OpenUCT :: Browsing by Subject "South Africa"

Browsing by Subject "South Africa"

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Open Access
The 2004 re-assessment of the South African sardine and anchovy populations to take account of revisions to earlier data and recent record abundances
(National Inquiry Services Centre (NISC), 2009) de Moor, Carryn L; Butterworth, Doug S
Hydroacoustic surveys off the coast of South Africa over the early years of the 21st century indicated that both the sardine Sardinops sagax and anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus populations had simultaneously reached record abundances. The South African pelagic fishery is regulated using an Operational Management Procedure (OMP). The OMP in use at that time had been developed using data from the two populations prior to this rapid and substantial increase in abundances. This paper documents the revised assessments that were urgently required to provide a basis to update the OMP. These assessments resulted in a changed perception of the status and productivity of these populations. In particular, estimates of the stock-recruitment relationships and the extent of variation about them, which play a key role in evaluating risk when developing OMPs, altered substantially from estimates derived from earlier assessments.
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A brief history of marine bio-invasions in South Africa
(2009) Griffiths, C L; Mead, A; Robinson, T B
Marine species have been introduced continuously into South Africa for more than 400 years, since the arrival of the first European explorers. Various waves of introduction can be identified over this period, each associated with a different mix of vectors. Early wooden vessels carried specialized wood-boring species, a rich external fouling community, plus semi-terrestrial species associated with dry ballast. Modern steel vessels continue to import fouling species, despite the use of anti-fouling paints, and may ply new routes, bringing additional introductions from novel locations. More modern waves of introduction are associated with use of ballast water and with marine aquaculture. Research on marine bio-invasions in South Africa has a short history, marked by a rapid rate of discovery of introductions. Some 86 marine species are currently regarded as introduced to the region, with a further 39 considered cryptogenic, but this number is increasing rapidly. Moreover, many taxa and regions still remain inadequately explored, indicating that the current list remains far from complete. The reasons for under-reporting of introduced populations are discussed and include lack of sample coverage, misidentification of aliens as native species and erroneous redescriptions of aliens as new, indigenous species. However, the lack of taxonomic expertise across large sections of the biota remains the greatest impediment to progress.
Open Access
A Capability Approach to Examining the Effects of Actual and Anticipated Fear of Crime: Experiences and Perceptions of Black Female Youth in the Cape Flats
(2020) Beiser, Sarina; Kubeka, Alvina
The purpose of this study was to examine how the fear of crime affects the capabilities, perceptions and experiences of black female youth, living in the Cape Flats, Cape Town. Qualitative semi structured interviews were conducted with 18 black female participants between the ages of 18 to 30. This study used Garofalo's model of fear of crime and Amartya Sen's capability approach as theoretical frameworks. With the help of these two frameworks, the researcher sought to gauge what influence the fear of crime can have on people's lives and how crime affects young black females living in communities with high crime rates. It also showed how their life choices and opportunities are influenced by living in unsafe communities. The major challenges and problems highlighted by the participants include: Constant trauma of their daily life (leaving their houses, random shootings, unsafe public transport), mental health issues (losing friends and relatives), lack of proper police service (lack of police presence, incompetence of police, corruption), fear for family or friends, lack of trust and support systems (broken families, loss of trust, no role models, lack of social capital), lack of infrastructure (such as safe hospitals or educational challenges), the effects of gangsterism (gangs and drug wars, effects of drugs, families' or friend's involvement in gangsterism) and the lack of opportunities such as unemployment. This study showed how the peoples' capabilities have been affected by the above-mentioned issues and how the fear of crime affected their daily lives. This study also made recommendations for policy makers and social institutions on what can be done to reduce crime rates and make communities with high crime rates safer
Open Access
A centile chart for birth weight for an urban population of the Western Cape
(1995) Theron, G B; Thompson, M L
Evidence from large epidemiological studies has supported concern that being born light for gestational age (LiGA) may be detrimental. The incidence of LiGA babies is an important indicator of the health of women of reproductive age in deprived communities. In the assessment of LiGA in the Western Cape, centile charts constructed for populations in other parts of the world are generally used. These charts, however, may not be appropriate. Patients residing in the area served by the Tygerberg Hospital obstetric service, who booked early with singleton pregnancies, had their gestational age confirmed by early ultrasound and delivered between 1 March 1989 and 28 February 1990 were included in the study. The sample consisted of 3 643 patients. The mean birth weight was 2 995 g (SD 573 g) and the range 760 - 5 080 g. The distribution of birth weight at each week of gestation from 28 to 42 weeks was not normal. The 4-parameter Johnson family of densities was used to model the distribution of birth weight at each gestational age. A comparison of the distribution of birth weight in the study relative to the perinatal growth chart for international reference constructed by Dunn was also made. In addition to considering an overall chart, the sample was subdivided according to a number of characteristics (e.g. gender, firstborn and latter-born babies, smoking habit, hypertensive disorders and induction of labour) in order to explore their impact on the distribution of birth weight. Having explored the potential impact of all these factors, it was concluded that a single chart including all patients could be constructed.
