KwaZulu-Natal Region Research Articles

An Investigation into the Effectiveness of the Current Performance Appraisal System and Its Contribution to Employee Performance for National Health Laboratory Services Employees at Amajuba-Mzinyathi and Umkhanya-Zulu Business Units, Kwazulu-Natal Region

An Investigation into the Effectiveness of the Current Performance Appraisal System and Its Contribution to Employee Performance for National Health Laboratory Services Employees at Amajuba-Mzinyathi and Umkhanya-Zulu Business Units, Kwazulu-Natal Region

Navigating the digital divide: exploring the multifaceted 4IR challenges and technological disparities encountered by SMMEs within Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

The dawn of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has been a harbinger of unparalleled technological innovations, reshaping industries and economies at an unprecedented pace. While these advancements promise a new frontier of opportunities, they also bring forth a myriad of challenges, particularly for Small, Micro, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMMEs). This research delves deep into the multifaceted challenges and technological disparities encountered by SMMEs in the wake of 4IR, with a concentrated lens on the enterprises operating within the KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa. At the heart of this exploration is the pronounced digital divide, which exacerbates the gulf between well-resourced corporations and SMMEs. The divide is not just technological but extends to areas like access to finance, digital literacy, infrastructure, and the agility to adapt to rapidly changing business environments. As these SMMEs grapple with the challenges of integrating into the digital economy, they face hurdles such as limited access to advanced technological tools, cybersecurity threats, the high cost of digital transformation, and a dearth of skilled manpower to navigate the complexities of 4IR. Furthermore, the research sheds light on the systemic and infrastructural challenges in the KwaZulu-Natal region, which further compound the difficulties faced by local SMMEs. From inconsistent internet access and electricity issues to the lack of tailored training programs and financial schemes, these enterprises find themselves in a precarious position, trying to bridge the chasm between traditional business models and the demands of the digital age. By offering an in-depth analysis of these challenges, this study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the obstacles that SMMEs face in the current 4IR-driven economic climate. It emphasizes the need for a multi-stakeholder approach, involving governments, industry leaders, educational institutions, and financial institutions, to collaboratively develop strategies, policies, and interventions that can empower SMMEs. Through targeted support, capacity-building initiatives, and fostering an ecosystem of innovation, there's potential to not only narrow the digital divide but to position these enterprises as key players in South Africa's 4IR journey. This research, thus, serves as both a clarion call and a foundational blueprint for ensuring that no enterprise, regardless of its size, is left behind in this transformative era.

Morphometric study of the radius bone in a KwaZulu-Natal population: Laterality and sexual dimorphism

Radius is sexually dimorphic bone, a relevant feature in biological profiling necessary in forensic investigations. This study aimed to record the radius morphometry and compare the radius morphometric parameters in terms of sex and laterality. Ninety-six dry-human radii bones were collected, and a total of nine morphometric measurements were recorded viz: Maximum radial length (MRL), Distal Breath (DB), Sagittal Diameter at Mid-shaft (SDM), Transverse Diameter at Mid-shaft, Vertical Head Height (HH), Minimum Head Diameter (MinHD), Maximum Head Diameter (MaxHD), Radial Head (CRH), Circumference at Radial Tuberosity (CRT). Circumference at the mean and maximum values in males was consistently higher than the female values for all parameters measured except the values in SDM and TD, where the minimum values of females + were greater on the right-hand side. For laterality, only DB (p 0.001) for both males and females, SDM for both males (p 0.013) and females (p 0.012), HH for males (p 0.042), and CRT for males (p 0.025) were statistically different. Sex and laterality remained unchanged when age was introduced as a confounding factor. This effectively means that age has no bearing on the sexual dimorphism as well as laterality of this sample. The right side consistently had greater values than the left except for HH and CRT for males without age, as well as CRT for males with age. The study concluded that the radius bone of people of the KwaZulu-Natal region is sexually dimorphic and can be used for sex determination.

