Context Of South Africa Research Articles

An Examination of Communities of Practice in a Disadvantaged Context in South Africa: The Shared Experiences From Early Childhood Practitioners

As early childhood rises on state agendas in low and middle-income countries, the concern for building a quality workforce continues to be a challenge due to many epistemic injustices. South Africa is in the process of professionalising its early years. It is thus timely and critical to examine issues of practitioner knowledge and context-responsiveness. This article thus used the notions of Funds of Knowledge and Community of Practice as an asset-based lens. The conceptual framework was used to understand how practitioners operate as a Community of Practice to inform their work in early childhood centres in a vulnerable context with three- and four-year-olds. A qualitative case study using semi-structured interviews with eight under-qualified practitioners informed the study. The findings suggested that practitioners use informal and personal sources of knowledge while working as Communities of Practice to navigate sustainable outcomes for young children. These illustrative sources function both as enablers and disablers for shaping inclusive and quality practices. Practitioners are able to use their knowledge to be responsive, but they also have unexamined assumptions which are in need of disruption. The article concluded with a call for a more bottom-up model of professionalism that speaks to context-responsiveness, intentionality development and fostering of an ethic of care. Keywords: Funds of Knowledge, Sustainability, Early Childhood Practitioners, South Africa, Disadvantaged Context, Professional Development

Board gender diversity and ESG performance: The mediating role of temporal orientation in South Africa context

Prevailing research on the interaction between board gender diversity (BGD) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance presents equivocal findings, particularly in the context of developing countries. This study ventures into an exploratory examination of this association, situated in the socio-cultural milieu of South Africa, a region where the lower social status of women often leads to a bias towards short-term perspectives. Drawing on the role congruity theory of prejudice toward female leaders, this study aims to investigate the mediating role of short-term orientation (SHRT) in the BGD-ESG relationship. We further explore how the preference of female directors toward SHRT varies depending on their tenure on the board and across family and non-family firms. The empirical findings, drawn from an examination of publicly listed non-financial firms on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) from 2015 to 2020, indicate a negative relationship between BGD and ESG, with SHRT predominantly mediating this association. Additionally, the tenure of female directors attenuates their preference for SHRT. Notably, we found the effect of BGD on SHRT is less pronounced in family firms, where the choices of female directors are more aligned with the family firm's long-term orientation. Our findings contribute to both theory and practice by advancing our understanding of the BGD-ESG relationship and providing practical implications for organizations, leaders, and policymakers.

Opening decision spaces: A case study on the opportunities and constraints in the public health sector of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.

Decentralised and evidence-informed health systems rely on managers and practitioners at all levels having sufficient 'decision space' to make timely locally informed and relevant decisions. Our objectives were to understand decision spaces in terms of constraints and enablers and outline opportunities through which to expand them in an understudied rural context in South Africa. This study examined decision spaces within Mpumalanga Province, using data and insights generated through a participatory action research process with local communities and health system stakeholders since 2015, which was combined with published documents and research team participant observation to produce findings on three core domains at three levels of the health system. Although capacity for decision making exists in the system, accessing it is frequently made difficult due to a number of intervening factors. While lines of authority are generally well-defined, personal networks take on an important dimension in how stakeholders can act. This is expressed through a range of informal coping strategies built on local relationships. There are constraints in terms of limited formal external accountability to communities, and internal accountability which is weak in places for individuals and focused more on meeting performance targets set at higher levels and less on enabling effective local leadership. More generally, political and personal factors are clearly identified at higher levels of the system, whereas at sub-district and facility levels, the dominant theme was constrained capacity. By examining the balance of authority, accountability and capacity across multiple levels of the provincial health system, we are able to identify emergent decision space and areas for enlargement. Creating spaces to support more constructive relationships and dialogue across system levels emerges as important, as well as reinforcing horizontal networks to problem solve, and developing the capacity of link-agents such as community health workers to increase community accountability.