Open Access
A city walkable: [Re]Imagining spatial justice through access and public space in North End, East London
(2023) Hendricks, Lerys; Ewing, Kathryn; Crooijmans, Hedwig
A city walkable is about re-imagining spatial justice through access and public space in North End, East London, South Africa. The research questioned the state of East London's public space, its inner-city decay, and its vehicular dependency. East London lacks good quality public space that is walkable and accessible. A city walkable has streets that are comfortable, safe, interesting and offer choice. The urban environment must foster walkability. Before Apartheid, North End was a mixed-race community that was spatially integrated with the city because of its proximity to the CBD and its urban fabric. North Enders never needed to own a vehicle to access amenities. People could access their everyday amenities on foot and felt safe walking day or night. North End was a walkable, mixed-use neighbourhood. However, due to the Group Areas Act of 1950, people were forcibly removed from the city and relocated to what is now known as townships. Due to this removal people are forced to rely on public transport or private vehicle for mobility. Townships are not mixed-use, and streets do not foster walkability. By removing people from the city, Apartheid removed walkability. The fundamentals of living in a city are access to the convenience of amenities and work. Denying access to the city is a spatial injustice. This denial has resulted in a lack of walkable streets, unsafe public spaces, and car dependency. Since the forced removals of 1950' North End has been rezoned as a light industrial area. The research aimed to unlock the potential for walkability in East London. North End is re-imagined not only a walkable neighbourhood, but as a neighbourhood that is integrated with both township areas and the CBD. The links used to create linkages are a series of urban mixed-use corridors. Thus, creating a city that is spatially just. This makes North End a strategic place in the city which has the potential to become East London's 'knuckle'. Through various interventions, spatial strategies, and framework a more just, walkable city is envisioned.
Open Access
A clinical audit of the management of ADHD in children and adolescents and comparison between two treatment sites in Cape Town
(2014) Vrba, Kim; Voge, Wendy; de Vries, Petrus J
Background: The diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) at a prevalence rate of 5-8% has clear public health and service implications. Studies suggest that certain populations, especially those with lower socio-economic status, are not adequately identified and treated. Evidence-based guidelines aim to standardize practice, but implementing them in low-resource environments can be challenging. To assess compliance, clinical audits for ADHD management have been conducted in higher income countries, but, to our knowledge, there have been no such audits in sub-Saharan Africa. Here we performed a clinical audit of ADHD assessment and treatment and compared compliance between two clinic groups in Cape Town, South Africa. Objectives: The primary aim was to measure compliance in a South African context using the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines for ADHD as the gold standard. The secondary aim was to compare compliance and socio-demographics between a 'central’ group (attending a treatment site in an area associated with high socio-economic status) and a 'peripheral’ group (attending in areas associated with low socio-economic status) in Cape Town. Methods: A clinical audit was conducted (March-June 2013) on the case notes for 100 'active’ cases of children or adolescents diagnosed with ADHD. The 'central’ group consisted of patients attending the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital Neuropsychiatry Clinic. The 'peripheral’ group included cases from community clinics in Retreat, Vanguard, Heideveld, and Kensington. Fifty cases were randomly selected from each group. Data were captured using an audit template derived from NICE guidelines, and a socio-demographic template. Results: Overall, of the 17 audit standards tested none showed 100% compliance. Compliance with four standards was rated 'good’ (>80%): qualified diagnostician (86%), clinician contact with teacher (96%), side effect monitoring (84%), and offering Methylphenidate as first line treatment (80%). Compliance with five standards was 'fair’ (50- 79%): DSM-IV criteria documentation (60%), treatment plan including behavioral or psychological interventions (71%), attempted communication in the patient’s primary language (69%), documentation of the child’s perspective (76%), and monitoring treatment response on standard scales (71%). Compliance with eight standards was 'poor’ (< 0.0001); and treatment response monitoring using standard scales (80% vs. 62%, p = 0.047). Conclusions: Overall, compliance with NICE guidelines for ADHD was low. The central group performed better than the peripheral group in key areas, offering a greater array of treatment options and safer monitoring. We recommend the introduction of structured protocols with re-audit as a tool to improve the quality of service delivery and present an audit checklist to be used in future audit cycles.