An analysis of the influence of transformational leadership in a taxation organisation in the KwaZulu-Natal region

An analysis of the influence of transformational leadership in a taxation organisation in the KwaZulu-Natal region

Eradication of Solar Power Unsustainability through Cost-Benefit Analysis: KwaZulu Natal Case Study

As a developing country, South Africa relies on electricity as the most critical amenity needed for development. KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is one of the nine provinces in South Africa that faces an energy supply challenge. KZN is also the warmest province among them all due to its location. As one of the warmest provinces, solar power could be utilised to assist in dealing with the energy crisis. This paper focuses on the cost uncertainties attributed to the implementation of solar power which will assist in meeting the demand of energy in the region. The unsustainability of energy has led to a near collapse of the region’s economy. This study also contributes to improving the scientific implementation of solar power in the region to deal with the unsustainability criteria observed. The employment of Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) revealed solar power as one of the most reliable renewable energies for planned implementation bases. With the development of the Economical, Methodological and Environmental (EME) strategic framework which addresses all social cohesion of solar power, the early turn around has been seen through the use of cost-benefit analysis (CBA) in the region of KZN.

The Natal Bight Coastal Counter-Current: A modeling study

Output from a high-resolution ocean model, a wind reanalysis and a particle tracking tool are used to improve our understanding of the shelf circulation in an embayment off South Africa's east coast, known as the KwaZulu-Natal Bight. This region spans across roughly 140 km of coastline and is located between 29°S and 30°S. It is influenced by the strong, south-westward flowing Agulhas Current on its offshore edge, while its shelf is dominated by weak and variable currents. On the KwaZulu-Natal Bight's shelf, realistic high-resolution model simulations indicate the presence of a mean north-eastward flow: the Natal Bight Coastal Counter-Current. The mean surface circulation depicts a Natal Bight Coastal Counter Current stretching along the 50 m isobath from the southern to the northern section of the KwaZulu-Natal Bight while progressively becoming narrower and weaker northwards. The mean vertical structure of this counter current extends throughout the water column and at its origin, it almost connects with the Agulhas Undercurrent. In this region, the Natal Bight Coastal Counter-Current is about 20 km wide and has an average speed of 20 cm/s at its core, which may exceed 100 cm/s during individual events. The passage of southward propagating anticyclonic eddies offshore of the Agulhas Current are associated with a southward flow along the southern KwaZulu-Natal Bight region and the interruption of the otherwise north-eastward shelf currents. While the circulation in the KwaZulu-Natal Bight is primarily driven by perturbations at the Agulhas Current front, there is also some indication of a direct wind-driven influence in coastal waters, inshore of the 50 m isobath and north of 29.5°S. Virtual particle tracking experiments show that the Natal Bight Coastal Counter Current may increase connectivity between Marine Protected Areas within the KwaZulu-Natal Bight, where the current greatly increases the water retention. This may trap nutrients from coastal origins on the shelf, together with any suspended particles such as larvae. Therefore, the Natal Bight Coastal Counter-Current has the potential to increase the suitability of this habitat for larval settlement.

Influence of seasonal and geographic variation on the anti-HSV-1 properties and chlorogenic acids content of Helichrysum aureonitens Sch. Bip.

