Browsing by Subject "Gauteng"
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Item An Acheulean handaxe from Gladysvale Cave site, Gauteng, South Africa.(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2006-03) Hall, G.; Pickering, R.; Lacruz, R.; Hancox, J.; Berger, L.R.; Schmid, P.WE DESCRIBE A SINGLE HANDAXE FROM fossiliferous breccias at Gladysvale Cave, South Africa. The artefact is the only known tool so far discovered during the controlled excavations conducted at this site over the last decade, and was recovered from decalcified sediments near the stratigraphic interface of two breccia units, making it difficult to assign it with confidence to either. The morphology of the handaxe indicates a middle-late Acheulean industry, and preliminary electron spin resonance and palaeomagnetic dating suggest an age of greater than 780 000 years.Item The activities of a midwife at a level 3 public sector labour ward in eastern Gauteng(2009-01-16T08:28:26Z) Mukwevho, Moshibudi FlorenceItem Analysis of investment opportunities available to small businesses and investment clubs in Gauteng Province(2020) Tanzi, YongamaThis study investigated the factors driving investments and investment behavior by Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) and Investment clubs in Gauteng, South Africa. The study is a qualitative study, using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with business owners and club members. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data collected. The findings reveal that there is high awareness of available investment opportunities by SMME’s and Investment clubs, but low rates of investment activity driven by fear, entrepreneurial behaviours, lack of financial literacy, coupled with a lack of trust in the economy and the banking system. The results also show that the property sector is the most preferred and well-known investment opportunity to most SMMEs. The need to encourage the development of better financial knowledge amongst black SMME and Investment club owners/members was also highlighted. It is recommended that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provide affordable investment training for SMMEs and registered investment club members. This will help them broaden their knowledge of recent and current investment philosophy.Item 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 Antibacterial stewardship practices in South Africa during the COVID-19 era: A retrospective review(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Spinickum, Logan Jade; Leigh-de Rapper, StephanieBackground: Several mechanisms may facilitate and steer the development of antibiotic resistance patterns. The most prominent driver associated with antibiotic resistance has been indicated as inappropriate use or consumption of antibiotics. The sudden emergence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-2019) changed the conventional practices related to drug utilisation through the repurposing of antibiotics. Despite the implementation of antibiotic stewardship programs, the pressure that COVID-19 placed on healthcare systems resulted in poor prescribing and antibiotic review practices, potentially exacerbating antibiotic resistance. Moreover, the public health sector faces various challenges that make it difficult to consistently assess and quantify antibiotic usage; while providing quality review, feedback, and intervention, especially in low- and-middle-income countries like South Africa. As a result, there is a paucity of information concerning antibiotic utilisation in the public healthcare sector, even following the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is essential to determine the extent of antibiotic use to improve antibiotic utilisation, patient outcomes and stimulate viable policies and initiatives to strengthen public healthcare drug surveillance amidst the challenges of increased infectious diseases, resistance, and health personnel shortages. Aim of study: The aims of the study were to determine, analyse and compare antibiotic consumption amongst intensive care unit (ICU) patients admitted in a Gauteng public hospital during the pre-COVID-19 era and commencement of the COVID-19 era. Methodology: A retrospective cross-sectional data analysis of 335 medical files of ICU patients hospitalised in a Gauteng Provincial Tertiary Hospital (GPTH) between January 2017 and December 2021. Descriptive statistics were used to examine patient characteristics and antibiotic prescribing variables. Results: The study found that the more frequently prescribed antibiotics were amoxicillin/clavulanate (pre-pandemic = 31.99%; COVID-19 = 38.43%), followed by ceftriaxone (pre-pandemic = 15.44%; COVID-19 = 14.55%), piperacillin/tazobactam (pre-pandemic = 11.40%; COVID- 19 = 8.58%) and azithromycin (pre-pandemic = 7.73%; COVID-19 = 19.78%). Common bacterial pathogens detected in both periods included Acinetobacter baumannii (pre-pandemic = 29.2%; COVID-19 = 20.9%), Enterobacter cloacae (pre-pandemic = 10.4%;COVID-19 = 14.0%), Escherichia coli (pre-pandemic = 22.9%; COVID-19 = 