Open Access
A collection of discrete essays with the common theme of gender and slavery at the Cape of Good Hope with a focus on the 1820s
(1993) Van der Spuy, Patricia; Worden, Nigel
This is a collection of discrete essays, each embodying original research and bearing on the theme of gender and slavery at the Cape of Good Hope. Amelioration at the Cape profoundly altered gendered perceptions of slaves, both on the part of slaveholders, and of the slaves themselves. The amelioration regulations entailed a redefinition of the gender of female slaves, which was resisted by slaveholders and transformed by slave women, while slave men began to redefine their own gendered identities in this light. Slaveholders' traditional patriarchal self-concepts were severely threatened in this context, as they progressively lost power and authority, both to the new paternalist colonial state and to those who had formerly been subsumed within the patriarchal family. There are five papers, the first an introduction to the theoretical framework of the collection and an outline of the general argument as outlined above. The second paper provides a critique of existing Cape slave historiography from a gendered perspective. It examines the problems of this literature methodologically and theoretically, focusing on the implications of the slave sex ratio for the history of slave women. The final three papers are based on empirical research. The third paper examines the structural constraints on slave family formation in Cape Town from the perspective of slave women. The fourth and fifth papers explore issues related to infanticide and slave reproduction, and slave resistance in relation to the Bokkeveld rebellion of 1825, respectively.
Open Access
A comparative analysis of the medicine use and exposures in infants who are HIV exposed uninfected and HIV unexposed uninfected in the first year in Cape Town, South Africa
(2025) Mlunga, Hilkka; Mehta, Ushma; Honwana, Frissiano; Nyemba, Dorothy
Background: Despite several studies investigating medicine exposures in infants, the administration and monitoring of medications in infants who are HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU), a growing population, remains poorly studied. This study aimed to describe and compare medication consumption patterns, including immunization coverage, between infants who are HEU and HIV-unexposed uninfected (HUU) during their first year of life. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of a birth cohort study of pregnant women living with and without HIV and their infants between 2017 and 2019 in Cape Town, South Africa. Interviewer- administered questionnaires captured sociodemographic factors, self-reported medication use, infant feeding practices, and vaccine use over four postnatal visits (<7 days, 10 weeks, 6 and 12 months). Data was manually classified and coded by a clinical pharmacist and student. Logistic regression models were employed to compare patterns of use among infants who are HEU and HUU, as well as identify other maternal and infant factors associated with medication use and vaccine coverage. Findings: A total of 772 mother-infant pairs were analyzed. Compared to infants who are HUU, HEU infants were preterm (64/393 vs. 39/379; p = 0.02), less often breastfed (314/393 vs. 322/379; p <0.001), and weighed less (median, 3288g vs. 3405 g; p = 0.03). HEU infants were found to take at least one medication at a significantly higher rate 388/393 (98.7%) vs 345/379 (91.0%) than infants who are HUU (p <0.001). HEU infants reported lower use of over-the-counter (OTC) medicine (69.2% vs. 80.2%; p <0.01) and traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine (TCAM) (16.8% vs. 26.1%; p <0.001) compared to HUU infants. Mothers of HEU infants were less likely to forget a medicine's name (29.3% vs. 36.9%, p<0.001) than HUU mothers. Prescription medicine use, excluding antiretroviral (ARV) prophylaxis medicines routinely administered to infants who are HEU at birth, was significantly higher among infants who are HEU compared to HUU (65.4%. vs. 23.0%; p <0.01). Vaccine coverage showed no significant difference between infants who are HEU and HUU but steadily declined over the year (95.0% coverage with birth immunizations, vs 70.0% at 9 months) across the entire cohort. Only 293 infants (38.0%) had complete immunization coverage at 1 year. In the adjusted models, being a HEU infant was a protective factor against self-medication. (aOR 0.45; 95% CI 0.31 –0.65; p <0.001). Conversely, being breastfed (aOR 2.46; 95% CI 1.56 –3.83; p <0.001) was a significant risk factor for self-medication infants. Prescription medicine use (excluding ARV prophylaxis medicines) was significantly associated with increased maternal age (aOR 1.06; 95% CI 1.03 – 1.08; p <0.001) and infants who are HEU (aOR 6.52; 95% CI 4.66 – 9.21; p <0.001). No significant associations were found between maternal and infant characteristics and full vaccine coverage. Interpretation: The study revealed that infants who are HEU were more exposed to prescribed medicine (excluding ARV prophylaxis medicines) compared to their HUU counterparts, however, mothers of HUU infants, generally reported higher usage of both TCAM and OTC compared to HEU infants. The study also revealed drops in vaccine coverage rates among infants over the first year of life, indicating a gap in protection against vaccine-preventable diseases. Further research is needed to study medication patterns in different settings. Medication literacy efforts need to be prioritized in pregnant women and mothers of newborns to support rational and safe medicine (including vaccine) usage and subsequently improve the health outcomes for all infants, irrespective of HIV status.