Pharmacological studies conducted in the past revealed the potential source of medicinal plants in the development of novel medicines. The phenolic contents of medicinal plants containing chlorogenic acids (CGA) have been linked to a variety of therapeutic effects, especially antiviral activity. Helichrysum aureonitens is a medicinal plant which has been reported to contain chlorogenic acids compounds and has also shown antiviral activities against a number of virus species including Herpes Simplex Virus-1 (HSV-1). In this study, the aim was to determine both the influence of seasonal variation and locality on the antiviral properties of H. aureonitens. Since chlorogenic acids have been reported as potent antiviral compounds, these compounds were targeted to determine the effects of locality and seasonal change on the chlorogenic acid profile, and subsequent antiviral activity. The ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectroscopy (UPLC-qTOF-MS) was employed to determine the metabolic profile variations of three derivatives of chlorogenic acids-caffeoylquinic acid (CQA), dicaffeoylquinic acid (DCQA) and tricaffeoylquinic acid (TCQA) in the harvested plants growing in two diverse geographical climates and two different seasons (spring and autumn). Using the cytopathic effect (CPE) reduction approach, twenty-six samples of the plants’ leaves and stems collected during spring and autumn at Telperion nature reserve in Mpumalanga and Wakefield farm, Midlands in KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa were evaluated for anti-HSV activity. The MTT assay was used for the cytotoxicity evaluation of the extracts prior to antiviral determination. Seventeen (mostly spring collections) of the twenty-six extracts examined were found to have considerable anti-HSV activity as measured by a reduction in tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) of less than 105. The UPLC-qTOF-MS result revealed that dicaffeoylquinic acid (DCQA) is the most abundant, with higher concentrations in both regions and seasons. 3-CQA was also shown to be the most abundant isomer of caffeoylquinic acid in this investigation.

Applicability of the Nolla Classification Scheme within the KwaZulu-Natal population of South Africa

BackgroundDental age estimation is important in clinical practice for orthodontic treatment, forensic sciences and radiology. The Nolla (1960) classification scheme is one of the most frequently utilized estimation tools in teaching and clinical practice. However, the applicability of the Nolla (1960) classification scheme in determining age in a select KwaZulu-Natal population of South Africa is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the applicability of the Nolla Classification Scheme on a select South African sample of KwaZulu-Natal and develop a regression model to extend the Nolla (1960) maturation and age norm tables beyond 17 years. Materials and methods840 digital panoramic radiographs of individuals aged between 5 and 25 years met the inclusion criteria. The 8 maxillary and 8 mandibular teeth in the left quadrant was analysed using the Nolla (1960) Classification Scheme. The paired T-test, Wilcoxon and Polynomial Regression Analysis were performed. ResultsThe original Nolla (1960) method over-estimated age for the entire sample in this study by −0.39 and −0.57 years in females and males, respectively. While, the modified Nolla (1960), highlighted an overall under-estimation in females, but over-estimation in males aged between 18.00 and 18.99 years. ConclusionThe Nolla Classification scheme over- or under-estimated dental age with the select population group, therefore population-specific tables were developed for the South African Black and Indian population groups of KwaZulu-Natal. This may increase the accuracy of age estimation of the selected South African sample within the KwaZulu-Natal region.

Invisible Barriers: Societal Norms Versus Female Workplace Progression

Cultural and societal norms constantly assign different family and religious expectations to women as compared to men. Therefore, this research paper seeks to provide insight into the effects of prevalent cultural and societal norms on the progression of lower-level female managers. It examines the impact of these norms on the fulfilment of work-related duties and the resultant implications for the success of a female within their professional role. The research integrated qualitative and quantitative approaches and was carried out within the culturally diverse province of KwaZulu-Natal, in South Africa. Primary data was gathered using a quantitative questionnaire distributed to thirty-five lower-level female managers, typically fulfilling an entry-level supervisory role, within two separate private organisations. The research was independent of race and age. The findings of the study indicate that respondents face societal and cultural norms that adversely affect progression. These include assumptions of weaker and more emotional management styles, lack of support in meeting family and work obligations, and gender biases impacting access to opportunities for progression. The findings also include women from many cultures by virtue of the diverse cultures within the KwaZulu-Natal region. This paper will therefore be of value to female managers from diverse backgrounds in developed and developing countries. Specifically, female managers encountering invisible barriers to breaking through the glass ceiling and progressing to higher levels of management due to their own cultural and societal norms will benefit from insights delivered. The findings will also be of value to mentors of aspiring female managers, male senior managers with female subordinates, and human resources departments. The research paper will commence with a literature review that examines the relevance of cultural and societal norms in the progression of female managers. The research methods and results of the study will then be described, and findings discussed. The paper will conclude with final insights and recommendations for further research.