25.6%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (pre-pandemic = 25.0%; COVID-19 = 18.6%). Resistance was predominantly observed in ciprofloxacin (pre-pandemic = 11.4%; COVID-19 = 12.9%), piperacillin/tazobactam (pre-pandemic = 12.7%; COVID-19 = 0.1%), cefotaxime (pre-pandemic = 13.2%; COVID-19 = 14.7%), and cefepime (pre-pandemic = 12.7%; COVID-19 = 11.2). Resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics observed a decrease trend moving from the pre-pandemic period into the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: The macrolide and penicillin (in combination with beta-lactamase inhibitor(s)), classes demonstrated an increase in prescribing and use across the pre-pandemic period transitioning into the COVID-19 pandemic. While overall resistance observed a decline moving into the COVID-19 pandemic. However, “Watch” category antibiotic resistance increased slightly. An increase in prescribing and use of macrolides coupled with an increase in “Watch” category antibiotic resistance, highlights the need for improved antibiotic stewardship programs in public healthcare and pathogen-directed prescribing, to combat inappropriate and unnecessary use of antibiotics.Item Attenuation of pollution arising from acid mine drainage by a natural wetland on the Witwatersrand(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2017-01) Humphries, M.S.; McCarthy, T.S.; Pillay, L.Wetlands are well known to be efficient at sequestering pollutants from contaminated water. We investigated metal accumulation in the peats of the Klip River, a natural wetland that has received contaminated water from gold mining operations in Johannesburg for over 130 years. Previous work conducted in the downstream portion identified the wetland as an important system for sequestering metals. We focused on the upstream section of the wetland, more proximal to the source of acid mine drainage, to provide a better understanding of the pollutant sources and the role of the wetland in pollutant attenuation. Geochemical and mineralogical analyses of peat cores revealed considerable metal enrichments in the peat ash, particularly in Co, Ni, Zn, Pb, Cu and U. Metal concentrations are typically between 4 to 8 times higher than those previously reported for the downstream, more distal portion of the wetland. The distribution of metal accumulation within the peat profiles suggests that contamination arises from a combination of sources and processes. Elevated concentrations in the shallow peat are attributed to the input of contaminated surface water via tributaries that drain the Central Rand Goldfield, whereas enrichments in the deeper peat suggest significant sub-surface inflow of contaminated water through the underlying dolomitic rocks. Metal immobilisation occurs through a combination of mechanisms, which include the precipitation of gypsum, metal sulfides, Fe-Mn oxyhydroxides and phosphates. Our study highlights the environmental and economic importance of natural wetland systems which have the ability to accumulate large quantities of metals and thus remediate polluted waters.Item Beliefs and Practices regarding HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention among service providers for adults with Intellectual Disability in Gauteng(2006-11-02T12:54:34Z) Levin, TamarThe aim of the study was to determine the beliefs and practices regarding HIV/Aids awareness and prevention among service providers working in the field of intellectual disability. In order to investigate this aim, a cross-sectional survey research design was employed which incorporated a purposive sampel that consisted of 28 participants representing 21 organizations catering for adults with intellectual disability in Gauteng. These participants were interviewed using a structured interview schedule and the data were analysed using both descriptive statistics and content analysis. The results indicated that the majority of participants perceived that their organization had a role to play in raising awareness and preventing the spread of HIV/Aids and considered adults with intellectual disability to be a risk for contracting HIV.Item Breast cancer prevention: The knowledge and skills of final-year undergraduate nursing students(2006-11-20T09:57:33Z) Mayet, ZakeeyaA quantitative research study in the form of a descriptive survey was undertaken with the aim of determining the level of knowledge and skills of final-year undergraduate nursing students relating to breast cancer prevention. The research objectives were as follows: to determine the awareness of, and orientation toward breast cancer preventative measures of final-year undergraduate nursing students; to determine the level of knowledge regarding breast cancer prevention of final-year undergraduate nursing students; to assess their psychomotor skills in performing a clinical breast examination; and to identify critical knowledge and skill deficits, with regard to breast cancer prevention. Data were collected from a sample of final-year undergraduate nursing students (n=62) from three universities in Gauteng. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data relating to theoretical knowledge. Direct, structured observation, using a self-compiled checklist, enabled the collection of data relating to psychomotor skills in clinical breast examinations. Data analysis was done with the aid of two computer software packages, namely MoonStats and Microsoft Excel. The findings of the research revealed that, although the students were positively orientated to the issue of breast cancer prevention, their theoretical knowledge regarding it was not largely below the level that would deem them competent. The mean score for theoretical knowledge regarding breast cancer prevention was 56%. In addition, the scores for their psychomotor skills in carrying out a clinical breast examination were generally poor. The mean score in this component of the study was 45%. Major theoretical and skill deficits were identified from the findings of the study. Recommendations proposed comprehensive educational coverage of breast cancer prevention in nursing curricula. It was suggested that nursing students become more actively involved in the promotion of breast cancer prevention in underserved communities. Furthermore it is suggested that nurses and nursing students become more involved in ongoing research in the field of breast cancer prevention.Item Citizen participation in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature: a theoretical and case study.(2014-03-18) de Bruyn, Graeme HowardThis study investigated the extent and scope of citizen voice in public decision-making in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) from two theoretical perspectives. It is structured around three components; an in-depth exposition of the literature on citizen participation, application of two theoretical frameworks applied to the scope of citizen voice in the GPL and an applied case study approach. This study found that the literature ascribes multiple meanings to citizen participation and that there are incongruities in the manner in which the literature conceptualises, describes the mechanisms, and outlines the intentions, and outcomes of citizen participation. Citizen voice in the GPL is deemed to be contextual to and influenced by the interplay of the socio-political environment, multiple interests, values and sub-systems. The case study approach allows for an expanded analysis of the implicit power dynamics in the GPL and the institutional political processes on the nature and extent of citizen voice. In this study citizen voice is regarded as an opportunity for direct, representational and/or institutional expression of citizen interests in public decisions consolidating democracy, citizenship and legitimate government.The GPL’s policy documents point to a stated intent of democratic public participation conceived and pursued as citizen control, empowerment and partnership. However the conclusion is that this participation vacillates between information sharing and consultations, but not decisionmaking control. The study asserts that the theory on citizen voice in public decision-making is under-developed and there is a disconnection between the literature and citizen experiences.Item Corruption and the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises in Gauteng(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Chetty, Melanie; Venter, RobIn most countries SMEs are vital to economic advancement and sustainability of small businesses are critical to a nation`s socioeconomic stability; otherwise, the country faces stagnation in its economy. Corruption is a global challenge which threatens sustainable economic development and adherence to good governance creates an environment where corruption struggle to flourish. this study examine the impact of corruption on SMEs in Gauteng using a quantitative research methodology whereby 77 respondent were located in Gauteng.Item Derailing Gautengs HIV/AIDS train: An evaluation of the provincial governments implementation of a life skills education programme in primary and secondary schools(2007-03-01T12:58:57Z) Nirav, PatelThe aim of this study it to evaluate the Gauteng Government’s attempt to implement a life skills education programme in all primary and secondary schools. A chosen strategy of the National HIV/AIDS/STD Strategic Plan for South Africa: 2000-2005, a universal programme of life skills and HIV/AIDS education in primary and secondary schools was identified as a vital means to contain South Africa’s HIV/AIDS epidemic. Broadly, the life skills and HIV/AIDS education programme is intended to “promote improved health seeking behaviour and [the] adoption of safe sex practices” (DOH, 2000) amongst school going youth. Responsibility for the implementation of this programme in all primary and secondary schools is decentralised to the provincial level. Accordingly, this study seeks to analyse and evaluate the Gauteng Provincial Government’s (GPG) progress in the implementation of the life skills programme. A case study design centered upon documentary analysis and key informant interviews was employed in order to capture the necessary and predominantly