Emerging trends of carbon emissions and foreign direct investment: accounting for ecological footprints, renewable energy, globalization, and technological innovations in BRICS

This paper investigates the intricate interplay between carbon emissions and foreign direct investment within the context of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) for the period spanning 2000 to 2022. In our comprehensive analysis, we incorporate ecological footprint, renewable energy, globalization, and technological innovations as exogenous variables. Employing a system of simultaneous equations across the BRICS panel, we aim to fully elucidate the proposed relationships. Our empirical findings underscore the following key insights: foreign direct investment, technological innovations, and the adoption of renewable energy sources significantly contribute to the mitigation of carbon emissions in these selected nations. However, it is essential to note that ecological footprints exhibit a positive association with carbon emissions, raising concerns on two fronts: escalating environmental degradation and increased land pressure, both of which contribute to rising ecological footprints in BRICS countries. Additionally, our analysis reveals that foreign direct investment is influenced by its capacity to reduce carbon emissions and bolster renewable energy adoption, while globalization amplifies investment trends within the BRICS nations. To address the environmental repercussions of mining activities, it is imperative to implement stringent control and regulation measures, given their potential adverse impacts, including soil pollution, acid mine drainage, erosion, biodiversity loss, excessive water resource consumption, and wastewater disposal challenges. Nevertheless, proactive steps such as recycling mining waste, adopting environmentally friendly mining equipment, combatting illegal mining, and enhancing overall mining sustainability offer promising avenues to mitigate the environmental footprint of mining operations.

Addressing Potential Conflict among University Students during Collaborative Tasks

This study addresses potential conflicts during collaborative tasks among university undergraduate students and presents strategies to mitigate such conflicts at a university in South Africa. Drawing on the unique context of South Africa, characterised by its rich cultural diversity and historical challenges, Social Identity Theory (SIT) was used to theorise the study within a transformative paradigm, qualitative approach and participatory research design. Ten undergraduate students were sampled and interviewed. Thematic analysis was employed to make sense of the data. The study found that a lack of a culture of open dialogue and clear guidelines and expectations leads to conflict, and the study also found that promoting a culture of open dialogue and establishing clear guidelines and expectations during collaborative projects can help prevent potential conflicts among university undergraduate students during collaborative engagement. The study concludes that promoting a culture of open dialogue and fostering establishing clear guidelines and expectations provide undergraduate students with the tools to manage group conflicts.

Navigating the Complex Terrain of Food Security in Decentralised Systems: Insights from South Africa and Nigeria

Despite their substantial economies and populations, South Africa and Nigeria encounter significant challenges primarily due to constraints in accessing to agricultural input resources. The study adopts an interpretivist approach, which involves acknowledging reality and making meaningful contributions through qualitative research. As such, secondary data was collected and analysed thematically. This paper delves into the multifaceted nature of food insecurity, highlighted by historical factors, widespread poverty and unemployment, further exacerbated by escalating global food prices. The correlation between exorbitant input expenses and restricted agricultural yields and production, resulting in heightened food prices, is thoroughly explored. Additionally, the review critically examines the influence of climate change on the agricultural sector and its implications for the availability and accessibility of food in rural areas. The narrative in this paper emphasises the imperative of fairness, equity, transparency, and accountability in formulating sustainable strategies to combat these challenges. The paper advocates for contextually appropriate, evidence-based policy approaches, emphasising the significance of collaborations between research institutions and government entities. Such partnerships are crucial for developing efficacious responses to issues like drought, which necessitate comprehensive monitoring systems and mitigation strategies. The role of local government in fostering the growth of agro-based enterprises is underscored, illustrating how local processing of agricultural products can augment revenue, employment, and overall agricultural productivity. The paper also proposes policies to attract private sector investment, such as subsidies for farming equipment and fertilisers, and the development of climate-resilient agricultural technologies that integrate local indigenous knowledge. Lastly, the paper addresses the critical imperative of enhancing the resilience of supply chains against unforeseen disruptions, encompassing natural disasters and market fluctuations. This entails implementing risk management strategies, investing in infrastructure, adopting advanced technologies, and fostering collaboration throughout the supply chain. The paper concludes that such measures are indispensable for ensuring a stable and consistent supply of agricultural products, ultimately benefiting both producers and consumers and contributing to the overarching goal of attaining food security in South Africa, Nigeria, and similar contexts. Keywords: Food security, Rural livelihoods, Strategic policies, Vulnerable communities, South Africa, Nigeria