Ecological factors determining the distribution patterns of Cyrtanthus nutans in North -Western KwaZulu-Natal

Background: Cyrtanthus nutans R.A.Dyer is a range-restricted species occurring in northwestern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and in Eswatini, and is currently classified as Vulnerable in accordance with the IUCN criteria. Land transformation and disturbance of natural habitats have resulted in an ever-increasing fragmentation of the species’ range.Objectives: This manuscript provides a description of some of the abiotic and biotic factors associated with the remaining natural populations of C. nutans in the Sour Sandveld and Moist Tall Grassland Bioresource Groups of northwestern KwaZulu-Natal.Methods: An investigation was conducted in the northwestern KwaZulu-Natal region to determine the effect that key ecological and anthropological determinants have in influencing the distribution and survival of the species. Data collected included sites of occurrence, estimated population numbers, elevation, ecological factors (soils/geology, climate, veld composition), and human/animal activities.Results: The northwestern KwaZulu-Natal C. nutans populations were found to occur primarily in untransformed veld within the Moist Tall Grassveld, Dry Highland Sourveld and Sour Sandveld Bioresource Groups. It occurs largely on gradients of < 10% on mid- to lower terrain slopes and predominantly within an altitude range of between 1 100 and 1 300 m a.m.s.l.Conclusion: C. nutans occurs in a narrow altitudinal range and has a preference for soils with high nitrogen and organic carbon and low phosphorus and acidity levels.

Soil nutritional status in KwaZulu-Natal drives symbiotic interactions and plant performance in

Context Cancer bush (Lessertia frutescens L.) is a multipurpose medicinal legume endemic to southern Africa, reported to grow in a variety of soils, from very poor to fertile ones. However, there is limited knowledge on how L. frutescens is able to thrive in diverse soils and, particularly, nothing has been reported on the benefits from the microbe symbiosis, plant growth and acclimation to low nutrient soils. Aims Therefore, this study examined the effect of soil nutrient deficiency in plant–microbe symbiosis, nitrogen (N) nutrition and associated plant performance of L. frutescens plants, growing in four different impoverished soils from the KwaZulu-Natal region. Methods Experimental soil samples collected from four geographical distinct KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) locations (Hluhluwe, Izingolweni, Bergville and Ashburton) representing grasslands and savanna were used as natural inoculum and growth substrate. Key results Soil analysis showed significant differences in soil pH, exchange acidity, total cations, organic carbon (C), phosphorus (P) and N related to differences in the soil provenance. L. frutescens root nodules were dominated by Bacillus sp. in all soil treatments, except in plants grown in Bergville soil that did not nodulate. In all, 68–90% of total plant N concentration was reduced from atmospheric N. L. frutescens plants also relied on soil-available N for growth. Hluhluwe and Ashburton soil-grown plants showed a significantly higher biomass than did other soil-grown plants. Conclusions These current findings demonstrated that L. frutescens root nodules were dominated by bacteria characterised as phospho-bacteria and N2-fixing bacteria in these impoverished soils. This enabled L. frutescens to fix atmospheric N and assimilate soil available N to reduce energy demand. Implications These strategies may collectively contribute to L. frutescens resilience in nutrient-deficient savanna and grassland ecosystems.

Factors that attract and motivate South African employees to work within non-metro business banking sectors

Financial institutions throughout South Africa have faced several challenges over the past decade. One bank, in particular has been highly competitive due largely to the effect of increased quasi-financial organisations in the market. This banking division has been a dominant player in the KwaZulu-Natal region and its presence is especially evident in non-metro areas. Therefore, it is imperative that management and the human resources department identify the pertinent motivating factors which could be incorporated in the formulation of their succession plans. These initiatives could result in existing employees either remaining in or accepting key positions in the KwaZulu-Natal non-metro areas. To identify the factors, a cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 125 employees using an online survey. It was found that there was a significant association (p<0.05) between the employment status and certain motivational factors i.e. opportunities to gain experience and job development, career growth prospects and potential promotion and work-life balance. The results suggested that the factors investigated are unlikely to motivate employees from metro areas to take up positions in non-metro areas, whereas in the case of employees in non-metro areas, significant associations can be utilised as motivational factors to take up opportunities in non-metro area.