qualitative data. These data are analyzed using the conceptual framework developed through the work of Hildebrand and Grindle (1994 in Brijal and Gilson, 1997), and Brijal and Gilson (1997). This study found that numerous implementation deficits arising at the organisational, task network, public sector institutional and external environmental levels combined to hamper implementation of the life skills programme according to the time frames set out within the National Integrated Plan for Children Infected and Affected by HIV/AIDS. Nevertheless, this study also found that political stability in Gauten gprovince was a significant factor promoting steady and progressive programme implementation and expansion. To conclude, this study indicates that policy implementation requires numerous complimentary factors (for instance, a strong level of local service delivery capacity) to be in place in order for public HIV/AIDS policy implementation to be achieved in an efficient and sustainable manner.Item Exploring entrepreneurship education in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) for self- employment: a case study of interns in Gauteng(2021) Ditlopo, Elizabeth JanetThis study focused on exploring the extent to which TVET Colleges’ entrepreneurship education programme prepares students for self- employment. The main aim of the study was to understand, in detail, the experiences of interns’ learning of the entrepreneurship education programme at given TVET Colleges in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa. The specific questions that the study sought to answer were: what the experiences of interns from the two TVET Colleges are, in terms of how entrepreneurship education prepares them for setting up new businesses; what the important course components in the entrepreneurship programme are; what the challenges confronting interns in relation to their study of entrepreneurship education are; and what the strategies of improving entrepreneurship education programmes at TVET Colleges in South Africa, to boost self-employment, are. This study employed a qualitative approach using a case study method. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview technique. Participants were recruited using a non-probability sampling method known as purposive sampling. A total of 12 participants were recruited and they consented to participate in the study. The participants included 12 interns at two selected TVET Colleges in Gauteng, South Africa, studying the N6 NATED entrepreneurship education programme. All interviews were conducted in private rooms at the selected TVET Colleges following successful appointments with participants and their institutions. All interviews were audio-recorded, and the researcher drafted detailed field notes following each interview. Audiofiles were transcribed by the researcher, and transcripts were read and re-read to identify common patterns and emerging themes in relation to meanings as well as understandings in relation to the study of entrepreneurship education programme at TVET Colleges as provided by study participants. Data were analysed using a thematic content analysis method. Verbatim quotations were used to illuminate the key themes. The findings of this study suggested that interns’ experiences in relation to studying entrepreneurship education begins with an entrepreneurial intention and builds up to the acquiring of a knowledge base as well as relevant skills for eventually becoming business owners. Further, the study found that the teaching of entrepreneurship education at the specific TVET Colleges had vi a positive impact on its students. The study also revealed that there are important course components of the entrepreneurship programme – Financial Accounting; Business Management; Computer Literacy – which provide students with the relevant skills required to start and manage their own businesses in this highly technological era. Factors such as a lack of sufficient funding and government support for TVET Colleges, as well as the difficulty in understanding some course components of the entrepreneurship education programme, especially for science-oriented students, serve as barriers in achieving the objective of becoming self-employed in Gauteng, South Africa. Additionally, the study found there are ways to improve the entrepreneurship education programme at TVET Colleges including the adequate provision of funding as well as support from the government for the TVET Colleges; and the introduction of effective mentorship programmes for students and interns studying the entrepreneurship programme. In conclusion, this study argues that, in order to understand the experiences of interns studying the entrepreneurship education programme at TVET Colleges, which will bring about selfemployment within Gauteng, South Africa, the entrepreneurial approach and contextually-based factors need to be duly considered. The study suggests that there is a positive impact of studying the entrepreneurship education programme, especially in light of the need for self-employment in South Africa; however, issues varying