Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)

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Investigating Non-Medical Ethics Committee Monitoring Approaches and its Effectiveness
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Schoeman, Shaun; Blaser-Mapitsa, Caitlin
Ethics committee monitoring aims to ensure that research participants are protected throughout the research process and to ensure that research is conducted ethically. This study investigates monitoring approaches used by non-medical ethics committees within South Africa in a climate of limited resources and the relationship with the governing guidelines. The study further investigates the current monitoring approaches that are used and how effective these are in relation to participant protection. The study found that the current monitoring approaches used by non-medical ethics committees are passive as opposed to active. Non-medical ethics committees face challenges such as limited resources, funding, training, and ineffective guidelines that hinder their ability to monitor more effectively. The governing monitoring guidelines for registered ethics committees are premised on medical ethics, which is not fit the purpose of non-medical ethics committee monitoring. The study proposes adjustments to these governing guidelines, taking limited resources and non-medical nuances into consideration. The study further suggests that passive monitoring be redefined to include more effective methods than just annual progress reporting. These methods include participant meetings or citizen monitoring to ensure that participants are protected, and that research is conducted ethically.
Socio-Spatial Disparities in Environmental Health in the City of Johannesburg
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Nyangule, Zizipho; Abrahams, Caryn
This research explored socio-spatial disparities in environmental health within the urban context of Johannesburg, specifically focusing on access to environmental health services in both low- income and high-income neighborhoods. The study aimed to comprehend how disparities in access to essential services impact residents' environmental health experiences. Employing a qualitative research methodology, data was collected from two focus groups as part of the Sustainable, Healthy, Learning Cities and Neighborhoods (SHLC) project. A hybrid thematic analysis approach was utilized to examine secondary data from focus groups conducted in both low-income and high- income neighborhoods, illuminating the unique challenges faced by residents in each socio- economic context. The findings reveal shared challenges in both low and high-income areas, encompassing access to sanitation, clean air, healthcare, and civic engagement. However, the manifestations of these challenges differ; low-income neighborhoods experience more acute impacts on basic health and well-being, while high-income neighborhoods may grapple with issues related to the preservation of quality of life and efficient governance. This study contributes to the understanding of environmental health disparities and highlights areas for improvement in enhancing the overall well-being of residents in diverse urban settings. The research findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions tailored to the specific socio-economic context of neighborhoods in the City of Johannesburg. Additionally, the study emphasizes the relevance of Environmental Justice and Social Justice perspectives in addressing these disparities, thereby offering a comprehensive framework for future interventions.
Impact of COVID-19 on Precarious Work for Community Health Workers in the Alfred Ndzo District
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mthatyana, Andisiwe Tutula Zinzi; Van den Heever, Alex
A critical study of the integrated school health policy and social determinants of health
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mofokeng, Neo Thabisile; Van Niekerk, Robert
The Social Determinants of Health constitute a foundational concept in population health, playing a crucial role in achieving overall public health and addressing health inequalities. Moreover, the phenomenon of the Social Determinants of Health is essential for the development and management of policies. This study aims to conduct a qualitative retrospective policy analysis of the South African Integrated School Health Policy to assess whether the policy contents and imperatives align with the Social Determinants of Health. Furthermore, the study aims to explore the role of academics in shaping the Integrated School Health Policy, specifically focusing on their understanding of the Social Determinants of Health and the associated structural factors that underpin compromised health in school-going children. The data for this study was gathered through semi-structured interviews conducted with academics, who have direct experience in the policy process of school health policies. The secondary method of data collection included document analyses. Central to the findings is the realisation that the policy process of the Integrated School Health Policy encompassed the amalgamation of policy decisions and agenda-setting. It is a complex process which makes the identifying of decision-making protocols challenging and emphasises the impact of stakeholders' perspectives. The data presented advances the notion that the change in political norms and political will emerge as the critical drivers for the policy challenges associated with the Integrated School Health Policy. Notably, there was a lack of a systematic approach to addressing the Social Determinants of Health and providing comprehensive school health services. The study’s findings provide a basis for promoting evidence-based policies concerning school health services and examining ways to establish a health-ecosystem within an educational system. This approach not only benefits school-going children and individuals within the educational system, but also holds potential benefits for individuals residing in the communities located within the educational system.
Accountability and Knowledge dissemination of the National Health Insurance through the Public Service Broadcaster
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Thivhudziswi, Lukoto; Van Niekerk, Robert
This study is motivated by the conviction that SABC, as a public broadcaster, can make a substantial contribution to citizen education and empowerment by disseminating knowledge and upholding responsibility. This research aims to convey an overview of the planned study on the National Health Insurance (NHI)'s accountability and knowledge dissemination through public service broadcasters (PSBs) in South Africa, with a focus on SABC Radio. The study focuses on two radio stations: SAfm, an English-language station targeting listeners in urban areas, and Phalaphala FM, a Tshivenda radio station targeting listeners in rural Limpopo Province. The study covers how the PSB practices public accountability through a critical examination and analysis of the dissemination of information of the NHI to the citizenry of South Africa over a seven-year period covering the period of public consultation on the NHI White Paper to the NHI Bill stage (2015 to 2022).
