the extent to which the issue of police brutalityin the country has led to the death of people and other underlying issues that exist due to police brutality during protests.
A tale of two sites: an audit of central nervous system metastases in two Johannesburg tertiary centres
(2024) Molefe, Masechaba
Background: Literature reports the most common neoplasms of the CNS as metastases. Most studies are from the US and Europe with a paucity of data in the African setting. Objective: To provide information among patients with histologically confirmed CNS metastases treated at the neurosurgical units of the University of the Witwatersrand, namely at CHBAH and CMJAH. Methods: A retrospective record review of patients with histologically confirmed CNS metastases, presenting between 01 January 2015 and 31 December 2019 was conducted. The following data were collected and analysed: demographic, clinical, radiological and histopathological data. Results: 88 patients were included in the study. The frequencies of brain and spine metastases were 13% and 48% respectively compared to all other operated primary tumours. More females were prevalent at 51.7% in the brain metastases cohort, while males were more prevalent in the spine metastases cohort at 57.1%. In brain metastases patients the median age at presentation was 49 and for those with spine metastases the mean age was 47.1. The distribution for brain metastases was: 65% supratentorially; 20% infratentorially; 15% mixed. The distribution for spine metastases was: thoracic 32.1%; lumbosacral 28.5%; cervical 14.3%, mixed 25%. The most prevalent histopathologies for brain metastases were: lung 21.7%; breast 11.7%; melanoma 11.7%. The most prevalent histopathologies for spine metastases were lymphoma and plasma cell neoplasms each comprising 21.4%. Conclusion: More females presented with brain metastases and predominantly more males had spine metastases. There was a younger age of presentation compared to most studies conducted in Africa and globally
Admission hypothermia in very low birth weight newborns at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital
(2024) Mauree, Angidi Pillay
Background: Hypothermia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates. Very low birth weight (VLBW) newborns are at an increased risk of hypothermia especially within the first few hours after delivery. Objectives: To determine the prevalence, associated risk factors, and outcomes of admission hypothermia in VLBW newborns, at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH), a quaternary hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study of all VLBW newborns born over a seven year period (from 1st January 2013 to 31st December 2019) at CMJAH. Comparisons between hypothermic and normothermic newborns as well as between moderately-to-severely hypothermic and mildly hypothermic newborns were done. Multivariate binary logistic regression with 95% confidence interval and a p-value of < 0.05 was used to identify variables which had a significant association. Results: Mean gestational age and birthweight of enrolled newborns was 28.9 ± 2.7 weeks and 1097 ± 250 g respectively. Prevalence of admission hypothermia was 61.5 % of which 54.3% was mild hypothermia, 43.9 % was moderate hypothermia and 1.8 % was severe hypothermia. VLBW newborns with hypothermia were more likely to have a birthweight < 1000 g [aOR 1.37 (1.12-1.68)] and less likely to be associated with early onset sepsis [aOR 0.51 (0.30-0.88)]. VLBW newborns with moderate to severe hypothermia were less likely than those with mild hypothermia to have received antenatal steroids [aOR 0.66 (0.48-0.89)]. There was no significant association of mortality in either VLBW newborns with hypothermia as compared to those with normothermia [aOR 0.95 (0.76-1.19), p value 0.67] or in VLBW newborns with moderate to severe hypothermia as compared to those with mild hypothermia [aOR 0.76 (0.46- 1.26), p value 0.29]. Conclusions: Prevalence of admission hypothermia in VLBW newborns is high and reinforces the need for thermoprotective measures in this population.