A document analysis of the South African national guidelines for medical male circumcision and the implications for infant and child male circumcision decision-making

South Africa’s 2016 medical male circumcision (MMC) guidelines (“the guidelines”) provide direction for the MMC programme’s implementation in South Africa. The aim of our document analysis was to assess the guidelines, particularly in lieu of changing guidance from WHO and PEPFAR. We then assessed how the guidelines might be applied to infant and child male circumcision (ICMC). The analysis was performed by reviewing South Africa’s guidelines, along with international documents used in developing those guidelines, to identify the historical development of the guidelines, as well as the implications for MMC and ICMC decision-making within the South African context. The following principles were analysed within the context of South Africa’s guidelines: (1) quality and safety; (2) informed consent; (3) confidentiality; (4) human rights; and (5) accessibility of services. Tthe document analysis also identified ambiguities that exist in the guidelines, particularly regarding consent, recognising religious or cultural exemptions, and guaranteeing the best interests of the child. South Africa’s MMC guidelines could benefit from incorporating common definitions to assist with interpretation and understanding, thus preventing confusion and controversy among programme planners, parents and boys. The guidelines were made available in 2016 and recommendations for circumcision have evolved as new research and information has become available. South Africa’s National Department of Health should review and update these guidelines, with a focus on both MMC and ICMC issues, so that they reflect the most up-to-date, accurate information available, to avoid inconsistent practices, risks, and litigation in the management of the programme. This study was situated within a qualitative paradigm and applied a social choice theory perspective to make sense of the MMC guidelines. The study concludes that future policy revisions should develop a broader understanding of the complex medical male circumcision decision-making process, particularly faced by parents.

A critical analysis of commercial forensic interviewing techniques applicable in a South African context

Purpose A significant increase in financial crime globally emphasises the importance of forensic interviewing to obtain useful and reliable information as part of a commercial forensic investigation. Previous research has identified two interviewing strategies that are aligned with the legal framework in South Africa: the PEACE model (P = preparation and planning; E = engage and explain; A = account, clarify and challenge; C = closure; E = evaluation) and the person-centred approach (PCA). The purpose of this paper is to explore the theoretical underpinnings and application of the PEACE model and the PCA as commercial investigative strategies aligned with the legal context in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach A scoping review was undertaken to identify literature relevant to the theoretical assumptions and application of the PEACE model and the PCA. Findings Literature for the most part reports on the PEACE model but offers very little information about the PCA. A critical analysis revealed that the PEACE model incorporates a clear guiding structure for eliciting information but lacks content needed to create an optimal interpersonal context. To promote this, the PCA proposes that interviewers demonstrate three relational variables: empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard. The PCA suggests a basic structure for interviewing (beginning, middle and end), while providing very little guidance on how to structure the forensic interview and what information is to be elicited in each phase. Originality/value Combining the PEACE model and PCA presents an integrated interviewing technique best suited for obtaining useful and reliable information admissible in a South African court of law. The PEACE model has a clear structure, and the PCA assists in creating an optimal interpersonal context to obtain information in an interview.

Fifth Generation Non-Standalone to Standalone Wireless Architecture Reconstruction Solution and Implementation: South Africa Context

The wireless mobile communication industry has evolved immensely over the past five decades, starting from the voice-centric 1G technology to the current data-centric 5G technology because of the increasing data traffic and the need for higher data speed rates. To provide the initial experience of 5G technology, many network operators worldwide started their deployment with the Non-Standalone (NSA) solution to mainly reduce the cost and time. 5G NSA solution already provides lower latency, higher network capacity, and bandwidth compared to the legacy network, however, there is growing oncern about its reliance on the 4G core network, capability, and the long-term migration plan to 5G Standalone (SA) network solution. This paper discusses a brief review of 5G evolution, standardization formulation, deployment strategies, security enhancement, challenges, and presents the reconstruction of 5G NSA to SA solution implementation. Furthermore, a 5G field test will be performed to analyze the user experience under the NSA NR in South Africa, and key practical challenges facing the South African MNOs from the perspective of business and technical challenges will be discussed with recommendations.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution in South Africa’s basic education: a search for cogent curriculum justice