Open Access
A comparative examination of the extent to which the South African and the English legal systems recognize the defence of provocation in homicide cases
(1993) Ackermann, Leon Keith; Leeman, I
On charges of murder or assault, it often appears that the accused's aggression was immediately preceded by provocative behaviour e.g. taunts or insults by the victim which induced anger or rage in the accused and which gave rise to his aggression. The present study aims to address the question whether, in South African law, a defence is available to an accused in such cases. Since the issue of provocation in South African law usually arises in homicide cases, this study will be restricted to such cases. It will be shown that, during the past couple of decades, the South African law relating to provocation has undergone significant development. In 1925, the Appellate Division declared s 141 of the Native Territories Penal Code to be an accurate reflection of the South African law relating to provocation. In terms of this section, provocation could operate as a partial defence on a charge of murder: where an accused successfully raised the defence he would be convicted of culpable homicide. Recently, however, it has become clear that provocation may operate as a complete defence, resulting in an accused leaving the court as a free person. It will be argued that the above development reflects a general shift in our law, starting in the 1950's, from a policy-based to a principle-based approach to criminal liability.
Open Access
A critical analysis of civil society's engagement in South Africa's just energy transition: dynamics and debates
(2025) Ramasesane, Lerato; Camerer, Marianne
South Africa is currently undergoing a Just Energy Transition (JET) that seeks to design and create a clean and just energy industry in South Africa. This process is underpinned by a rapid revision of energy sector policies, regulatory frameworks and debates around energy reform. The aim of the study is to critically analyse the debates and dynamics underpinning Civil Society Organisations' (CSOs) participation as key stakeholders in the JET process taking place within South Africa: How is civil society engaging in the energy reform process in general and specifically with regards to debates around JET in South Africa? Currently civil society engages in state-sanctioned and self-created platforms around JET, however the extent to which it participates, the challenges it faces, and the dynamics of this civil space are not well understood. The research is based on a qualitative research design and involved in-depth interviews with representatives from several CSOs involved in JET debates as well as desktop research. Strategic and purposive sampling was used as a method for choosing respondents best suited to provide answers for the research question. The research found that CSOs actively participate in energy transition debates in South Africa using a variety of strategies and tactics. These include litigation, public participation platforms, media, resistance campaigns and grassroots community activism. Whilst there have been considerable victories - including advocating for energy access, justice and broader consultation - CSOs face resource related challenges, threats and power dynamics whilst engaging in JET processes. There is also a disconnect between local and international CSOs working in this space. Recommendations are made for more funding and collaboration opportunities to increase the scope, depth and participation of civil society in the JET discourse. The research may assist policy makers, CSOs and researchers to better understand the current participation of civil society in the policymaking and reform process of energy transition in South Africa. Also, the debates and dynamics that characterise and inform their engagement.