An assessment of the implementation of the global counter-terrorism framework in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2020) Ntsalong, Kgeng; Van Nieuwkerk, Anthoni
The world is experiencing a general rising threat of terrorism. Some regions of the world have experienced more cases than others but no country in the world can claim to be immune. As such each country has a responsibility to protect its citizens, guests and installations against the risk of terrorism. This is done by having policy instruments in place and implementing them effectively to the benefit of the citizens and guests of the country. South Africa promulgated the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorism and related Activities Act in 2004 to criminalise acts of terrorism. This investigative and exploratory study seeks to establish how South Africa brought into effect its counterterrorism legal instruments and the challenges experienced during the implementation phase as well as to assess whether or not the policy has achieved the intended outcomes in the eyes of practitioners. Strengths and weaknesses are identified and recommendations to enhance the current instrument are proposed
An audit of cancellation of elective surgery in paediatric patients at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital
(2024) Gamede, Nomdumiso
Background: Cancellation of elective surgery is one of the quality indicators of theatre operation worldwide. The cancellation of elective surgery in paediatric patients is a world-wide problem with the rates ranging from 0.21% to 44%. This study aimed to determine the rates and describe the reasons for cancellation of elective surgeries in paediatric patients at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH). Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using theatre records from 01 January to 31 December 2019. The numbers and reasons for elective paediatric surgeries were reviewed. Data was collected using structured collection sheet and entered into Microsoft excel. Statistical Package for Social Sciences was also used to further analyse the data. Results were expressed as percentages in a graph and table forms. Results: In the year 2019, a total of 3399 elective paediatric procedures were scheduled in fourteen specialties at CHBAH. Of these, 634 (19%) were cancelled due to various reasons. The highest number of cases cancelled were from paediatric surgery and neonates (n=204, 31%), followed by ENT (n=99, 24%), burns (n=80, 20%) and paediatric orthopaedics (n=79, 16%). The lowest number of cancelled cases came from urology (n=3, 17%) and hands (n=3, 3%). The commonest reason for cancellation of elective surgery in paediatric patients at CHBAH was found to be time constraint (34%) followed by patients not arriving for surgery (16%). The reasons for cancellation in our study were mostly due to avoidable factors at 68% and non-avoidable at 32%. Conclusion: The rate of cancellation in our study was high but comparable to other African and South African studies. Majority of the causes for cancellation were avoidable.
An audit of clinically triaged women at low risk for breast cancer presenting to the Helen Joseph Mammography Unit, Johannesburg
(2024) Naidu, Lavandhra R.
BACKGROUND: The Helen Joseph Hospital (HJH) Breast Clinic utilises a clinical triage system to stratify patients based on their risk of breast cancer into high, medium, or low risk profiles. This allows for timeous imaging and subsequent management of those patients at increased risk for breast cancer. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to determine the cancer detection rate (CDR). The secondary objective was to correlate biopsy results with the Breast Imaging – Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) risk-assessment. METHODS: A retrospective audit of the patients at low risk for breast cancer who were referred to the Breast Imaging Unit (BIU) in 2019 at HJH. Patients were clinically assessed as low risk based on a triage form (Figure 4) and were identified using the imaging files stored in the BIU. Results were recorded on Microsoft Excel and calculated as per the American College of Radiology guidelines. RESULTS: The total population sample consisted of 398 patients. Two patients were characterised as BI-RADS 4 and underwent breast biopsies. One patient was diagnosed with histologically proven breast cancer. The CDR was 2.51% and the most representative age group was the 60 to 69 years one. The most common BI-RADS breast density assessment was group B while the most common BI-RADS risk assessment was category 2. CONCLUSION: Amongst the low-risk population, both the CDR and spectrum of disease was comparable that of a screening population. This may be due to the use of a triage system prior to imaging, as well as an increase in clinical awareness of breast cancer within a tertiary institution.