This study sought to examine how the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has promulgated curriculum (in) justices within basic education contexts in South Africa. Utilizing qualitative methods, we interviewed fifteen students and three teachers from three selected schools and one ICT district manager representing the Gauteng Education Zone in Johannesburg. We also deployed critical interpretivism to analyze the documents and the responses from the research subjects in order to explain how the ideologies related to use of 4IR and its roles in education had helped create and sustain curriculum (in) justices in South Africa. We mainly used Ideal Utilitarianism by George Moore, Justice as Fairness by John Rawls, and the Technology Acceptance Model by Fred Davis as key theoretical frameworks for analyzing 4IR within educational contexts. Key findings showed that 4IR has hugely sorted, stratified and unequalized rural-poor students more than it has done with the rich students especially at the basic education level. Essentially, the benefits highlighted by some respondents, particularly teachers, could not help offset the injustices and damages 4IR had unleashed upon the marginalized groups of students at this level. While acknowledging that 4IR was irreversible at this point – since it was now part of human life – we recommended that DBE should judiciously revisit the 4IR policy governing the Operation Phakisa Initiative (OPI), by instituting different support systems that will ensure provision of an equitable and just 4IR aided education for everybody. One such supports, but not limited to that, was provision of consistent capacity building trainings for the schools and society.

Reflecting on Diognetus’ letter: Paradoxical gospel in a polarised South African context

This article reflects on the letter written by an anonymous author, in an unknown date and unidentifiable recipient, called Diognetus, yet with a paradoxical mission witness in a challenging times. The letter of Diognetus is an open letter with a paradoxical mission guidelines, for the church in a challenging time. The letter of Diognetus is a distinct, complex and multifaceted letter that addresses the paradoxical context of the Church, namely that she is called out of the world, but to be in the world, while not being of the world. The main question is: how should the gospel be witnessed in a polarised society such as South Africa? To answer the question, this article is set to discuss the letter’s distinct features, namely its significance and role and its goals.Contribution: The article is not only adding a voice to the on-going debate regarding the mission witness but also adding value by revisiting scriptural basis and guidelines for a paradoxical mission witness in a polarised socio-economic and political context in South Africa and beyond. This article helps to stimulate further missional researches and practises in these areas.

Entrepreneurship in emerging cities: mitigating impediments to small business development in Tshwane, South Africa

This article explores, and offers recommendations to address, the factors impeding small business development in the City of Tshwane (formerly Pretoria), Gauteng Province, South Africa. It also examines small business development in the broader context of South Africa and other emerging economies. The research adopted a qualitative case study approach based on a systematic analysis of documents concerning governance and small business development in Tshwane. Obstacles for small businesses identified in this study include red tape and regulatory failure, inadequate infrastructure and support services, supply chain management challenges and a lack of markets, as well as inadequate vocational, educational and skills training opportunities for local entrepreneurs. The City of Tshwane needs to foster synergies between small businesses and the market to sustain growth and development. Its Integrated Development Plan should incorporate targeted measures to support competitive emerging businesses.

Acute angioedema in Cape Town emergency centres and a suggested algorithm to simplify and improve management.

