Application In South Africa Research Articles

Factors influencing the acceptance and use of a South African data-free job search application

Background: Despite the rise of digital job search tools, many South Africans remain excluded due to connectivity and financial barriers. The digital divide, particularly among youth and low-income groups, limits access to job opportunities, exacerbated by data costs and limited digital skills.Objectives: This study investigates the factors influencing the acceptance and use of a data-free job search application, focusing on challenges related to connectivity, data costs, and digital skills.Method: A qualitative approach is employed, analysing Google Play Store reviews through thematic analysis. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework is applied to explore the influence of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions on user adoption.Results: Performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and facilitating conditions are key drivers of application usage. Positive user experiences with these factors enhance engagement, while negative perceptions of usability and technical issues limit consistent use.Conclusion: Addressing connectivity and usability issues is essential to improving the acceptance and use of data-free job search applications in South Africa. Enhancing performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions can significantly increase user engagement.Contribution: The study offers practical insights for developers and policymakers to enhance the accessibility and usability of data-free job search tools, promoting more equitable access to job opportunities for disadvantaged groups.

Evaluation of four interventions using behavioural economics insights to increase demand for voluntary medical male circumcision in South Africa through the MoyaApp: A quasi-experimental study.

While voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) reduces the risk of HIV transmission by 60%, circumcision coverage falls short of the UNAIDS 90% VMMC target. We investigated whether behaviourally informed message framing increased demand for VMMC. Adult users of the MoyaApp, a data free application in South Africa, who viewed a form designed to generate interest in VMMC during August-November 2022. A quasi-experimental study was conducted to evaluate four MoyaApp VMMC intervention forms against the Standard of Care (SOC) form. All forms enabled users to provide contact details for follow-up engagement by a call centre. The primary outcome was the proportion of forms submitted. Secondary outcomes included successful contact with the user, VMMC bookings/referrals and confirmed circumcision. Multivariable ordinary least-squares regression was used for the analysis. Of 118,337 MoyaApp VMMC form viewers, 6% submitted a form. Foot-in-the-Door form viewers were more likely (+1.3 percentage points, p<0.01) to submit a form compared to the SOC group (6.3%). Active Choice (-1.1 percentage points, p<0.01) and Reserved for You (-0.05 percentage points, p<0.05) form viewers were less likely to submit a form compared to SOC. Users submitting on Foot-in-the-Door were less likely to be booked/referred compared to SOC (-5 percentage points, p<0.05). There were no differences between the intervention and SOC forms for successful contact and circumcisions. Message framing using behavioural insights was able to nudge men to engage with VMMC services. However, more work is needed to understand how to convert initial interest into bookings and circumcisions.

Investigating the adoption of indigenous knowledge in mitigating climate-linked challenges

Indigenous knowledge (IK) plays a crucial role in rural African communities by contributing to the development of mitigation and adaptation strategies, enhancing resilience to climate-related challenges. However, there is limited documentation of its application in South Africa. This study investigates the adoption of IK in the Vhembe district, focusing on general use, disease prediction and farming practices. Results indicate that the respondents possessed a rich reservoir of IK, with 76.1% affirming its use for different purposes. Most respondents (75.3%) use IK for farming, with 63.1% using it for disease prediction. Most participants (74.3%) reported adequate confidence levels in their use of IK for general purposes. Respondents who had stayed longer in Vhembe reported higher confidence levels in using IK, as did those above 66 years old in using this knowledge system for disease prediction. The use of IK indicators for early warning of malaria outbreaks was also documented. Investigating and documenting IK use in communities could inform the basis for preservation and hence, enhance IK recognition. The integration of IK in the development of early warning systems may enhance their relevance and effectiveness in combating the effects of climate change and infectious diseases.

Alternative methods in contemporary South African landscape photography

This paper examines the work of three contemporary South African photographers whose adaptations of landscape photography support inquiry into themes such as agency, identity, and belonging. None of these artists self-identifies as a landscape photographer, but each has taken up the genre to address topics of social concern such as: colonialism, under-documented histories, and the geographical imagination. Jean Brundrit adapts high-resolution survey technology to chart waves; Cedric Nunn creates extended captions to reorient views of the modern Eastern Cape landscape in relation to Xhosa history; and Francki Burger layers negatives in the darkroom to construct ethereal environments that examine emotive connections to land. These artists draw upon photographic techniques that may be considered ‘alternative’ in relation to traditional modes of landscape photography. In doing so, they challenge, reinterpret, and expand the definition of what constitutes a landscape image and landscape photography. Further, their respective works offer insight into the evolution of the genre from its nineteenth and early twentieth century applications in South Africa, as well as its utility for socially-concerned artists in the post-apartheid era.