from insufficient funding and government support, to difficulty in understanding required course components, need to be put in perspective. More so, the study suggests that there is need to focus on learning re-orientation, especially for sciencebased students, to ensure effective understanding of the relevant knowledge and skills for becoming self-employed.Item Healthcare professionals’ experiences in private practice of point-of-care testing for diabetic patients in Gauteng(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Ghirdari, Sumesh; Zhuwao, PatrikThis research reports experiences from healthcare professionals (HCPs) on point-of-care (POC) testing, for diabetic patients in private practice, at primary healthcare level in Gauteng, South Africa. While there are many benefits to POC testing in an emergency setting, it might not provide the same benefits at a primary care level. Studies have produced mixed results over many years in terms of cost-effectiveness and health outcomes in a primary care setting. Despite mixed conclusions as to whether POC testing is beneficial at a primary care level, some practitioners still utilise POC devices. POC testing at a primary care level has many potential benefits. This research reports insights through a qualitative study based on a phenomenological research design, from healthcare professionals (HCPs) that are currently using or have used POC devices in their private practice. The study was conducted using semi-structured interviews. The research highlighted the need for new business models, which may further emphasize the benefits of POC. The main themes uncovered were improved patient outcomes, reduced decision time, compliance, HCP satisfaction and practice efficiency. The research concluded that HCPs were experiencing various benefits from using POC testing. Moreover, it uncovered some benefits that were not highlighted in literature review, such as the reduced risk of contracting COVID-19 and the role of POC in a care-coordinated model. While POC testing has been in existence for many years, much more research needs to be done in private practice in GautengItem Mobile clinic users' opinions on health care service provision in the Muldersdrift area,Gauteng province(2006-11-17T13:15:09Z) Tshabalala, Amme MardulateThe use of the mobile clinics for rendering health care services in South Africa is part of the services rendered according to the Primary Health Care Service Package that was officially published in 2001. Mobile clinics have been found to be instrumental in rendering of health care especially in the rural and semi- rural areas. In the majority of these areas, the mobile clinic is the only source of health care provision at community level. Lack of well developed infrastructure and poor roads contribute to inaccessibility of health care services in rural and semi-rural areas. Health programmes are often of poor quality or offer incomplete services. Factors such as lack of knowledge of available health care services, satisfaction with the quality and range of services provided, and unavailability of the mobile clinic service when there is a health need, can result in the mobile health care clinic being less utilized. The purpose of the study was to address the following question: What are mobile clinic users’ opinions on health care service provision in the Muldersdrift area Gauteng Province? To answer the question three research objectives were formulated. These were to: describe the mobile clinic users’ level of service utilization, to assess their level of knowledge of available health care services and to determine their level of satisfaction with the services provided. To achieve the study objectives, an exploratory, descriptive survey was used as the research design. Three sampling techniques were used in this study. Cluster sampling was used for developing sampling framework for the 35 mobile points. Stratified sampling used to stratification of the mobile points. A non- probability convenience sampling was then used for final selection of the nine mobile clinic points and for selection of a sample size of 94 mobile clinic users’ to be included in the study. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package 7.0. The results show that the mobile clinic service was optimally utilized, 59% had used the service more than thrice within a period of six months. The majority of participants (89.3%) had knowledge of all the services being offered on the mobile clinic. Very few respondents (19.5%) were aware of the availability of HIV and AIDS counseling and testing on the mobile clinic. All most all the respondents (98.9%) were satisfied the range of services offered on the mobile clinic. Almost half (48.9%) were not satisfied with the service being offered once a month, (4.4%) with the attitude of the staff, (5.3%) with treatment of common ailments and (2%) said the mobile clinic service was bad.Item Item Organisational internal factors and the innovativeness in SMEs in Gauteng, South Africa(2021) Mavimbela, ChueneThis research study investigated the relationship between