Angioedema is the most common acute allergic presentation to emergency centres (EC), with hospitalisation rates increasing in high-income countries. Angioedema can complicate with life-threatening laryngeal obstruction. There are no local data; therefore, we aimed to characterise acute angioedema cases presenting to ECs and develop a simple management algorithm. To characterise the clinical presentation, management and outcomes of acute angioedema cases presenting to ECs. Based on these findings, we developed a management algorithm for acute angioedema to improve the care of acute angioedema in South Africa (SA). We conducted a retrospective folder review of all patients admitted to Groote Schuur Hospital (tertiary) and Mitchells Plain District Hospital (secondary) ECs from 1 June 2018 to 31 June 2020. Using ICD-10 coding, folders of adults ≥18 years with possible angioedema presenting to the ECs were screened. An allergist extracted demographics, medical history, management and outcome data for each angioedema event. A total of 142acute angioedema episodes were included, with a median (interquartile range) age of 42 (28- 58) years, and 62% of patients were female. The majority (124/142, 87%) of acute angioedema EC presentations involved swelling above the shoulders, with airway involvement in 20(14%) patients, with two patients requiring intubation. Nineteen (13%) patients required admission, with five (26%) admitted to high care/intensive care. Drug-induced angioedema was the most common cause, with 64/142 (45%) linked to a known offending drug, 42/64 (65.6%) being angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE-I). Critical information to guide angioedema management, including past personal/family allergy history, and duration of angioedema prior to EC visit, was not recorded in 64.7% and 37.8% of EC records, respectively. Unnecessary treatment with corticosteroids or antihistamines occurred in 19/53 (36%) and 16/53 (30%) cases with bradykinin-mediated angioedema ACE-I angioedema and hereditary angioedema). Overall, only 36/142 (25%) of angioedema patients were connected to allergy care. Angioedema is the most common allergy presentation to two ECs in Cape Town, SA. Bradykinin-mediated angioedema secondary to ACE-I therapy is the single most common offender, and was not appropriately managed in more than a third of cases. Based on these findings, we have developed a management algorithm that easily stratifies patients into bradykinin or mast cell-mediated angioedema with a step-by-step management approach that is applicable to the SA context. Ongoing awareness and education on allergy emergencies are required to ensure accurate diagnosis of less common causes of angioedema (particularly bradykinin-mediated angioedema) and linkage to allergy specialist care.

A critical view of National Senior Certificate examination discourse and First Additional Language writing tests

Critical views on language testing have long pointed out that tests are not neutral and that the use of test results requires a deeper interrogation of who is assessed, in what language and to whose benefit In South Africa, English, especially Standard English, creates a linguistic market where additional language (L2) students' writing and English language proficiency are under constant evaluation. Various systemic tests since 1994 highlight students' low English language proficiency, often resulting in negative discourses about their L2 proficiency and teachers' pedagogy. However, a key factor missing in such a narrative is how writing test design and its corresponding examination discourse impact pedagogy and the required writer identities needed in post-school contexts. This study draws on systemic functional linguistics (SFL) to illustrate the relationship between L2 writing discourse in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination (2017-2019) and the writing requirements stipulated in the national curriculum. The findings reveal that narrow definitions of writing proficiency underpin the test items and that the assessment documents are unlikely to contribute to academic writing and discourse competencies in school or post-school contexts in South Africa.

An ecological perspective on children’s play with digital technologies in South Africa and the United Kingdom

ABSTRACT This paper reports a mixed-methods study of the play of children (3–11) with digital technologies in South Africa (SA) and the United Kingdom (UK), discussing the interrelatedness of access to devices and the Internet, contextual realities, and adult-child relations. An adapted ecological model [Bronfenbrenner (1979) The ecology of human development: Experiments by nature and design. Harvard University Press] guided analysis. Parents and carers in the UK were more likely than their SA counterparts to report children's engagement in object, construction and transgressive digital play, correlating with access differences, especially to tablet devices. However, play incorporating technologies was extensive, even in contexts in SA with limited access to a wide range of devices or readily available internet. Despite relying primarily on smartphones, children in SA were more likely to create digital content unassisted than those in the UK. The qualitative data complicate understandings of particular play types, including transgressive digital play.

Centering southern perspectives in translanguaging research

ABSTRACT The last decade has witnessed the momentum of “trans-” turn in applied linguistics and language education. Within these conversations, the term translanguaging—as practice, theory, and pedagogy—articulates a paradigmatic shift in how we think about language(s) and how we can serve multilingual learners in ways that are more humanizing and justice-oriented. While there has been an exponential growth in translanguaging research, the majority of the extant studies have taken place in the Global North contexts so far, and we are still missing a broader understanding of translanguaging from a southern perspective. This special issue features four articles, contributed by scholars who are both residing in and have deep connections with the Global South contexts, and a commentary by Professor Li Wei. Using a mixture of methodological tools, the papers offer new possibilities to problematize and expand translanguaging as a construct in various classroom contexts in China, South Africa, Brazil, Australia, and Canada to better understand pertinent issues of (English) language teaching/learning in relation to a broader agenda of achieving linguistic, epistemic and social justice. This special issue emphasizes the significance of (re)centering southern perspectives in translanguaging research and decentralizing traditional knowledge construction that favors the Global North.