Perceptions of and Preparedness for the Application of Pharmacoeconomics in Practice, among Final Year Bachelor of Pharmacy Students in South Africa: A National Cross-Sectional Study

For the improvement of access to health, many countries including South Africa, have adopted universal healthcare. However, this requires skills to apply health technology assessments for the facilitation of investment decisions. This study aimed to ascertain final year Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) students' perceptions of the relevance of pharmacoeconomics in pharmacy practice, and their level of preparedness to apply pharmacoeconomic principles, using a quantitative, cross-sectional, and descriptive design. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire over 12 months, and included student demographics, knowledge about pharmacoeconomics and its applicability in practice, as well as students' satisfaction with the appropriateness of the curriculum content. Five of nine universities offering pharmacy education took part. The overallstudent response rate was 38.1% (189/496), with 26.2% (45/172) of students signifying a good understanding of basic pharmacoeconomic concepts. Pharmacoeconomics application in South Africa was perceived to be relevant by 87.5% (140/160); however, 47.0% (79/168) felt they were not prepared to apply pharmacoeconomic principles in medicine management, and 86.7% (137/158) wanted to acquire additional pharmacoeconomic knowledge. Whilst students' perceptions of the relevance of pharmacoeconomics were positive, results indicated a gap in knowledge, understanding, and application. Addressing this gap may increase students' preparedness to apply pharmacoeconomic principles and better equip them for the practical application of pharmacoeconomics post qualification. Consequently, we have started this process.

Factors affecting consumer acceptance and use of mobile delivery applications in South Africa

Background: During the 2020 global coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, mobile delivery applications flourished, facilitating consumer access to groceries. Research has shown, however, that usage remains low in developing countries such as South Africa. Objectives: This research identifies factors that affect the acceptance and use of a mobile delivery application. It provides recommendations for application designers to improve application functionality and usability and for retailers to better understand customer needs. Method: This research adopted an interpretivist stance, utilising the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use 2 (UTAUT2) as a theoretical framework. Data were collected and analysed from 4159 Google Play Store customer reviews using thematic content analysis. Reviews were anonymised, coded and categorised according to the UTAUT2 model constructs. Results: Performance expectancy and facilitating conditions were found to affect acceptance and use of the application. Effort expectancy, hedonic motivation and cost price had a moderate effect. Social influence, habit and price value did not impact the use of the mobile delivery application. Users will depend not only on recommendations from friends and family but also on service costs. Conclusion: This research revealed that users are more likely to accept and use a mobile delivery application if they find it helpful and receive quick assistance when facing technical challenges. Contribution: This research identifies factors that affect the acceptance and use of a mobile delivery application in a geographical area where usage remains low. Retailers may attract more customers and find more success in mobile delivery services by addressing customer concerns and challenges.

Factors affecting consumer acceptance and use of mobile delivery applications in South Africa

The South African Journal of Information Management explores the latest developments and trends in information and knowledge management to offer research that can be used to further the application of sound information and knowledge management practice.

Unpacking the Municipal Demarcation Application in South Africa

The year 2022 marks the sixth democratic local municipal demarcation process in South Africa. The Municipal Demarcation Board has invited the public to put forward their suggestions for the revision of local municipal boundaries based on the Municipal Demarcation Act (27 of 1998) by the end of March. However, the legislative criterion that guides the process remains as complex as it was in 1998 and the public still questions how and why municipal boundaries are demarcated in South Africa. A direct product of the complexity is that many voices remain muffled and their frustrations are displayed in public protests. These protests are to an extent due to municipalities being too large, lacking economic bases, and having poor governance structures to administer efficiently, resulting in many struggling to provide basic services and remain financially viable and sustainable. This article unpacks the application process that needs to be followed by the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB), the Member of Executive Council (MEC), and the public to motivate for the re-demarcation of local boundaries. The paper argues that the process is complicated and calls for its revision. Furthermore, the paper suggests that smaller and more compact municipalities, at scale and proportional to economic base, might be the solution to the on-going crises of South African Municipalities.