An audit of patients presenting with clinically benign breast disease to the Helen Joseph Hospital breast imaging unit
(2021) Christofides, Nicholas Christopher
Background: Benign breast pathology is a common presenting complaintand its assessment is important to characterize so as to not miss malignant pathology. At Helen Joseph Hospital (HJH) patients are triaged at the Breast Clinic according to the clinical suspicion of benign versus malignant disease. The patients are assigned a colourlabel based on their clinical presentation. This triage system affects waiting times between clinical examination and mammography appointments. This study aims to assess the association between clinical examination and the radiological and pathological findings of disorders deemed clinically benign and to ascertain the spectrum of benign breast disorders encountered at HJH. Method: A retrospective study of imaging results of patients at HJH presenting as clinically benign breast disorders from January –June 2018 was conducted. Assessed BIRADS score was noted and if core biopsies were performed, their results and patient demographics were documented. Results: Of the 1263 clinically benign patients presenting from January -June 2018 the radiological assessment was: BIRADS 1: 158 (12.5%), BIRADS 2: 685 (54.2%), BIRADS 3: 292 (23.1%), BIRADS 4a: 54 (4.3%), BIRADS 4b: 29 (2.3 %), BIRADS 4c: 21 (1.7%), BIRADS 5: 24 (1.9%). There were 133 biopsies (including 8 BIRADS 3 patients), with 46 (3.6%) confirmed malignancies. The combined specificity of mammography and ultrasound was 65.52 % (54.56% -75.39%) and combined sensitivity 91.30% (79.21% –97.58%). Conclusion: There is a vast spectrum of benign conditions presenting in this population group with only 3.6% confirmed malignancies, confirming an accurate triage system utilised at the breast clinic. Radiological imaging is highly sensitive but less specific emphasising the triad of clinical, radiological and histological assessment as the gold standard with regard to diagnosis of breast disease.
An audit of the practice of red packed cell transfusion in neonatal surgery in an academic hospital
(2024) Govender, Kushal
Background: Neonates undergoing surgery are at greater risk of requiring red packed cells transfusion. Pediatric transfusion practices vary widely between countries and institutions, especially in the management of neonates. Aims: The aim of this study was to describe the practice of intraoperative red packed cells transfusion primarily, and blood products and fluid transfusion secondarily in neonates presenting for surgery. Methods A retrospective contextual and descriptive study was conducted at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. A total of 1077 anesthetic records of neonates who underwent surgery from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2019 were reviewed. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: Three hundred and twenty seven (30%) neonates received intraoperative red packed cells transfusion. The median (IQR) volume of red packed cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelets and clear fluid administered was 15 (10 - 21.8) ml/kg, 12.3 (10 - 23.5) ml/kg, 13.6 (10 - 20.5) ml/kg and 19 (9.1 - 28.8) ml/kg respectively. Very low weight, low preoperative hemoglobin, long total anesthetic time, emergency surgery and major surgery were independently associated with blood product transfusion. Post-conceptional age, low and very low weight, blood product transfusion and major surgery were independently associated with the composite adverse outcomes. 3 Conclusions: Intraoperative blood product transfusion occurred up to three times more frequently in our study than in comparative studies. Weight-based dosing of red packed cells, blood products and clear fluids were in keeping with current recommendations. Further prospective cohort studies are recommended to inform an institution specific patient blood management program.