Open Access
A critical analysis of the Ugandan Companies Act, 2012, in the search for an appropriate legal framework for small and closely-held companies in the light of the experiences of South Africa and the United Kingdom
(2024) Engoru, Ivan; Idensohn, Kathleen; Yeats, Jacqueline
This study set out to determine whether the Ugandan Companies Act, 2012 (‘CA 2012') provides an appropriate and effective legal framework for small and closely-held companies (‘SCHCs'). In this study, SCHCs are small owner-managed companies with one or a few members with close relations who are usually natural persons. The study focus follows from a recognition that companies' legislation in Uganda is complex and makes little attempt to provide simple, flexible and accessible law for the operations of SCHCs. Although this gap was highlighted during the enactment of CA 2012, it had also characterised previous companies' legislation in Uganda. The expectation was that CA 2012 would address this gap. However, there is doubt if this has been achieved. To be sure, what amounts to simple, flexible and accessible legislation for SCHCs is not obvious. However, a look at the relevant legislation in the comparable jurisdictions of South Africa and the United Kingdom suggests that SCHCs require special recognition and treatment in legislation in the areas of audits; financial reporting; limitation of membership; restriction of members to natural persons; and clear optional provisions. This can be achieved through a distinct corporate form in terms of a separate and distinct legislation for SCHCs or by treating SCHCs as private companies under a single company law statute, but with flexible provisions. In discharging this task, the study examines the various business forms under CA 2012 (ss 2, 4 and 5), and the corporate governance framework (ss 14, 138, 154, and 167). Through doctrinal analysis, it employs the evaluative framework of fewer reporting obligations; limiting membership in SCHCs to natural persons; limiting members who are also usually in management; and clear elective or optional provisions for SCHCs in areas such as company meetings and audits, as best practice on the regulation of SCHCs. The study draws on the experiences of South Africa under the Close Corporations Act 69 of 1984 (‘CCA 84') and South African Companies Act, 71 of 2008 (‘CA 2008'); and the UK's Companies Act, No. 46 of 2006 (‘CA 2006') as comparable jurisdictions; and the application of common law in companies' legislation. In the latter, I examine specifically the common law concept of quasi-partnership companies, and its' utility in the SCHCs category, and codification of common law in companies' legislation, as a growing drafting style. I draw some lessons from the UK and South Africa. The key arguments in this study are that first, the business forms and legal categories under CA 2012 do not align with the known legal definition or 2 characterisation of SCHCs. They are classified along the traditional lines of private versus public or unregistered versus registered companies. The single member company (‘SMC') is a new concept in Uganda's company law and is exclusive to single members. This does not cater for SCHCs. Second, the Code of Corporate Governance (‘CoCG') (s 14), although optional for private companies, contains complex concepts which are inapplicable to SCHCs. Thus, CoCG's significance to SCHCs' corporate governance needs is doubtful. Thirdly, the requirements for accounts reporting (s 154) and audit (s 167) are mandatory for all companies irrespective of their size or type. These provisions are elaborate with prescribed formats. Subjecting SCHCs to the same regulatory requirements as the other companies is burdensome and contrary to best practice. Finally, the comparable jurisdictions of the UK and South Africa have codified aspects of common law by way of a restatement of the law in their respective companies' legislation. A restatement serves two purposes. First, it directly integrates common law into statute; and second, affords the courts the flexibility to fill gaps that may exist in statute. This study contends that this tool (also loosely referred to as ‘codification') has not been well utilised in CA 2012 with respect to SCHCs. The study concludes that CA 2012 does not provide an appropriate and effective legal framework for SCHCs. Consequently, in keeping with best practice on the regulation of SCHCs as can be seen in comparable jurisdictions of South Africa and the UK, the study proposes amendments to ss 2, 4, 5, 138, 154, and 167 of CA 2012 to provide for the special regulation of SCHCs either (a) by creating a new type of company and rendering it subject to separate regulatory provisions or (b) to a ‘reduced' version of the regulatory provisions applicable to other companies; or by continuing to treat SCHCs as private companies and rendering them subject to a ‘reduced' version of the regulatory provisions applicable to other companies. To give effect to these proposals will require: (1) merging SMC with other smaller companies whose members do not exceed ten to create SCHCs founded on partnership principles; (2) inserting a chapter in CA 2012 with clear provisions which apply to SCHCs; (3) restricting membership of SCHCs to natural persons; and (4) inserting a general statement of purpose by way of a substantive provision in CA 2012 to the effect that in its interpretation the common law shall apply as a direct way of integrating the common law in CA 2012, as other jurisdictions have done. The study provides in Appendix B a Schedule of the proposed amendments and their justification to aid policy reforms and the review of CA 2012 with respect to SCHCs in Uganda.
Open Access
A critical examination of South African law on civil liability for oil pollution damage from ships
(1992) Hiscox, Stuart
Throughout the development of the International Law of the Sea there has been a conflict between the notion of the freedom of the seas and their rights that a coastal state may exercise over the seas adjacent to its territory. This conflict stems from the · coastal state wanting to exploit the resources in the seas as opposed to non-coastal states and other states wanting to exercise the traditional rights, such as the freedom of navigation and fishing, that they enjoyed under the freedom of the seas doctrine. It thus developed that coastal states have certain rights within specified areas of their coasts. These rights extend from complete sovereignty within the internal waters of the state (with the exception that a coastal state cannot refuse entry to a ship in distress) to the exclusive right to exploit minerals found on the continental shelf of the coastal state1 and to exploit the resources in their exclusive economic zone. However, except in regard to internal waters, the other users of the seas still retain some of the rights available to them under the freedom of the seas doctrine, the most important of which is the freedom of navigation. This freedom is not absolute, but it is limited to (innocent passage in the territorial waters, nd it allows vessels not registered in the coastal state to sail within areas that the coastal state and its citizens have rights in. - The question that arises is what is the position if a vessel, not registered in the coastal state, infringes on the rights of the state. In traditional International Law of the Sea the right of recourse lay in the flag state of the vessel and if the flag state did not take any action then the coastal state could not e any punitive measures against the vessel as it did not have jurisdiction over the vessel or her master. It thus developed, alongside the development of the coastal state's rights in regard to the different maritime zones, that specific enforcement jurisdiction was given to the states to preserve the rights that they exercised over those zones.