Battery Energy Storage for Photovoltaic Application in South Africa: A Review

Despite the significant slowdown of economic activity in South Africa by virtue of the COVID-19 outbreak, load shedding or scheduled power outages remained at a high level. The trend of rising load-shedding hours has persisted throughout most of the year 2022. Operational issues within the South African power utility inflamed the unpredictable nature of generation capacity, resulting in unscheduled outages at several generating units, mostly due to multiple breakdowns. To forestall substantial spikes in energy costs, an increasing number of enterprises and homeowners have started to gradually adopt renewable energy technologies to sustain their operational demand. Therefore, there is an increase in the exploration and investment of battery energy storage systems (BESS) to exploit South Africa’s high solar photovoltaic (PV) energy and help alleviate production losses related to load-shedding-induced downtime. As a result, the current work presents a comprehensive and consequential review conducted on the BESS specifically for solar PV application and in the South African context. The research investigations carried out on BESS for PV application are crucially examined, drawing attention to their capacities, shortcomings, constraints, and prospects for advancement. This investigation probed several areas of interest where the BESS-PV scheme is adopted, viz., choice of battery technology, mitigating miscellaneous power quality problems, optimal power system control, peak load shaving, South African BESS market and status of some Real BESS-PV projects. The techno-economic case scenario has been proposed in the current research and results yield that lithium-ion batteries are more viable than Lead–acid batteries.

In situ thermal remediation application in South Africa: a case study incorporating sustainable remediation principles

This paper presents a case study of the first instance in South Africa where in situ thermal remediation (ISTR) was undertaken. The project, completed during 2020 and 2021, is located in Cape Town. The ‘site’ is a former printing facility located in a multistorey building adjacent to an upgradient service station. Petroleum hydrocarbon impacts, identified in subsurface soil and groundwater, originated from leaking underground fuel storage tanks at this service station. Following a sustainability-based options appraisal, ISTR with steam used as the heating source was selected as the most appropriate remedial technology. Based on Environmental Resources Management's (ERM's) international and local expertise, this solution was implemented after due consideration of the site's geological characteristics, the properties of the contaminants of concern and the client's goals of rapidly achieving a risk-based remediation solution. This solution was enhanced by the identification and incorporation, where feasible, of sustainable management practices (SMPs) in the system design and operational phases. Particular focus was placed on resource consumption and the use of alternative power sources, such as reduction of water and energy and the use of biofuel. Other SMPs incorporated into the system's operational phase included temperature tracking to optimize steam usage, which has been successfully applied by ERM at previously completed ISTR sites in other countries. Key lessons learnt from the ISTR application at this site were that the energy source and use, combined with the optimization of water consumption, could be more widely applied to improve the sustainability of ISTR, not only in South Africa but also in other sites worldwide. Supplementary material: Details of sustainable remediation assessments are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5965339 . Thematic collection: This article is part of the Sustainability in Engineering Geology &amp; Hydrogeology collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/sustainability-in-engineering-geology-and-hydrogeology

Forensic genetic value of 27 Y-STR loci (Y-Filer® Plus) in the South African population

South Africa has one of the highest rape statistics in the world, with an average of 117 rapes reported daily. Y-STR genotyping is becoming a popular tool in the analysis of DNA evidence collected after a crime of a sexual nature has been committed, but has yet to be implemented in South Africa’s forensic laboratories. This study aimed to investigate the forensic value of the 27 Yfiler™ Plus loci in the South African population. A total of 271 samples from the African, Asian/Indian, Mixed Ancestry11The term ‘Coloured’ is recognized and officially used in South Africa to refer to people of mixed ancestry. However, this population will be referred to as ‘Mixed Ancestry’ throughout the paper., and Caucasian populations at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa were amplified and analysed using ThermoFisher Scientific’s Yfiler™ Plus PCR Amplification kit. Of the 271 samples, 261 were identified to be unique, with an overall discrimination capacity of 98.15%. Discrimination capacities ranged from 91.67% for the Asian/Indian population to 100% for the Mixed Ancestry population. The haplotype diversity across the four populations is 0.9999, with an average gene diversity across all loci of 0.717. The forensic parameters estimated in this study provide evidence for the potential use of the commercial Yfiler™ Plus PCR amplification kit in a forensic application in South Africa.