Assessing the impact of the ‘checklist’ to address overcrowding in Gauteng prisons
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Kanyane, Mpapa Jeremia
Literature shows that overcrowding in prison is a crisis that is exacerbated by challenges associated with court processes and inadequate criminal justice systems. Practical measures have been implemented by the South African government to combat these challenges through the use of an integrated criminal justice system. The National Task Team developed a strategy known as the ‘checklist’ that is development from internal benchmarks to address addressing overcrowding in South African Prisons. The study focuses on the assessment of the impact of the ‘7C checklist’ a process that is has been adopted to reduce overcrowding in Gauteng prisons as well as the role of the various government role players within the National Task Team. Using a qualitative approach that included document analysis and in-depth interviews, the study examined the impact of the 7C checklist in addressing the issue of overcrowding. This study concludes that there remains the persistence of practical constraints that are associated with the implementation processes required for complying with the ‘checklist’, as seen through the eyes of those in charge of implementing the strategy. Generally, the ‘checklist’ is partially implemented, and not following through with the processes negatively impacts on the overall goal of reducing overcrowding in Gauteng Prisons
Assessing whether political-administrative relationships affect stability in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mjekula, Nosipho; Lynge, Halfdan
The assessment of the political-administrative relationships between executive authorities (Ministers) and Directors-General (DGs) and whether there is a perceptible correlation with stability in three national government departments in South Africa, namely Human Settlements, Traditional Affairs, and the Office of the Public Service Commission was seized using a mixed methods approach (qualitative and basic elements of quantitative methods). Due to the editorial nature of this research piece, the academic knowledge gap, the lack of empirical evidence about the typology of these relationships in South Africa, and the deep interest of the researcher in the study, an analysis was necessary. This study focuses on the relationship between politicians who are Executive Authorities (EAs) and only administrators at the level of Directors- General (DGs) and who are regarded as the independent variable (IV). The EA and DG have an individual role to play in the policy formulation and implementation and enacting laws, and regulations (intervene variable). Another variable that intervenes and contributes to the relationship between politicians and administrators is the political landscape at a particular time which normally expresses certain relationships between the EAs and DGs. Ample evidence shows that poor relations between the elected and the appointed cause a high turnover rate at the administrative level and creates unstable institutions that are weak and characterised by corruption (SA Institute of Race Relations, August 2017). The high turnover refers to the number of DGs who leave the Public Service. However, most of the studies do not necessarily clarify whether the turnover rate within government was caused by the kind of relationships EAs and HoDs may experience, therefore remains unclear. Internal strife at the level of political and administrative executives is often heard through newspaper articles. This turned out to be a normality where tensions, poor working relationships and interactions, how major decisions are taken, individual and organisational instabilities, and political over administration power are mostly cited. The instability of relations between politicians and officials, created by high levels of public service politicisation, is the most solemn variable of instability and inconsistency in any democratic dispensation. The findings and recommendations of the study will shape improved relations, and help the government categorize the kind of relationships that exist through a developed model named Political Administrative Leadership (PAL) that the researcher established to map the relationship that is deemed functional even when tensions exist. The political executives, administrative heads, the Directors-General (DGs) or heads of department (HoDs), and public service practitioners will be able to sketch healthier relations that would shape and enhance the future of the political-administration dichotomy that existed and was questioned by some scholars e.g. Mafunisa, Maphunye, and others policy and framework development that permits pragmatic analysis of the relationships at the political-administrative interface. The study uses a sample size of thirty-four participants selected using a purposive and snowball sampling technique in the three national departments. Fifteen of the participants were from the Office of the Public Service Commission (OPSC), twelve from the Department of Traditional Affairs (DTA), and seven from the Department of Human Settlements (DHS). The study focuses on the unit analysis which is the relationship between a Minister and Director-General in each of the selected departments. The sample was selected using the offices and units that understand the political-administrative relationships and whether they caused or not necessarily instigated the stability or instability thereof. The study of two out of the three national departments showed stable relationships and stability between the EAs and DGs, however, the respondents were of the view that the poorer the relations the higher the instability in government departments, components, entities, and institutions
Assessment of the management of inpatient hyperglycaemia by physicians and intensivists in South African hospitals
(2024) Hewson, Peter Llewellyn Blanshard