Land Reform for a Landless Chief in South Africa: History and Land Restitution in KwaZulu-Natal

AbstractLand claims and contests have been central to the construction of political authority across the African continent. South Africa’s post-apartheid land reform program aims to address historical dispossessions, but the program has experienced numerous obstacles and limits—in terms of pace, communal land access, productivity, and rural class divides. Drawing on archival and newspaper sources, Kelly traces how the descendant of a colonially-appointed, landless chief manipulated a claim into a landed chieftaincy and how both the chief and the competing claimants have deployed histories of landlessness and firstcomer accounts in a manner distinct to the KwaZulu-Natal region as part of the land restitution process.

The Occurrence and Characteristics of Imbrasia belina (Westwood, 1849) in the Subtropical Region of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

Mopane worm is the edible larva of Imbrasia (Gonimbrasia) belina (Westwood, 1894), a species of emperor moth that is generally found in central and southern African tropical regions. Both over-harvesting of larvae and the destruction of the mopane woodlands are threatening its biodiversity. An insect with a description matching that of I. belina was observed in the northern coastal region of KwaZulu-Natal, a subtropical biota. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the potential of the northern coastal region of KwaZulu-Natal as a sanctuary for I. belina. The presence of I. belina in the subtropical biota of the coastal region of KwaZulu-Natal was confirmed through mitochondrion CO1 gene sequences, this being so far its southernmost occurrence. Field surveys revealed the occurrence of four morphologically distinct variants within the uMkhanyakude District, inclusive of the protected iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Hluhluwe Game Reserve from the beginning of September to early November as do most of the populations in the mopane woodlands but differs from them by having one outbreak per season instead of two. Imbrasia belina is polyphagous and feeds off hosts including marula (Sclerocarya birrea [(A. Rich.) Hochst.] [Anacardiaceae]) and seven other tree species. There is therefore scope to use the northern KwaZulu-Natal coastal region as a sanctuary for biodiversity conservation of I. belina. There are initiatives to cultivate marula for its fruit in the region, which further increases the potential of the area as a sanctuary for I. belina by farming marula for both its fruit and I. belina. The protected nature reserves present in the region will ensure areas of controlled use by humans.

Movement patterns and growth rate of the whitespotted wedgefish Rhynchobatus djiddensis in southern Africa based on tag-recapture data

Information on the movement ecology of endangered species is critical for the implementation of effective conservation measures. This study made use of a long-term dart tagging dataset to reveal the movement patterns and growth rates of two size classes of the Critically Endangered whitespotted wedgefish Rhynchobatus djiddensis within its southern African distribution, which can have important implications for fisheries management. A total of 4 768 individuals were tagged with 340 recaptures recorded, ranging from 1 to 2 639 days (7.2 years) at liberty. Most of the tag releases and recaptures occurred within the KwaZulu-Natal central region in South Africa, with catches increasing significantly during summer (October to March). Most recaptures (43%) were recorded within 5 km of the tagging (release) site. Tagged adults recorded significantly greater distances moved than juveniles (p < 0.002) but there was no significant difference between juveniles or adults in terms of their direction of movement (p > 0.30). A Francis growth model showed that smaller individuals had a substantially faster growth rate (198.69 [SE 21.75] mm year−1) compared with larger individuals (57.41 [SE 27.83] mm year−1) confirming that the species is relatively slow-growing. Ultimately, this study identified important knowledge gaps in the broadscale movement patterns of R. djiddensis and provided new information on the growth rate of this Critically Endangered species. Filling in these knowledge gaps will aid in conservation measures for two important size classes of the R. djiddensis population as the species faces increasing targeted fishing pressure.

