Metropolitan Municipality Research Articles

Provider perspectives on adolescent access to contraception in South Africa.

Poor access to contraception influences adolescent health outcomes and may lead to sexual and reproductive health challenges. Unmet sexual and reproductive health should contribute to unplanned adolescent pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and other conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to enable adolescents to access appropriate contraceptive methods easily. This study explored factors influencing adolescents' access to contraceptive methods from the perspective of primary healthcare providers in South Africa. This study was conducted in two health districts of the Western Cape province in South Africa: the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality and the West Coast district. Using a qualitative research design, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 healthcare providers who work in primary healthcare clinics. Subsequently, the interviews were transcribed and verified for errors. Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis model guided the data analysis using ATLAS.ti software (version 22). The study adhered to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies checklist for qualitative research. Four themes emerged through the data analysis: (1) personal influences, (2) community-level influences, (3) health system influences, and (4) policy-level influences. Representative quotations were used to illustrate the themes and sub-themes. Adolescence is shaped by various influences that affect adolescents' ability to access contraception. These factors include their awareness of contraception, social environment, provider biases and school policies. Understanding these influences is crucial for addressing unintended pregnancies and promoting sexual and reproductive health among this age group.Contribution:This study highlights strategies that facilitate and hinder adolescents' access to contraception.

Gender-Based Socio-Economic Inequalities in the Pre-Vaccination Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Istanbul: A Neighborhood-Level Analysis of Excess Mortality.

Worldwide excess mortality (EM) data have the potential to provide a better estimation of the impact of the pandemic. This study aims to investigate and map the inequalities in EM in Istanbul during the pre-vaccination era of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and its association with selected demographic and socio-economic variables at the neighborhood level according to gender. This ecological study was conducted with the EM data of Istanbul. The EM data were obtained from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) and analyzed according to socio-demographic indicators (gender, age), neighborhood-level indicators (population density, educational attainment) and neighborhood vulnerability (socio-economic and transportation) for the 808 neighborhoods, then presented separately according to gender to examine gender-specific factors. Socio-economic and transportation vulnerability indexes are provided the IMM. The excess mortality rate per 1000 (EMR) in 2020 has been calculated by using the number of deaths in the years 2018-2019. We have mapped EMRs of each neighborhood and used linear regression analysis in three datasets to examine gender specific factors. EMRs in Istanbul showed two peaks one in April and one in November. Male EMRs were higher compared to females in Istanbul during the pre-vaccination era of the pandemic. Higher EMRs were observed in neighborhoods with a higher share of 50+ year old age groups and higher neighborhood socio-economic vulnerability scores. Neighborhood socio-economic vulnerability was significantly associated with EMRs in males but not in females. Unequal distribution of EM between neighborhoods underlines the need for gender-specific pandemic measures to alleviate the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in socio-economically vulnerable settings. Increased use of area-based indicators with a gender perspective can enhance pandemic measures.

Open-plan office employees’ perceived mental and social well-being

PurposeOver the past century, office designers have adapted to changing work conditions across various industries by creating workspaces that cater to the needs of modern workers. As a result, a range of office layouts have been developed, from traditional private offices to open-plan setups. The choice of layout can significantly impact communication, social interaction and overall performance. This study aims to explore the social and mental well-being of employees working in open-plan offices in the public sector in South Africa.Design/methodology/approachThe research was conducted in the Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa, focusing on five governmental departments. Using purposive sampling, employees working in open-plan offices were identified. A structured online interview form with open-ended questions was distributed to all selected employees between May and September 2021, resulting in 54 responses. Thematic content analysis using ATLAS.ti was used to analyze the data.FindingsThe findings suggest that while open-plan offices can enhance teamwork, communication, accessibility and inclusivity, their design can negatively affect employees’ perceptions of social and mental health in the workplace. Specifically, open-plan designs are perceived to compromise privacy, shorten attention spans, lower productivity and increase stress levels. Interestingly, absenteeism was not reported by employees in this study, which contradicts previous research and requires further investigation.Practical implicationsThese findings can be valuable for human resource managers, facilities managers and office space designers.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the ongoing conversation surrounding the impact of open-plan offices on the mental and social well-being of employees in the public sector within the South African context. The contribution of this paper thus lies in the South-African context and the public sector angle plus a more in-depth insight on well-being through an extensive set of 54 interviews.