Common deficiencies found in generic Finished Pharmaceutical Product (FPP) applications submitted for registration to the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA)

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to investigate the common deficiencies observed in the Finished Pharmaceutical Product (FPP) section of generic product applications submitted to SAHPRA. The study was conducted retrospectively over a 7-year period (2011–2017) for products that were finalised by the Pharmaceutical and Analytical pre-registration Unit.MethodsThere were 3148 finalised products in 2011–2017, 667 of which were sterile while 2089 were non-sterile. In order to attain a representative sample for the study, statistical sampling was conducted. Sample size was obtained using the statistical tables found in literature and confirmed by a sample size calculation with a 95% confidence level. The selection of the products was according to the therapeutic category using the multi-stage sampling method called stratified-systematic sampling. This resulted in the selection of 325 applications for non-sterile products and 244 applications for sterile products. Subsequently, all the deficiencies were collected and categorised according to Common Technical Document (CTD) subsections of the FPP section (3.2.P).ResultsA total of 3253 deficiencies were collected from 325 non-sterile applications while 2742 deficiencies were collected from 244 sterile applications. The most common deficiencies in the FPP section for non-sterile products were on the following sections: Specifications (15%), Description and Composition (14%), Description of the Manufacturing Process (13%), Stability Data (7.6%) and the Container Closure System (7.3%). The deficiencies applicable to the sterile products were quantified and the subsection, Validation and/or Evaluation (18%) has the most deficiencies. Comparison of the deficiencies with those reported by other agencies such as the USFDA, EMA, TFDA and WHOPQTm are discussed with similarities outlined.ConclusionsThe overall top five most common deficiencies observed by SAHPRA were extensively discussed for the generic products. The findings provide an overview on the submissions and regulatory considerations for generic applications in South Africa, which is useful for FPP manufacturers in the compilation of their dossiers and will assist in accelerating the registration process.

Personal Data and the Assemblage Security in Consumer Internet of Things

The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) has driven mobile applications development. As a result, in the consumer IoT (CIoT) space, any product usually comes with a smartphone application to either control, programme, or just view what is happening with the product. The IoT brings with it opportunities and challenges to consumers. For example, IoT technology makes it possible to connect all of a person’s devices to create a smart eco-system or assemblage. However, the biggest threat in CIoT is personal data security. This study utilized a qualitative narrative inquiry and Delphi technique to explore data security issues that come with CIoT assemblages and associated mobile applications in South Africa. The study established that consumers enjoy the convenience and benefits that IoT technology brings. It is concluded that for CIoT to thrive, safety is crucial, and all the stakeholders in the IoT assemblage need to ensure the protection of consumers.

Development of low-cost reflective plate thermal energy absorber systems for application in South Africa

An innovative solar heat collector system was developed from low-cost materials by applying innovative design technology and using adaptive technologies. The system design entails placing long black polymer pipes connected in series circulation, mounted and positioned in grooves of inverted box rib galvanised steel plating. The grooves reflect and focus the incident rays on the centre piping, concentrating incident sun rays on the black piping and increasing the absorption of thermal energy in the piping filled with circulating water. The circulation of the water is facilitated by a direct-current solar-driven pump powered by a small photovoltaic panel. The thermal energy as collected is stored in a standard household geyser tank. A 3 × 4 m heat absorber of this type collects approximately 10 kWh of energy per day. The estimated cost of the system, considering the capital outlay over an expected ten-year life cycle for the product was estimated at R0.25 per kWh. This pricing competes extremely favourably with the general cost of grid electricity in South Africa for medium-sized households, which is of the order of R2 per kWh up to 1000 kWh per month, including taxes. With an estimated electricity cost escalation of above 5% every year, the ten-year saving for a household using this prototype can be approximately R200 000. The technology and designs developed through the study can create many new business opportunities in South Africa in both urban and rural environments, through manufacturing, installing, repairing, and maintaining the systems.

Citrus sour rot management by propiconazole drench application in South Africa

ISHS IV International Symposium on Postharvest Pathology: Next Generation Innovation and Commercial Solutions for Postharvest Pathology to Reduce Losses, Enhance Quality, and Ensure Product Safety Citrus sour rot management by propiconazole drench application in South Africa

Attitudes Towards Utilising Mobile Banking Applications Among Generation Z Consumers in South Africa

In today’s post-modern era, the banking industry is becoming a digital rather than a physical system. Digital banking has been synonymous with the fourth industrial revolution making a notable impact on the African continent. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to empirically investigate consumer attitudes towards mobile banking applications in South Africa. A positivist paradigm underpinned the study, and a descriptive design was employed. To test the proposed hypotheses a unique conceptual model was developed. Non-probability sampling was adopted in selecting appropriate participants. A total of data was collected from 325 willing participants through an survey. In terms of analysis, SPSS n and AMOS were utilised to generate descriptive statistics and hypotheses testing. The results established that attitudes towards mobile banking applications and actual use of mobile banking applications was the strongest relationship. The empirical evidence presented in this study adds value to the existing research on mobile-banking within the 4th industrial revolution, particularly in South Africa, a largely under-researched area.