“A spade was called a spade … ”: Youth and intervention implementers’ perceptions of a resilience-based HIV-prevention intervention for youth in South Africa

The youth (15–24 years old) in South Africa remain at high risk of HIV infection despite varied efforts to control the disease. An understanding of the perspectives of relevant stakeholders of HIV-prevention interventions targeting the youth is important to guide research, policy and practice aimed at improving these interventions. This study explores youth and intervention implementers’ perceptions of a resilience-based HIV-prevention intervention (You Only Live Once) aimed at reducing risky sexual behaviours among the youth in South Africa. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 young people who participated in the intervention, and four intervention implementers at a not-for-profit organisation in Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality, South Africa. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged from the data: (1) Acceptability and impact of the intervention; (2) Factors influencing intervention implementation; and (3) Recommendations to improve intervention implementation. These findings provide insights into the acceptability, impact, barriers and facilitators of resilience-based HIV-prevention interventions for the youth in South Africa and similar contexts, and how implementation of these interventions could be enhanced. The findings can help researchers, policy makers and health care practitioners in the field of HIV prevention to improve interventions targeting young people.

Outcomes of Decent Work Among Blue-Collar Workers in South Africa: The Role of Job Satisfaction

Vocational research using the psychology of working theory (PWT) is increasing. Still, empirical studies testing the hypothesized relationships among this theory’s intended target group (e.g., working class or blue-collar workers) are scant. Given the context of South Africa, and drawing on the PWT, this study adds to career literature by illustrating the indirect effect of job satisfaction on the relationship between decent work and two work-related outcomes (i.e., subjective career success and turnover intention) among a sample of South African blue-collar workers. Our results confirmed the bifactor five-factor structure for decent work among a sample of blue-collar workers in South Africa. Specifically, we contribute to existing knowledge about the outcome portion of the PWT model within non-western contexts, by illustrating the direct relationship of decent work with two outcomes i.e., subjective career success and turnover intention and provide evidence for the indirect effect of job satisfaction in these relationships.

“Your Health at Present”: Are Patterns of Reporting Heterogeneity in Self-rated Health Gendered?

This study explores reporting heterogeneity in self-rated health in a developing country context, and it thereby contributes to a growing literature which evaluates whether purely subjective indicators of health provide reliable measures of health status that permit inter-personal comparisons. We focus on gender and investigate if reporting patterns on self-rated health vary systematically between women and men. Most studies assess the reliability of self-rated health indicators by incorporating gender as a control variable in the analysis. We extend this research by examining whether gender intersects with a range of social factors to affect health perceptions. We analyse national longitudinal data, using the random effects generalised ordered probit iterative estimation procedure, thereby controlling for unobserved characteristics that may compromise cross-sectional analysis. Overall, our study corroborates other findings on the reliability of subjective health indicators, even in the culturally and economically diverse context of South Africa. However, although reporting styles are largely consistent between women and men, we also identify several differences, which warrant further investigation in other contexts.

Peer learning model in speech-language pathology student practicals in South Africa: A pilot study

Background. Given the current challenges of decreased clinical resources and the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on clinical training at sites, a shift inteaching models for practical placements for speech-language pathology (SLP) students in South Africa (SA) was required. The peer learning model thathas been trialled in the physiotherapy and nursing professions was piloted for this cohort of students to combat these restrictions.Objectives. To determine whether the peer learning model is an optimal supervision framework for final-year SLP students in the SA context for theadult neurology practical.Methods. This was a qualitative study that used a cohort of final-year SLP students. Once ethical clearance was obtained, data collection commencedusing various instruments, including self-reflection tools, questionnaires and pre- and post-interviews. Data were analysed using a top-down approachwhereby themes were generated and then further analysed.Results. Four themes emerged: power dynamics, theoretical skills, clinical skills and professionalism. Power dynamics was a novel finding of this studyand showed how a shift in power dynamics can facilitate the development of clinical skills. Peer learning appeared to improve clinical integration andclinical skills, including clinical writing and self-reflection.Conclusions. The piloting of the peer learning model appeared to be a success for final-year SLP students in an outpatient adult neurology setting. Thefindings from this study can assist in furthering studies in this context