Spatial governance of the peripheries in South Africa: Past lessons and a look into the future

were initially based on race, but they are mutating to be based on class despite the majority of black Africans being confined in the urban peripheries.Aim: This article aims to examine how governance works in the peripheries to determine lessons that can be learnt to ensure future social cohesion.Setting: The study was conducted in Johannesburg, South Africa, with participants from the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), Institute of Security Studies (ISS) and South African Local Government Association (SALGA).Methods: The study adopted a qualitative approach, interviews and a literature survey were used to obtain primary data. Data were analysed using content analysis.Results: This study reveals that spatial governance is a complex phenomenon, as there were factors that were not considered post-apartheid era. The adoption of neoliberalism and current approaches to governance have failed to fundamentally transform spaces in Johannesburg, spaces such as Soweto, Diepsloot and Alexandra.Conclusion: Spatial governance is still influenced by past legislations. There is a need to ensure that there is political will coupled with innovative measures to ensure spatial transformation in South Africa, especially in the peripheral spaces, and to minimise deprivation experienced in the peripheries.Contribution: This study contributes to understanding of spatial governance and its attributes in urban peripheral spaces.

Relationship Between Disaster Literacy and the Factors Affecting it and the State-Trait Anxiety in the Elderly of West Turkey

The aim of this study is to measure the effect of anxiety levels and some sociodemographic characteristics of elderly individuals, who are a vulnerable group in disasters, on their disaster literacy. This study is a cross-sectional type study. March May 7 – 2, 2022 residents of the nursing home, located in Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Social Life Campus in Buca district of Izmir province, are the Decedents of the study. As a working group, 210 people were reached. In the questionnaire form created in the study, some sociodemographic characteristics of the participants and their knowledge about disasters were questioned, the State-Continuous Anxiety Scale, Disaster Literacy Scale (DLS) were used. Multinominal Logistic Regression Analysis model was established with categorized of DLS's total score. The mean score of the DLS was insufficient with a score of 27.9±9.41. According to the results of multinomial regression analysis, high trait anxiety state (OR: 1,058 (95% CI: 1,010-1,111)) were found to be risk factors for "insufficient" disaster literacy level (p<0.05). Disaster literacy is a very important concept in protecting against the risks and dangers of disasters. In order to achieve a successful disaster management, all vulnerabilities in the society should be identified and the level of literacy should be increased.

AN INVESTIGATION OF PARKS IN TERMS OF ACTIVE AND PASSIVE RECREATION:THE CASE OF EFELER, AYDIN (TURKIYE)

Nowadays, human life is becoming better with recreational and leisure activities that play an essential role in peoples lifestyles. Urban areas with recreational facilities, such as green spaces, invite city residents to spend their leisure time in places where they can benefit from nature (Lawal et al., 2011). As elements of the urban landscape, parks have numerous functions, such as providing environmental benefits through active and passive recreation and being wildlife habitats (Solecki and Welch, 1995).Almost all of the parks under the responsibility of Aydın Metropolitan Municipality and T.R. Efeler Municipality have seating units (95.65% and 83.33%, respectively), and most have sports and fitness equipment (82.61% and 43.10%, respectively) and childrens playgrounds (56.52% and 61.49%, respectively). Whereas only one park under the responsibility of Aydın Metropolitan Municipality has a bicycle path and skateboard track, no parks under the responsibility of T.R. Efeler Municipality have a skateboard track and chess area. While there was no statistically significant difference between the neighborhoods in terms of the number of activities according to socio-economic status, a statistically significant difference was identified in terms of the number of activities between the parks under the responsibility of Aydın Metropolitan Municipality and T.R. Efeler Municipality.

Parklets As Public Space

The unpredictable increase in the number of motor vehicles and the population due to changes in the urban structure hasrevealed the need for new public areas, recreation and social contact points for pedestrians, especially in city centers.Parklet designs, can be installed modularly on the one or more car parking area, are carried out in order to calm traffic, toensure pedestrian safety, and to create public spaces. For this purpose, within the scope of the study, public space and the process of change are revealed, and parklets designed with urban equipment elements (street furniture) to meet various public needs, especially in city centers, are examined through examples from our country (Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality example) and the world. As a result, parklet designs, which are designed in a modular structure and allow alternative designs in different regions, include innovative approaches to publicity for Istanbul and all our other cities.

Tarsus historic city center, identification of problem and potentials as base for strategic guideline

Tarsus historic city center is a continuous settlement from the Neolithic Age to the present day. Archaeological heritage is integrated with traditional historic quarters, historic city center, Early Republican buildings and industrial heritage. Social practices, cultural production processes, legends and religious events transferred from generation to generation constitute the intangible cultural heritage elements and also the symbols of the city. In 2013, conservation area boundaries were revised and Tarsus historic city center, was declared as 3rd Grade Archaeological Site by the Regional Conservation Council. In defined context, the Conservation-Strategy Guideline was prepared with the contract signed between Mersin Metropolitan Municipality and Mersin University, Faculty of Architecture in 2022. Within the scope of document, a guideline containing urban conservation strategies for the historic city center of Tarsus has been prepared. Within the scope of this article, findings and evaluations regarding current situation based on field surveys and questionnaires that form the basis for the guideline are presented. The study aims to document the physical and socio-cultural situation of the historic center in 2022 to guide further studies concerning cultural heritage in Tarsus.