Open Access
A cultural biography of an acclaimed Queen of Xhosa music, Madosini Manqineni, and her contributions to Xhosa cultural music
(2005) Plaatjies, Mzikantu Zungula; Hansen, D
The main objective of this study is a musical ethnography on Madosini Manqineni, a prominent individual in African cultural music today, with an established reputation abroad, but who has not yet been given any attention in scholarship. This study was motivated by my great admiration and respect for Madosini, who is recognized as a "specialist musician", a notion that did not exist in pre-colonial times. In this study I am concerned with biography, which also needs some historical data. My writing comes from my position as a professional musician who was also a long-term student of Madosini. Although certain areas of her life are not fully available to me, I set out to explore how and why she became a professional musician, the social circumstances which encouraged her to cultivate her music, first in the customary way, which later became more individual and personal. Chapter 1 places the subject in her historical and cultural background, with a summary of main events in Mpondomise history and Madosini's family predecessors of the Dosini clan. Chapter 2 looks at events in Madosini's childhood which laid the foundation of her musical career, experiences of sets of customs, social and musical, in a rural/traditional environment; restrictions of a physical defect which encouraged concentration on self-accompanied song, and song stories. Chapter 3 concerns Madosini's handling of the intsomi tradition, but also contains critical debate on intsomi as 'folk tale' as an 'oral literature', with reference to earlier scholars; the Xhosa approach to intsomi and an example of such by Madosini, in the Xhosa language, with English translation. Chapter 4 looks at Madosini as a teacher, composer and musical specialist, and contains a detailed account of my experiences as her student; Madosini's idiosyncratic procedures in bow performance practice, in song composition, and their impact on my career as a professional musician. Chapter 5 provides a summary of the preceding chapters and a commentary on Madosini's contributions to Xhosa music. The dissertation ends with an epilogue, paying tribute to Madosini, whose achievements continue to encourage young musicians to promote cultural music and to take new directions with it, thereby ensuring its continuity down the generations.
Open Access
A decade of tobacco control: The South African case of politics, health policy, health promotion and behaviour change
(2013) Reddy, Priscilla; James, Shamagonam; Sewpaul, Ronel; Yach, Derek; Resnicow, Ken; Sifunda, Sibusiso; Mthembu, Zanele; Mbewu, Anthony
BACKGROUND: The South African (SA) government has implemented comprehensive tobacco control measures in line with the requirements of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The effect of these measures on smoking prevalence and smoking-related attitudes, particularly among young people, is largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: To describe the impact of a comprehensive health promotion approach to tobacco control amongst SA school learners. METHODS: Four successive cross-sectional Global Youth Tobacco Surveys (GYTSs) were conducted in 1999, 2002, 2008 and 2011 among nationally representative samples of SA grades 8 - 10 school learners. We assessed the prevalence of current smoking (having smoked a cigarette on ≥1 day in the 30 days preceding the survey) and smoking-related attitudes and behaviours. RESULTS: Over the 12-year survey period current smoking among learners declined from 23.0% (1999) to 16.9% (2011) - a 26.5% reduction. Reductions in smoking prevalence were less pronounced amongst girls and amongst black learners. We observed an increase in smoking prevalence amongst learners between 2008 and 2011. Smoking-related attitudes and behaviours showed favourable changes over the survey period. CONCLUSION: These surveys demonstrate that the comprehensive and inter-sectorial tobacco control health promotion strategies implemented in SA have led to a gradual reduction in cigarette use amongst school learners. Of concern, however, are the smaller reductions in smoking prevalence amongst girls and black learners and an increase in smoking prevalence from 2008 to 2011. Additional efforts, especially for girls, are needed to ensure continued reduction in smoking prevalence amongst SA youth.