Background Hyperglycaemia is highly prevalent in patients admitted to hospital and is associated with prolonged hospital stay, increased costs, morbidity and mortality. As there is currently limited local data on the management of hyperglycaemia, this study aimed to investigate physician practices in the management of inpatient hyperglycaemia in South African hospitals Methods: A survey investigated the practices of 154 physicians in general medical wards and intensive care units (ICUs) in the state and private sectors. To validate these responses, an audit of 100 general medical and 111 ICU patient files was performed at three major Johannesburg academic hospitals. Patients with inpatient hyperglycaemia related to diabetes mellitus (DM) or hospital-associated factors were included, while patients admitted with diabetic emergencies were excluded. Results: In the general medical wards, oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHAs) were used in the majority of survey respondents (94.5%) and audited files (64%). In the ICU, OHAs were used by 34.9% of survey respondents and 14.4% of audited patient files. Of the OHAs, metformin use was most frequently reported (93.8% in the survey) and used (64% in the audit) agent in the general medical wards, followed by sulfonylureas (SUs) (75.8% in the survey and 5% in the audit). In the critical care setting, the survey demonstrated frequent use of metformin followed by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4-i), while the audit showed that metformin and SU use was 14.4% and 0.9% respectively. Surveyed clinicians in general medical wards report most frequently using the basal insulin plus sliding scale insulin (SSI) regimen (36.6%), while the audit showed that SSI alone (36%) or premix insulin-based regimens (34%) are used most often. In the critical care setting, more surveyed clinicians reported using an insulin infusion (34.9%) compared to other insulin regimens, while the audit demonstrated that the majority of patients (59.5%) were managed with SSI alone. Four-to-six hourly glycaemic monitoring was noted as the standard of care in both surveys and audits. While the majority of clinicians reported daily review of their glycaemic management (91.7% and 87.3% of participants in the general medical wards and ICU, respectively), the audit revealed that this was noted in just 34% and 3.6% of participants in the general medical wards and ICU, respectively. Conclusion: Both the survey and audit demonstrated significant discrepancies from current clinical guidelines. This highlights a significant impact on patient care, in particular, as OHAs have not been recommended for use in the ICU setting, one in every three critical care patients may be exposed to potential complications as a result of the use of such agents. The findings of this study suggest further investigations regarding inpatient hyperglycaemia practices as well as implementation of education and in-hospital protocols are needed in the South Africa healthcare context in order to improve clinical outcomes.
The authority of the United Nations Security Council to waive the personal immunity of heads of States in the context of international crimes
(2019) Memela, Sinethemba
In 1998, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) was adopted with the aim of ending impunity for perpetrators of international crimes. Under Article 13(b) of the Rome Statute, if the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) refers a situation to the ICC while acting under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the ICC is entitled to exercise jurisdiction over the territory and nationals of the relevant State that. In some cases, the referred State is neither a party to the Rome Statute nor has consented to its jurisdiction, and implicated senior officials of the state enjoy immunity. In terms of Article 27 of the Rome Statute, immunity does not bar the ICC from exercising jurisdiction. However, customary international law has historically afforded immunity to senior State officials, such as Heads of State, from prosecution. This dichotomy has been a challenge in international criminal law; specifically, the question of balancing the competing objectives of ending impunity for international crimes while maintaining stable relations and respecting the sovereignty of States by respecting customary international law rules on immunity. This challenge has been compounded by the question of the implication of a UNSC referral, of a non-State party to the Rome Statute, to the ICC on the immunity of implicated senior state officials of that State. Accordingly, this study is primarily concerned with whether, and the extent to which, the UNSC can waive the immunity enjoyed by senior state officials of UN Member States, particularly Head of State immunity, when it refers a situation to the ICC using its Chapter VII powers in the UN Charter. Before dealing with the above, the study analyses the concept of immunity, specifically personal immunity, in international law and the obligations of States to respect such immunity, taking into consideration their obligations under the Rome Statute as applicable.
Automatic exchange of tax information and the right to privacy: a South African constitutional analysis
(2021) Mia, Aisha Bibi
Broad-based automatic exchanges of information are increasingly viewed as the norm in global tax practice. The mass transmission of large amounts of personal and financial data creates informational risks and implicates the privacy rights of impacted data subjects. This investigation considers the interaction between broad-based automatic exchanges of information –specifically the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) and FATCA– and the right to privacy contained in section 14 of the South African Constitution. To date there has not been any authoritative legal precedent on this area and the available academic literature is also limited. Applying a doctrinal research method and drawing on the approach employed by the Constitutional Court when adjudicating Bill of Rights matters; a synthesis and analysis of various written sources was undertaken. The sources consulted include: legislation, South African case law, international law, treaty instruments, foreign case law, policy papers and academic literature. This study finds that the CRS exchange of taxpayer information is aimed at reducing global tax evasion and is reciprocal in nature. Additionally, the exchanges take place within a robust privacy framework. Accordingly, the CRS is constitutionally valid, with only limited opportunity to further enhance constitutional consonance. Contrastingly, the FATCA data exchanges are de facto unilateral. They cannot therefore be linked to any legitimate objective to improve tax compliance and revenues in South Africa. In this regard the investigation concludes that FATCA fails to pass constitutional muster.