ALTERING THE HUMAN GENOME: MAPPING THE GENOME EDITING REGULATORY SYSTEM IN SOUTH AFRICA

Novel therapeutic strategies using genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9, are revolutionising the way in which diseases can be prevented and treated in the future. Consequently, a global debate has emerged around the ethical and legal implications relating to the use of such technology in research, therapy, and human reproduction. This has brought to the forefront questions regarding the extent to which current policies respond to these issues. In this paper, we provide a “map” of South African policy relating to genome editing, and illustrate how current ethical guidelines and law regulate its use. We find that the South African policy framework is marred with inconsistencies and incompleteness, and that an opportunity exists for the normative and regulatory framework governing this field of research and therapeutic application in South Africa, to be reviewed and reformed. In this paper we present certain recommendations – with the goal of informing and supporting health policy and decision-making regarding the regulation of genome editing in South Africa. We suggest that by adopting a pragmatic regulatory approach, such recommendations serve to address public concern, reflect appropriate international perspectives, and provide a firm foundation for the development of genome editing regulation in South Africa.

Competition, Productive Capabilities and Structural Transformation in South Africa

Competition law has been promoted across developing countries as part of a market liberalisation package which is premised on a neo-classical model of competition, privileging static allocative efficiency and largely ignoring production. This article critiques this approach through an assessment of its application in South Africa where substantial weight was given to competition law. Building on the critical assessment, the article proposes an alternative framework based on the conception of ‘optimal competition’ of Amsden and Singh (The optimal degree of competition and dynamic efficiency in Japan and Korea. Eur Econ Rev 38:940–951, 1994). It does this through assessing the relationship between competitive rivalry, productive investment and the development of capabilities in two key industry groupings in South Africa, metals and machinery, and plastics and chemicals. We argue that the failure to develop diversified production capabilities in South Africa reflects the entrenched incumbent firm advantages and the lack of a coordinated policy agenda which proceeds from a recognition of economic power and the need to reshape markets to alter competitive rivalry. An optimal competition framework allows analysis of dynamic rivalry and capabilities development.

The admissibility of criminal findings in civil matters: Re-evaluating the Hollington judgment

In Hollington v Hewthorn &amp; Co Ltd 2 1943 All ER 35 it was held that a finding of a criminal court did not have any probative value in a subsequent civil action and was inadmissible as evidence. Despite the case being one of English origin, the South African courts have largely adopted this ruling as one grounded in our common law. In this paper, the judgment in the Hollington case is critically analysed in order to determine its continued applicability in the face of South Africa's existing law of evidence and the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 ("the Constitution"). It is argued that in light of the existing law, this rule no longer finds application in South Africa.

Big data, 4IR and electronic banking and banking systems applications in South Africa and Nigeria

Efficient banking solutions are an integral part of the business integration of South African and Nigerian economies as the two largest economies in the continent. Security, effectiveness, and integration of banking systems are critical to the sustainable development of the African continent. Therefore, an empirical analysis of the production of research on banking services and systems was conducted. The aim of the study was to examine the robustness of the research findings on banking systems in terms of their importance for the economic sustainability of the continent in the era of the fourth industrial revolution. The study adopted a bibliometric analysis using software clusters to visualize the results. Due to higher visibility of outputs and likely citations, the results showed that the key terms from Google Scholar are ranked higher than outputs from Scopus. Main research interests were related to internet banking (f = 70), e-payment systems (f = 57), telephone banking (f = 56), automated teller machines (f = 54), and mobile banking (f = 40). The results also showed a very low research interest in the technical aspect of online banking services such as security (f = 19, TLS = 40), authentication (f = 17, TLS =33), network security (f =13, TLS = 33), computer crime (f = 16, TLS = 42), and online banking (f = 11, TLS =32). The study found there were insufficient outputs in the area of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) and banking services in Africa. Future research trends should examine the impact of the 4IR and big data on the banking system, regional economic integration, and sustainable growth in the continent.