organisational internal factors and the SMEs’ innovativeness. The theoretical background to the study was adopted and grounded on the theory of corporate entrepreneurship. The study focused on SMEs’ owners and managers with firms operating in Gauteng, South Africa. The organisational internal factors that were investigated are management support, work discretion, rewards and reinforcement, time availability, and organisational boundaries. The study took a quantitative approach, implementing existing instruments and analysed a sample of 272 owner-managers. Multiple linear regression analysis was used as a core statistical technique to analyse the primary data and found a significant and positive relationship between management support to innovative ideas and the SMEs’ innovativeness. The results presented a significant and positive relationship between management support to execute innovative ideas and the SMEs’ innovativeness. The study highlighted a significant and positive relationship between time availability to handle the workload and the SMEs’ innovativeness. The study further highlighted a significant and positive relationship between time availability constraints on the job and the SMEs’ innovativeness. The study also found a positive but not significant relationship between the organisational antecedent of rewards/reinforcement and SMEs’ innovativeness. The study contributes to the research theory of corporate entrepreneurship by recognising the importance and influence of the organisational internal factors in the context of advancing the SMEs’ innovativeness in Gauteng. The study provides government, academic practitioners, and the SMEs owners with insights of organisational internal factors’ policies that can be implemented to facilitate and encourage employees’ innovativeness. The study is relevant to the SMEs’ owners who seek to remain entrepreneurial, competitive and contribute to economic growth.Item Osteopathology and insect traces in the Australopithecus africanus skeleton StW 431(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2017-01) Zipfel, B.; Jakata, K.; Bonney, H.; Odes, E.J.; Parkinson, A.H.; Randolph-Quinney, P.S.; Berger, L.R.We present the first application of high-resolution micro computed tomography in an analysis of both the internal and external morphology of the lumbar region of StW 431 - a hominin skeleton recovered from Member 4 infill of the Sterkfontein Caves (South Africa) in 1987. The lumbar vertebrae of the individual present a number of proliferative and erosive bony processes, which were investigated in this study. Investigations suggest a complex history of taphonomic alteration to pre-existing spinal degenerative joint disease (SDJD) as well as post-mortem modification by an unknown insect. This study is in agreement with previous pathological diagnoses of SDJD which affected StW 431 and is the first time insect traces on this hominin are described. The results of this analysis attest to the complex series of post-mortem processes affecting the Sterkfontein site and its fossil assemblages.Item Quality of Life IV Survey (2015/16): City Benchmarking Report(Gauteng City Region Observatory, 2018-09) Culwick, ChristinaSouth Africa’s post-apartheid government has been successful in raising the standard of living for millions of people. It has provided them with access to housing and basic services, improved health and education, and developed social services and urban amenities where none existed before. However, there remain many thorny development challenges that government is, at least at present, poorly equipped to address. Consequently, there remains deep dissatisfaction among many residents, which at various times and in certain contexts has led to widespread community protests. This report stems from the premise that data, and analysis thereof, are critical for local and provincial governments in Gauteng to understand where progress has been made and where intervention is required. The City Benchmarking Report presents some key findings from the Quality of Life IV (2015/16) survey at the municipal and provincial levels. The results provide insight into a range of objective indicators such as access to basic services, travel patterns, and economic activity, as well as respondents’ subjective opinions, perceptions and levels of satisfaction. This combination allows us to gain a multi-dimensional understanding of quality of life in the province as well as some of the drivers that improve or worsen it. While there are many aspects of quality of life measured by the survey, this report focuses on specific issues related to municipal service access, satisfaction with services received, satisfaction with the municipality providing those services, and the relationship between access, satisfaction and overall quality of life. Although this report allows government, residents and stakeholders to compare municipalities with one another, its benchmarking analysis should not be read as a competitive scoring of cities, which in turn becomes a basis for municipalities to market themselves as having the ‘highest quality of