Balancing legality and certainty: the Oudekraal principles and their development
(2020) Mahlangu, Siyabonga
This thesis is a study of the Oudekraal principles and their development. In Oudekraal Estates (Pty) Ltd v City of Cape Town 2004 (6) SA 222 (SCA), the Supreme Court of Appeal fundamentally transformed the approach of South African law to the anomaly that an unlawful administrative act may have legal consequences. The court rejected past explanations for this phenomenon, such as the presumption of validity, the distinction between voidness and voidability, the theory of legal relativity and, where the courts have declined to set aside unlawful acts on grounds such as delay, judicial pragmatism. Instead, the court developed a principled approach by which it sought to strike a careful balance between the competing rule-of-law values of legality and certainty. Four principles emanating from this seminal judgment are identified in the thesis. These are that an unlawful act may have legal effect for so long as it has not been set aside; that the legal effect depends on whether the validity of an originating act is a precondition for the validity of the subsequent act; that an unlawful act which compels a person to do or not to do something must be valid, and a person affected by it is entitled to challenge its invalidity collaterally; and that the court reviewing an unlawful act has discretion to refuse the remedy of setting aside even if a ground of review has been established. The thesis investigates how the courts since Oudekraal have interpreted, applied and developed these four principles. It concludes that there is an interplay between the various principles. In this interplay the Constitutional Court has recently tended to emphasise the value of legality over that of certainty, resulting in a lack of clarity as to what it means for an unlawful act to have legal effect prior to its being set aside
Barriers to Effective Performance Management in South African Public Administration
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Chetty, Paragasen Perumal; Ouma, Wycliffe
This study evaluates barriers to effective performance management within the South African public sector. The purpose of the study was to understand if barriers to effective performance management had an impact on performance appraisal outcomes, transformational leadership style, and public service motivation levels. The study further assessed transformational leadership’s ability to mediate between performance barriers and public service motivational levels. Study approach was a quantitative methodology supported by an online survey for collection of primary data from South African civil servants. An exploratory analysis and inductive reasoning method was supported by the cross-sectional observational design of the research. The research outcomes confirmed that barriers to effective performance management had a significant and negative influence on performance appraisals worth, there was also a significant and negative effect on transformational leadership style, and barriers to effective performance management reduced public service motivation levels. The findings also confirmed that transformational leadership style partially mediated between performance barriers and public service motivation levels. The implication is that whilst transformational leadership style partially mediated the impact of barriers on public service motivation, if public sector leadership does not act to assuage performance barriers, then endeavours at performance appraisals will become a cursory exercise, stratagems for public sector transformational leadership will be distrusted and team members with high public service motivation levels will exit the administration. Exorbitant costs for reduced quality of public sector services will become a common occurrence. With the help of transformational leadership strategies, employee public service motivation can be increased whilst reducing the influence that performance barrier wields over performance improvement. When barriers are reduced performance appraisal information can become more meaningful and useful for improved employee performance
Blindsided, othered, losing, coping: Experiences of syndemics among Nigerian-born migrant women in Johannesburg, South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-07) Oyenubi, Adetola; de Gruchy, Thea; Vearey, Jo
Background and rationale - Migrants in South Africa frequently face complex challenges that negatively affect their mental and physical health. Current literature has mostly focused on identifying these health conditions with little attention paid to the socioeconomic factors that exacerbate the overall well-being of these migrants. To fill this gap, this study explores the health experiences of migrant women in Johannesburg through the lenses of social determinants of health, othering, and coping strategies. Method - The syndemic framework serves as the foundation for this qualitative study, which examines migrant women's lived experiences and how they interpret their health in the context of the stressors they experience in the city. Data from twenty-one Nigerian-born migrant women were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings - Participants' lived experiences represent syndemic suffering, which Mendenhall describes as experiences of poor health that are due to non-biological factors. These complexities include being blindsided by high expectations of a better life in Johannesburg versus sentiments of disappointment with reality, as well as the pressures of being othered in a new society. All of this has resulted in participants losing their health owing to an array of mental health issues and chronic diseases they suffer from. In the midst of their hardships, these women have discovered ways to cope through social support, religion, mobile technology, and self-care. Conclusion - This study contributes to the literature and praxis on social determinants of migrant health, othering, and the syndemic frameworks by providing insight through the findings of this study. By identifying and exploring syndemics among migrant communities in urban Johannesburg, we can explore how syndemic suffering for migrant women shares commonalities with, but also diverges from, that experienced by South African women.