Open Access
A formative evaluation of the parent infant home visiting programme
(2021) Percival, Sheridan-Lee; Boodhoo, Adiilah
Background The Parent-Infant Home Visiting Programme (PIVHP) is a home-based parenting programme targeted at new and expectant mothers, characterised as vulnerable. Participants are recruited from low-income communities situated on the Cape Flats, in Cape Town, South Africa. The programme consists of antenatal and postnatal sessions, facilitated by trained Parent Infant Attachment Counsellors (PIACs) recruited from target communities. There are two programme cycles per year: one from January to June, and a second one from July to December. The overarching goal of PIHVP is to contribute towards the prevention of child abuse, abandonment and neglect; and to promote positive infant growth and development. The programme has to date not been guided by an explicit theory of change (TOC). There was no Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system in place, at the time of the evaluation, either. The programme engages in extensive data collection for administrative purposes. This data, however, is not captured nor analysed systematically to monitor progress or measure impact. This formative evaluation aims to capitalise on the existing data. Evaluation Focus This evaluation focused on the first 2019 programme cycle. The main objective of this evaluation was to determine the extent to which the PIHVP had been implemented with fidelity. As such, a process evaluation was conducted to address the following evaluation questions: 1. Did the PIHVP beneficiaries recruited for the first 2019 programme cycle meet the eligibility criteria specified by programme? 2. What proportion of participants completed and dropped out of the PIHVP during the first programme cycle of 2019? What are the reasons provided for programme dropout? questions: 3. To what extent did the PIHVP meet its targeted number of participants? What are the reasons for over/under coverage? 4. Did the participants receive the home-visiting sessions at the duration and frequency prescribed by the programme model? 5. Did PIACs complete and conduct all programme activities, developmental screenings and demonstrations as intended? 6. How did participants perceive PIACs in terms of the support they provided and their preparation level, knowledge, and reliability? 7. To what extent do PIACs implement the skills acquired through their training into their sessions? 8. Are the participants satisfied with the service they received? What are the strengths and limitations they identified? 9. To what extent did participants engage with the PIACs (around the content) during home-visit sessions? Methodology The evaluator first extracted and refined the programme's TOC through structured consultations with the programme manager. The plausibility of the PIHVP's programme theory was then assessed through an extensive literature review. The evaluator then proceeded with the process evaluation. A mixed methods approach was used, as combination of both primary and secondary data sources, and quantitative and qualitative data analysis were used to systematically answer the evaluation questions.
Open Access
A global compilation of dissolved iron measurements: focus on distributions and processes in the Southern Ocean
(2012) Tagliabue, A; Mtshali, T; Aumont, O; Bowie, A R; Klunder, M B; Roychoudhury, A N; Swart, S
Due to its importance as a limiting nutrient for phytoplankton growth in large regions of the world's oceans, ocean water column observations of concentration of the trace-metal iron (Fe) have increased markedly over recent decades. Here we compile >13 000 global measurements of dissolved Fe (dFe) and make this available to the community. We then conduct a synthesis study focussed on the Southern Ocean, where dFe plays a fundamental role in governing the carbon cycle, using four regions, six basins and five depth intervals as a framework. Our analysis highlights depth-dependent trends in the properties of dFe between different regions and basins. In general, surface dFe is highest in the Atlantic basin and the Antarctic region. While attributing drivers to these patterns is uncertain, inter-basin patterns in surface dFe might be linked to differing degrees of dFe inputs, while variability in biological consumption between regions covaries with the associated surface dFe differences. Opposite to the surface, dFe concentrations at depth are typically higher in the Indian basin and the Subantarctic region. The inter-region trends can be reconciled with similar ligand variability (although only from one cruise), and the inter-basin difference might be explained by differences in hydrothermal inputs suggested by modelling studies (Tagliabue et al., 2010) that await observational confirmation. We find that even in regions where many dFe measurements exist, the processes governing the seasonal evolution of dFe remain enigmatic, suggesting that, aside from broad Subantarctic - Antarctic trends, biological consumption might not be the major driver of dFe variability. This highlights the apparent importance of other processes such as exogenous inputs, physical transport/mixing or dFe recycling processes. Nevertheless, missing measurements during key seasonal transitions make it difficult to better quantify and understand surface water replenishment processes and the seasonal Fe cycle. Finally, we detail the degree of seasonal coverage by region, basin and depth. By synthesising prior measurements, we suggest a role for different processes and highlight key gaps in understanding, which we hope can help structure future research efforts in the Southern Ocean.