Barriers to capacity development of Adult persons with disabilities in Mpumalanga
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Dlakude, Sandy Londiwe; Vanniekerk , Robert
Adult persons with disabilities face a myriad of barriers to capacity development, in South Africa and globally. The researcher sought to understand barriers which impinge on capacity development of persons with disabilities. The study employed a qualitative case study approach which entailed interviews with 14 Adult Persons with disabilities, through convenient sampling, two social workers and one senior Mpumalanga Association of Persons with Disabilities official through purposive sampling. Face-to-face interviews and document analysis were the data collection tools utilised to gain insights. Persons with disabilities face additional barriers to capacity development compared to their non-disabled counterparts, these barriers are lack of access to educational, training and skills development opportunities, societal attitudes and conceptualisation of disability, lack of access to information and funding and ineffective Protective workshops were cited as main barriers. Improving access to education, training, business support, involvement of persons with disabilities in key decision- making structures will address some of these barriers. Shifts in attitudes, appreciation of the social model and capability approach will ensure effective interventions in disability programmes.
The socio-economic effect ofcovid-19 on households in Epworth, Harare
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mashatise, Memory Tinotenda; Pillay, Pundy
This research report explores how COVID-19 impacted households on a socioeconomic level. Epworth, a peri-urban suburb of Harare, was the study's research location. This study focuses on the Southern African context, where social distancing and lockdowns implemented by governments in order to curb the spread ofthe COVID-19 pandemic in the year(s) 2020, 2021, as well as 2022. Most specifically,the government of Zimbabwe, being the government, this study focuses on implemented measures that had persistent negative socioeconomic effect on households by disrupting livelihoods, businesses, and other sources of income. Sucheffects were not only experienced during COVID-19, but also in the after of the pandemic. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs was utilized as a theoretical foundation to frame the research in examining how the COVID-19 epidemic affected Epworth households. The premise of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs theory emphasizes the value of human needs and how implemented regulations led to scenarios where citizens lost opportunities for economic survival and stability for their individual and households' material well-being. Consequently, such a crucial point is well placed within Maslow's identified need for safety, and security. Literature reviewed specified that the weakened economy and social problems in Zimbabwe, such as unemployment, poverty, inadequate healthcare, and a lack of supplies for COVID-19 treatment, predominantly exacerbated the pandemic's adverse effects. Semi- structured interviews with 15 breadwinners in Epworth aged 18 to 64 were used for qualitative research. After interview transcription, the data was examined through thematic analysis. The findings of the research demonstrated the need for better access to essential services in the sense that the majority of individuals experienced restricted access to such services as a result of implemented lockdowns. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic's detrimental effects on people's freedom of association, mobility, people began adopting strategies including returning to live with relatives and lowering expenses. Furthermore, self-employed and employed people were found to have been severely affected by the outbreak of the pandemic. To support youth, notably breadwinners for children whose parents lost their lives and jobs due to COVID-19 effects, It is recommended that that the business sector and government authorities ought to create economic opportunities. Lastly, it is ii recommended that breadwinners diversify their sources of income.
Exploring the Impact of covid COVID-19 Lockdown on Human Resource Management in the Gauteng Office of the Premier
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Masango, Bheki; Chikane, Rekgotsofetse
The literature regarding the global pandemic of Covid-19 and its disruption to life in 2020 continues to grow and develop. This study investigated the impact of Covid-19 has had on Human Resource Practitioners, the human resource practices and the impacts of the decision making process for various the public sector. The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of how the global pandemic has changed the roles of human resource practitioners and what future implications may result from the global pandemic. This investigation required a thorough analysis of their lived experiences regarding their roles as practitioners in the human resources field prior to the global pandemic and during the pandemic. This qualitative study employed a narrative research method, with a theoretical framework focusing institutional theories and theoretical approaches to HRM and Crisis research to provide a comprehensive overview of the literature. The purposeful sample consisted of 15 human resources practitioners who were presently employed in human resource departments in the Gauteng Office of the Premier. The participants all resided in Gauteng province. The researcher conducted a questionnaire with 5 of the participants, followed by followed by a 45- to 60-minute semi-structured one-on-one interview with the remaining 10 participants. Data analysis employed ATLAS ti. software analysis which led to a thematic analysis. After coding, five themes were identified describing the participants’ five key influencers from the effects of Covid-19 on human resources systems and practitioners. Four conclusions emerged from this study. Human Resource Practitioners will have a more active role in if not lead in crisis management, Organisational Leadership will rely heavily on Human Resource Practitioners in the decision making process for all future crisis, disaster, and pandemic responses, Human Resource practitioners will develop new policies in regard to changes made due to Covid-19 disruptions.