Capacity development of service delivery structures and programmes in Bojanala Platinum District Municipality
(2021) Mphahlele, Matuku
Bojanala Platinum District Municipality (BPDM), in the North West Province is a centre of the extractive economy in South Africa. The BPDM experiences challenges in relation to delivering quality public services. In this context, this thesis examines capacity development of service delivery structures and programmes of the local municipalities, in the BPDM, that is, Kgetlengrivier, Rustenburg, Madibeng, Moses Kotane and Moretele. In addition, the study explores the ways in which they can be overcome for enhanced service delivery. The BPDM is embedded in an extractive economy and experiences challenges of the largely heterogeneous and mobile population that results in high influx of labour migrants, socio-economic inequality, and unemployment that impact heavily on the municipal capacity to deliver services (Van Wyk, 2012; Alexander, Sinwell, Lekgowa, Mmope & Xezwi, 2012). Accordingly, the Mineral Petroleum Resource Development Act 28 of 2002 (MPRDA) unpacks legislative prescripts on what structures mining companies have to establish, how to monitor and report on collaborative Social and Labour Plans (SLPs) in conjunction with municipal Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) for enhancement of service delivery. Thus, the study also examines the nature of structures and programmes, facilitators and inhibitors of skills development initiatives and how mining companies as local partners facilitate or impede improvement in delivering municipal services to the community. Within the context of local government capacity development, this study develops a theoretical framing incorporating scholarship on human capital, performance improvement and collaborative participatory governance perspectives. This framing is premised on the scholarly evidence that capacity development is an enabler of service delivery, influenced by skills development, municipal performance improvement and collaborative participation. ii )To generate perspectives in relation to capacity development of service delivery structures and programmes, a qualitative case study approach, using interviews is adopted. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with senior managers in the municipalities and the respective, locally based mining company. In addition to semi-structured interviews, documentary analysis and the descriptive statistics were employed. The study’s research questions examine the structures and programmes for enhancing capacity development in relation to service delivery. In addition, the study hones in on how local partners facilitate or hinder improvement in providing municipal services and how local municipalities better utilise their capacity development resources, including partnership with mining companies in relation to service delivery. This case study reveals that there are difficulties with respect to capacity development associated with skills retention, organisational relations and socio-political capacity building. The study concludes that political abandonment, poor communication and stakeholder engagements aggravate weakened inter-municipal co-operation and inadequate utilisation of resources. These challenges undermine cost-effective, efficient and effective implementation of capacity development of service delivery structures and programmes, underpinned by skills development and organisational learning. This study, suggests that socio-political resilience and administrative synergy are key enablers in the enhancement of service delivery. The thesis contributes to the body knowledge about the distinctive nature of the interface between learning and skills development, underscoring key enablers of improved capacity development of service delivery structures and programmes.
Challenges faced by court interpreters while interpreting for children in South African courts
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Chikele, Heather Mikateko; Maliko, Natasha Parkins; Dladla, Celimpilo P.