life’, or to vie with one another over who has the best performance. Some municipalities do better on some variables, but worse on others. The point of this report is to help each municipality understand its own strengths and weaknesses in relation to others and to the broader Gauteng context.Item The role of the oral hygienist in the public sector in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng Province(2010-02-24T07:24:41Z) Govender, UrvashneeIntroduction: There are high levels of dental caries, gingival and periodontal diseases and a lack of oral health awareness in the wider South African population. Thus every district’s oral health strategy must include disease prevention and health promotion approach. Oral hygienists are the main drivers of these services in the public sector. Aim: To determine the activities of oral hygienists in the public sector in Gauteng and KwaZulu – Natal provinces. Objectives: 1) To obtain the demographic profile of oral hygienists employed in Gauteng and KwaZulu -Natal provinces. 2) To determine their current duties, tasks and responsibilities. 3) To identify factors that may hinder the provision of services. Methods: This was a cross sectional descriptive study and data was collected by means of a self administered questionnaire that was hand delivered to all oral hygienists employed in Gauteng and in KwaZulu - Natal provinces in 2005. Results: Thirty two oral hygienists (78%) responded to the questionnaire, 94% of whom were female with an average age of 37 years. Twenty three (72%) were Black, 6 (19%) White, 2 (6%) Indian and 1 (3%) Coloured, with an average iv working experience of 10 years. Almost half (47%) were employed as chief, 16% as senior and 37% as junior oral hygienist. Almost all (94%) complained of poor salaries and 78% said that there were no opportunities for promotion. Oral hygienists performed both clinic-based and community-based services. The majority (95%) of the community-based services was preventive; the most common preventive services being rendered to the community was oral health education (84%), brushing programs (75%) and examination, charting and screening (69%). Seventy seven percent (77%) of clinic-based services included preventive procedures the most common being scaling and polishing or root planing (88%), examination and charting (84%) and oral hygiene instructions (75%). The majority of oral hygienists (94%) worked in the public sector to provide a service to the community. Seventy six percent (76%) had experiences that hindered the provision of services. Almost all (97%) wanted to study further, the main area of interest being the dental field. Conclusion: It is evident that the duties, tasks and responsibilities of oral hygienists in both KZN and GP include activities associated predominantly with the prevention and control of oral diseases and oral health promotion. In South Africa, a decline in oral diseases (dental caries and periodontal diseases) can be achieved by enhancing the use of oral hygienists in the public sector.Item Room to manoeuvre: understanding the development of provincial government In South Africa, 1994-2004(2006-10-26T08:56:01Z) Rapoo, Thabo JacksonSince its inception in 1994, South Africa’s federal system of government has been the subject of intensive scholarly debates and wide-ranging academic writing. In particular, the functioning of the country’s provincial institutions has engendered heated public debates over the years about whether or not they have played their proper role as institutions of democratic governance. The major challenge that faced the framers of the country’s new constitution, and which continues to face policy makers currently, was to create functioning and effective democratic institutions of government at sub-national level. In addition to their role as democratic/political institutions of governance, the provinces are also agents of socio-economic development and the delivery of basic social services to citizens. In the course of attempting to fulfil their functional responsibilities since 1994, the provinces have encountered enormous political, constitutional, administrative and logistical problems that have led to widespread dissatisfaction about their performance and effectiveness. In fact, this dissatisfaction has also led to fundamental questions being raised about the future of the provinces in South Africa. This thesis seeks to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of the provincial system during the 1994-2004 period, by looking at the question: to what extent has the provincial system of government fulfilled its responsibilities of promoting democratic governance and ensuring effective delivery of social services to citizens at sub-national level? It also provides an in-depth examination and analysis of the development of South Africa’s federal system of government between 1994 and 2004. The study utilised a wide range of research materials gathered through in-depth interviews, an opinion survey, direct observations, official documents, published and unpublished documents, and numerous other sources.