Growth effects of human capital and innovation in small and medium sized South African firms before and after the Covid-19 pandemic
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Maingehama, Francisca Nyasha; Callaghan, Chris
This thesis examines the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic introduced new challenges, which makes this research relevant for contemporary issues in firm growth. The problem addressed in this study was the need to understand how various factors, such as human capital, innovation, entrepreneurial orientation and motivation, affect SME growth. Previous research has focused mainly on organisational-level determinants without considering how these factors interact in a post-COVID-19 context. This gap is particularly relevant in South Africa, where SMEs face high failure rates despite efforts to support entrepreneurship. The study filled this gap by exploring the specific growth dynamics of SMEs in this contemporary and challenging context. Several key research questions guided the study and aimed to achieve two main objectives. The study used a two-phase methodology. First (Phase 1), it systematically reviewed the literature to synthesise knowledge on human capital, innovation, and firm growth before the COVID-19 pandemic. The systematic literature review analysed 206 articles published between 2000 and 2020 using descriptive statistics, bibliometric analysis, and content analysis to synthesise pre-pandemic research. Secondly (Phase 2), it developed and tested a theoretical model to understand the relationship between human capital, innovation, entrepreneurial orientation, motivation and SME growth in South Africa post- pandemic. In this phase, primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire with 497 responses from small firm owner-managers and analysed using Smart PLS (version 3.2.9). This research adopted a positivist philosophy, focussing on empirical patterns and causal relationships. Key findings indicated that innovation mediates the relationships between entrepreneurial orientation, human capital, and the growth of SMEs. Human capital has a direct impact on firm growth in the post-pandemic context. At the same time, motivation significantly mediated the link between entrepreneurial orientation and growth, though its effect on the human capital-growth relationship was less pronounced. This study advances knowledge by providing a detailed analysis of SME growth determinants in a post-pandemic context, offering a customised theoretical model for South African SMEs. This study also has practical implications, providing insight for SMEs and policymakers to enhance innovation capabilities and adapt strategies to post-pandemic challenges. Future research could explore the long-term ii impacts of COVID-19 on firm growth, the role of additional contextual variables, and comparative studies in different regions or sectors.
The effect of parental education on child and adult health in Zambia: A regression discontinuity analysis
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Daka, Lincoln; Booysen, Frederik
This thesis expands upon and enhances existing research in the field of health economics. The thesis consists of three separate yet interrelated chapters that examine the effect of education on key demographic variables: child health, fertility and HIV/AIDS in Zambia, three key factors affecting the progress of development in Africa. The endogeneity problem is present in all of the three empirical papers examined. To circumvent this endogeneity problem and establish a credible causal effect, we explore the impact of Zambia’s 2002 Universal Free Primary Education (UFPE) policy which created an exogenous source of variation in education as a quasi – experiment. The three substantial empirical studies, employ the same econometric methodology, a Regression Discontinuity Design (RDD), whose appealing feature is local randomisation. This characteristic has distinguished the method from other evaluation methods in terms of estimating unbiased treatment effects. Another advantage of the fuzzy Regression Discontinuity design is that it can account for the endogeneity of the treatment variable. The utilisation of the fuzzy Regression Discontinuity design is a valuable contribution in all of the research. Furthermore, every chapter makes a unique contribution within its respective sector. We outline Zambia’s Universal Free Primary Education (UFPE) Policy and also present the Regression Discontinuity Design methodology framework. We find significant causal impacts of maternal education on child health measured by height-for-age, weight-for-height and Weight-for- age. The findings also indicate that maternal education is associated with a reduction in the prevalence of stunting and underweight and no effect wasting contrary to other research. We present evidence of the several mechanisms by which maternal education impacts child health. The results of our study indicate that a greater level of maternal education exerts a beneficial influence on child health through the postponement of marriage, the reduction in total fertility, and the delay in the age of first childbirth and sexual debut. Additionally, we have discovered indications of positive assortative mating. Furthermore, education empowers moms by facilitating their access to information via television and newspapers, equipping them with knowledge about the ovulation time, and helping them to make well-informed decisions regarding contraceptive techniques. Conventional wisdom posits that decreased fertility may indicate the presence of “superior quality” children and increased rates of survival for both mother and child. Can education serve as a catalyst for decreasing fertility rates in developing nations? We find that female education reduces iv | P a g e the number of children ever born. We present evidence of the reduction in total fertility as a result of female education. We also show that female schooling reduces the preferred number of children and increases the age at first birth. We find that female schooling affects fertility through age at first sex and marriage, literacy, assortative mating and the knowledge effect. There is no evidence to suggest that female schooling has a major impact labour market participation. We present evidence of the heterogeneous impacts of a mother’s education based on “poor versus wealthy” criterion, whether rural/urban status, region and religion. We also present evidence of the effect of female education on the HIV seroprevalence status, number of sexual partners and knowledge of HIV transmission mechanisms. We show that female education lowers HIV seroprevalence status, decreases the number of sexual partners and increases HIV knowledge. Our research suggests that educated women are more likely to have a deep and detailed understanding of HIV. Lastly, we present evidence of the heterogeneous effects of female education by household status on HIV related outcomes.

Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)

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