Genome sequence and metabolic analysis revealed the catabolic pathways for the degradation of 1,2-dichloroethane and other related Xenobiotics in Ancylobacter aquaticus strain UV5

Ancylobacter aquaticus; family Xanthobacteraceae; order ‘Rhizobiales’, is poorly characterized for its metabolic, taxonomic and genomic properties. The species is interesting to study due to its facultatively methylotrophic, chemoorganotrophic and chemolithotrophic nature, allowing it to consume carbon dioxide, methanol, formate and other halogenated hydrocarbons, such as 1,2-dicholoethane (1,2-DCA), 2,4-dichlorobenzoate, 1,4-dichlorobezene and fluorobenzoate etc. as carbon sources. Ancylobacter aquaticus sp. strain UV5 (AaUV5), isolated from effluent sample of a wastewater treatment plant in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa, showed great efficiency for 1,2-DCA degradation. To gain more insights into the applications of this strain to degrade different xenobiotic compounds and exploit its full metabolic potential, whole genome sequencing of AaUV5 and annotation of the functional genes were performed. The whole genome represented approximately 5.3Mbp with G + C content of 63.7% and predicted 4974, 5057 and 4905 CDS annotated by NCBI, RASTtk and Prokka prokaryotic genome annotation pipelines, respectively. The results conclude the presence of several xenobiotic compounds degrading genes including the ones encoding for 1,2-DCA degrading enzymes. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the role of AaUV5 in 1,2-DCA degradation and its potential exploitation for bioremediation of other xenobiotic compounds.

Bedding of grass and ashes

Paleoanthropology The Border Cave site in the KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa has been a rich source of archaeological knowledge about Stone Age humans because of its well-preserved stratigraphic record. Wadley et al. now report the discovery of grass bedding in Border Cave, dated to approximately 200,000 years ago. The bedding, identified with a range of microscopic and spectroscopic techniques, was mingled with layers of ash. It also incorporated debris from lithics, burned bone, and rounded ochre grains, all of which were of clear anthropogenic origin. The authors speculate that the ash may have been deliberately used in bedding to inhibit the movement of ticks and other arthropod irritants. These discoveries extend the record of deliberate construction of plant bedding by at least 100,000 years. Science , this issue p. [863][1] [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.abc7239

An implementation study of oral and blood-based HIV self-testing and linkage to care among men in rural and peri-urban KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

IntroductionIn South Africa, HIV‐infected men are less likely than women to test and know their status (the first UNAIDS “90‐90‐90” target), and men have worse outcomes across the HIV care cascade. HIV self‐testing (HIVST) may address this testing disparity but questions remain over the most effective distribution strategy and linkage following a positive test result. We implemented a men‐focused HIVST distribution programme to evaluate components contributing to participation and retention.MethodsWe conducted an implementation study of multi‐venue HIVST kit distribution in rural and peri‐urban KwaZulu‐Natal (KZN), South Africa. We distributed HIVST kits at community points, workplaces and social venues for on site or take‐home use. Clients could choose blood‐based or oral‐fluid‐based HIVST kits and elect to watch an in‐person or video demonstration. We provided a USD2 incentive to facilitate reporting test results by phone or SMS. Persons with reactive HIVST results were provided immediate confirmatory tests (if used HIVST on site) or were referred for confirmatory testing (if took HIVST off site) and linkage to care for ART initiation. We describe the testing and linkage cascade in this sample and describe predictors of reactive HIVST results and linkage.ResultsBetween July and November 2018, we distributed 4496 HIVST kits in two regions of KZN (96% to men, median age 28 (IQR 23 to 35). Most participants (58%) chose blood‐based HIVST and 42% chose oral‐swab kits. 11% of men were testing for the first time. A total of 3902 (83%) of testers reported their test result to the study team, with 314 (8%) screening positive for HIV. Among 274 men with reactive HIVST results, 68% linked to ART; no significant predictors of linkage were identified. 10% of kit users reported they would prefer a different type (oral vs. blood) of kit for repeat testing than the type they used.ConclusionsHIVST is acceptable to men and rapid distribution with optional testing support is feasible in rural and peri‐urban settings. HIVST kits successfully reached younger men and identified undetected infections. Both oral and blood‐based HIVST were selected. Scaling up HIVST distribution and guidance may increase the number of first‐time testers among men and help achieve the first UNAIDS “90” for men in South Africa.