Open Access
A model for an urban structure on the Cape Flats
(1969) Fox, Revel, 1924-; Cotta, Jose
In 1966 the American Institute of Planners mounted a two year consultation to study the Next Fifty Years. Part 1 was entitled Optimum Environment with Man as the Measure. It was this arresting theme and the papers that flowed from it ( 1) that became the central idea and the broad objective of the study. The method by which this study is carried out is by means of a model for an urban structure, as a basis for a satisfactory framework for human settlement. After due consideration a purely abstract diagram is rejected in favour of a model designed in conformity with all known criteria but theoretical in the sense that detailed topographical and locality constraints are subdued. With this method the essential nature of the diagram is undiluted, and the processes of analysis are easily grasped.
Open Access
A model for an urban structure on the Cape Flats
(1969) Fox, Revel; Cotta, Jose
In 1966 the American Institute of Planners mounted a two year consultation to study the Next Fifty Years. Part 1 was entitled Optimum Environment with Man as the Measure. It was this arresting theme and the papers that flowed from it ( 1) that became the central idea and the broad objective of the study. The method by which this study is carried out is by means of a model for an urban structure, as a basis for a satisfactory framework for human settlement. After due consideration a purely abstract diagram is rejected in favour of a model designed in conformity with all known criteria but theoretical in the sense that detailed topographical and locality constraints are subdued. With this method the essential nature of the diagram is undiluted, and the processes of analysis are easily grasped.
Open Access
A mother’s choice: a qualitative study of mothers’ health seeking behaviour for their children with acute diarrhoea
(BioMed Central, 2016-11-21) Cunnama, Lucy; Honda, Ayako
Background: Diarrhoea presents a considerable health risk to young children and is one of the leading causes of infant mortality. Although proven cost-effective interventions exist, South Africa is yet to reach the Sustainable Development Goals set for the elimination of preventable under-five mortality and water-borne diseases. The rural study area in the Eastern Cape of South Africa continues to have a parallel health system comprising traditional and modern healthcare services. It is in this setting that this study aimed to qualitatively examine the beliefs surrounding and perceived quality of healthcare accessed for children’s acute diarrhoea. Methods: Purposive sampling was used to select participants for nine focus-group-discussions with mothers of children less than 5 years old and 11 key-informant-interviews with community members and traditional and modern practitioners. The focus-group-discussions and interviews were held to explore the reasons why mothers seek certain types of healthcare for children with diarrhoea. Data was analysed using manual thematic coding methods. Results: It was found that seeking healthcare from traditional practitioners is deeply ingrained in the culture of the society. People’s beliefs about the causative agents of diarrhoea are at the heart of seeking care from traditional practitioners, often in order to treat supposed supernatural causes. A combination of care-types is acceptable to the community, but not necessarily to modern practitioners, who are concerned about the inclusion of unknown ingredients and harmful substances in some traditional medicines, which could be toxic to children. These factors highlight the complexity of regulating traditional medicine. Conclusion: South African traditional practitioners can be seen as a valuable human resource, especially as they are culturally accepted in their communities. However due to the variability of practices amongst traditional practitioners and some reluctance on the part of modern practitioners regulation and integration may prove complex.
Open Access
A mother’s choice: a qualitative study of mothers’ health seeking behaviour for their children with acute diarrhoea
(2016) Cunnama, Lucy; Honda, Ayako
Abstract Background Diarrhoea presents a considerable health risk to young children and is one of the leading causes of infant mortality. Although proven cost-effective interventions exist, South Africa is yet to reach the Sustainable Development Goals set for the elimination of preventable under-five mortality and water-borne diseases. The rural study area in the Eastern Cape of South Africa continues to have a parallel health system comprising traditional and modern healthcare services. It is in this setting that this study aimed to qualitatively examine the beliefs surrounding and perceived quality of healthcare accessed for children’s acute diarrhoea. Methods Purposive sampling was used to select participants for nine focus-group-discussions with mothers of children less than 5 years old and 11 key-informant-interviews with community members and traditional and modern practitioners. The focus-group-discussions and interviews were held to explore the reasons why mothers seek certain types of healthcare for children with diarrhoea. Data was analysed using manual thematic coding methods. Results It was found that seeking healthcare from traditional practitioners is deeply ingrained in the culture of the society. People’s beliefs about the causative agents of diarrhoea are at the heart of seeking care from traditional practitioners, often in order to treat supposed supernatural causes. A combination of care-types is acceptable to the community, but not necessarily to modern practitioners, who are concerned about the inclusion of unknown ingredients and harmful substances in some traditional medicines, which could be toxic to children. These factors highlight the complexity of regulating traditional medicine. Conclusion South African traditional practitioners can be seen as a valuable human resource, especially as they are culturally accepted in their communities. However due to the variability of practices amongst traditional practitioners and some reluctance on the part of modern practitioners regulation and integration may prove complex.

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