The study investigated the challenges faced by court interpreters in South Africa when working with child witnesses within the legal system. The objectives of the study included investigating interpreter challenges, identifying their role in safeguarding children’s well-being and rights, and evaluating the effectiveness of interpreter training. The country’s linguistic diversity, characterized by 12 official languages and distinct cultural distinctions, adds layers of complexity for interpreters (Powell, et al., 2017). The problems encountered during the process includes linguistic barriers, encompassing the clear conveyance of child testimonies, interpretation of child-friendly legal terminology, and ensuring the child’s understanding of legal proceedings. The study recognized the involved interplay of language, culture and age, which highlights the need for interpreters to address the emotional state, comprehension level, and communication capacities of child witnesses. To tackle these challenges, the study highlighted the crucial requirement for specialized training and support for court interpreters handling cases involving children in South African courts (Moeketsi & Wallmach, 2005). This involved cultivating a sophisticated understanding of child psychology, cultural sensitivity, and legal terminology to effectively bridge communication gaps (Jianqing, 2008). By doing so, the study contended that South Africa could strengthen its commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and welfare within the legal system, ultimately ensuring equitable access to justice for all residents. The study utilized a quantitative research methodology, utilising a structured questionnaire distributed through Google Forms. The questionnaire was designed to gather insights from court interpreters about their experiences and challenges. The questions were crafted to elicit detailed responses on topics such as the impact of the child’s age on interpretation, linguistic and cultural challenges, and training and qualifications of court interpreters. The research focused on obtaining valuable information directly from court interpreters through the survey instrument, so as to understand their perspectives in a more streamlined manner (Cheung, 2014).
Challenges to inclusive public participation in the development of the national security strategy
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Cairns, Murray
Public participation is a fundamental component of good Security Sector Governance (SSG), allowing those who are affected to participate in decision-making processes. Although inclusive participation is recognized as fundamental, this has not translated in its universal application, particularly when it relates to matters of national security. South Africa's 2013 National Security Strategy (NSS) has taken a similar approach, drawing criticism for its lack of inclusivity. In light of this, this research seeks to explore the challenges that exist within South Africa’ssecurity sector that limit inclusive public participation. The paper employed a qualitative case study and purposive sampling to collect textual data on challenges found in other contexts, and the perspectives of security experts familiar with practices in the country's security space. Findings from the research show that the country's historical legacies, as well as institutional practices and relationships among various stakeholders, limit public participation in South Africa's security sector
Church brands and management styles: The case of South African Protestant churches
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Juqu, Thando Buhle; Saruchera, Fanny
Protestant church brands continuously fail to recognise that their brands are indeed brands. South African church brands have continuously been accused of engaging in activities that detract and decrease their customer bases. Their roles are to ensure that the customers’ needs are met and are satisfactory. This study aimed to measure the perceived relationships between brand management and other variables such as customer loyalty and consumer behaviours. Do church members and other stakeholders agree that church brands are brands and attest to this statement by identifying as customers to the brand? Guided by the positivism approach and descriptive research design, the study utilized a self-administered questionnaire to collect data from a sample of 171 respondents who were members of the South African Protestant churches. The study established that communication remains a key pillar to the growth and sustenance of any relationship. The study further proved that proper befitting brand management styles play a role in the growth of brands. Under the agency theory, the study highlighted that these customers need to be noticed and heard by protestant church brands. About Thirty six percent (36.3%) of respondents highlighted that brands did not communicate internal issues and scandals. The study further cited poor brand management and the lack of communication, and that a decrease in brand management led to detracting customer loyalty and brand trust, putting these non-profit organisations at significant risk. The study concluded that adopting proper management styles and CRM activities and observing proper brand management styles in these protestant church brands allows brand growth. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by enriching the theoretical scope of theology and brand management in the context of protestant church brands. This ultimately leads to custodians of brands becoming great stewards of the brand

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Browsing 4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions by SDG "SDG-16: Peace, justice and strong institutions"

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