Phylogeography, genetic diversity, and population structure of Nile crocodile populations at the fringes of the southern African distribution.

Nile crocodiles are apex predators widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa that have been viewed and managed as a single species. A complex picture of broad and fine-scale phylogeographic patterns that includes the recognition of two species (Crocodylus niloticus and Crocodylus suchus), and the structuring of populations according to river basins has started to emerge. However, previous studies surveyed a limited number of samples and geographical regions, and large areas of the continent remained unstudied. This work aimed at a fine scale portrait of Nile crocodile populations at the fringes of their geographic distribution in southern Africa. Wild and captive individuals were sampled across four major river systems (Okavango, Lower Kunene, Lower Shire and Limpopo) and the KwaZulu-Natal region. A multi-marker approach was used to infer phylogeographic and genetic diversity patterns, including new and public mitochondrial data, and a panel of 11 nuclear microsatellites. All individuals belonged to a phylogenetic clade previously associated with the C. niloticus species, thus suggesting the absence of C. suchus in southern Africa. The distribution of mitochondrial haplotypes indicated ancestral genetic connectivity across large areas, with loss of diversity along the north-south axis. Genetic variation partitioned the populations primarily into western and eastern regions of southern Africa, and secondarily into the major river systems. Populations were partitioned into five main groups corresponding to the Lower Kunene, the Okavango, the Lower Shire, and the Limpopo rivers, and the KwaZulu-Natal coastal region. All groups show evidence of recent bottlenecks and small effective population sizes. Long-term genetic diversity is likely to be compromised, raising conservation concern. These results emphasize the need for local genetic assessment of wild populations of Nile crocodiles to inform strategies for management of the species in southern Africa.

Institutional accreditation by nursing education and training quality assurance: Perspectives of heads of private nursing institutions in South Africa

Background and objective: Nursing education throughout the world is striving for international competitiveness and accountability for effectiveness, quality, and trust to the students, patients, and the community, thus making the issue of institutional accreditation increasingly important. The aim of this paper was to explore the perceptions of heads of private nursing institutions on the benefits of school accreditation by nursing education and training quality assurance (ETQA) in KwaZulu-Natal region, South Africa.Methods: The study adopted a qualitative approach. Data were collected from seven heads of private nursing institutions. In-depth interviews were used to explore the perceived benefits of the accreditation of nursing institutions by Nursing ETQA. Thematic content analysis was used in this study to analyse the collected data. The study adhered to all ethical principles.Results: The findings from this study revealed that heads of private nursing institutions perceived the accreditation by nursing ETQA as a tool used to promote quality outcomes in nursing education. Results from this study further revealed that accreditation is a mechanism of ensuring high standards of performance, and it increases trust, confidence, and reinforcement of uniformity across the nursing education sector. In this study, several challenges were reported to hinder the accreditation process including as a disjoint and an inconsistent process of accreditation, unclear criteria for accreditation, the high cost of accreditation, accreditation being detrimental to teaching the outcome, lack of uniformity in the recommendations; and a lengthy process of accreditation.Conclusions: Accreditation is an important tool to ensure that programs and degrees meet the highest standards of education. In nursing education, the accreditation process is associated with several challenges, and there is a need for collaborative and well-coordinated accreditation of nursing schools nationally and globally.