Intergovernmental Relations and implementation of social housing policy in Gauteng Province, South Africa

The aim of this paper is to assess intergovernmental relations in the implementation of social housing policy in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Despite all mechanisms, efforts and resources, the pace of social housing delivery is not at a point where it is measurably satisfactory across all spheres of government. The performance of government shows a lack of institutionalised arrangements, coordination, and alignment in implementing social housing policy. A mixed-methods research approach was implemented. Interviews were conducted with senior managers and research questionnaires were administered with operational staff within the national, provincial government and the three metropolitan municipalities in Gauteng Province which included City of Tshwane, City of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni, state agencies involved in the delivery of social housing units and municipal social housing institutions, private and non-governmental social housing entities. The data were complemented by documentary content analysis pertaining to the provision of human settlements and social housing. The paper acknowledges the role played by government in implementing social housing policy, however, it proposes a model to fast track social housing delivery in Gauteng Province.

Navigating Life after Imprisonment: The Experiences of Elderly Parolees Transitioning Back to Communities in eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality

Navigating Life after Imprisonment: The Experiences of Elderly Parolees Transitioning Back to Communities in eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality

Structuration theory perspective of Big Data in a typical South African municipality

Background: Big Data, sourced from various digital sources, offers valuable insights for better decision-making, and organisations are implementing Big Data technologies to improve their services. This article is about how the City of Tshwane (CoT), a South African metropolitan municipality is using data collected from its various information and communication technology (ICT) projects to improve decision-making.Objectives: The study aims to identify the type of Big Data generated by South African municipalities and to establish ways in which knowledge, expertise and suitable management techniques impact the efficient application of Big Data in these municipalities.Method: A qualitative approach, a case study method and Semi-structured interviews were deemed fit to collect data while thematic analysis was employed to identify patterns and themes associated with participants’ experiences. Structuration Theory was used to analyse existing social structures that govern how Big Data is used in the CoT.Results: There is a lack of data integration and a Big Data management system in the CoT. However, the CoT is ready to embrace Big Data and it is currently establishing a unit to effectively analyse collected data.Conclusion: Big Data’s potential for developing effective data management systems has garnered significant attention in the public sector and the CoT is also ready to fully adopt and implement these technologies.Contribution: South African municipalities can effectively utilise Big data by establishing skilled staff, good infrastructure and suitable policies for efficient data generation and interpretation.

Content analysis of city diplomacy activities

This study reflects the results of a project that set out to answer the question: Can a strategy be developed for cities to use city diplomacy activities in a way that benefits the city and its citizens? In order to answer this question, the city diplomacy activities of 30 metropolitan municipalities in Turkey between 2010 and 2021 were subjected to content analysis and topics and objectives code headings were determined. The results provide a basis for explaining the social impact of cities' city diplomacy activities by revealing which issues and objectives they focus on.

Public services provided after Earthquake 2023 in the Context of Central Government-Local Administration Relations: Mersin Metropolitan Municipality Case

Central government-local administration relations are one of the most problematic mechanisms of our administrative history in structural and functional terms. This study will examine the dynamics of central government and local administration relations from a public policy standpoint, emphasizing the importance of collaborative policymaking and cooperation between the two levels of government. AFAD (disaster and emergency management presidency) faced criticism during the February 2023 earthquake in Türkiye sparking a public debate on the relationship between central and local administrations. The study will focus on Mersin, one of the provinces most affected by the recent earthquakes, and the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality. The Metropolitan Municipality's response to the earthquake in Mersin and the public services provided during the aftermath will be analyzed. The role assumed by Mersin Metropolitan Municipality in the context of disaster management is studied to firstly reveal the potential of local administration in terms of disaster management and secondly to show its relations with the central government. In the study, the analysis of the aid provided to earthquake victims will be based on the data of AFAD and Mersin Metropolitan Municipality. The qualitative analysis of the obtained data will reveal the potential of the central government-local administration relationship with structural and functional mechanisms.

Factors affecting HIV prevention communication between professional nurses and high school learners in eThekwini.

Communication within healthcare settings is crucial for a therapeutic relationship between nurse and patient especially in preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among adolescent girls. The school health programme in South Africa provides an opportunity to provide HIV prevention services among adolescent girls, however, uptake is low and effective communication can address this. The study's purpose was to describe factors affecting HIV prevention communication between professional nurses and high school learners in eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. The study was conducted in two high schools in eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. The study used a qualitative approach and a descriptive research design. A semi-structured interview guide was used to conduct face-to-face interviews with 30 participants after ethical approval from the researchers' affiliated institution and informed consent from participants or their guardians were obtained. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Participants were aged between 14 years and 17 years. Most (25) participants were female. Three main themes emerged from the study: communication between the school health nurses and high school learners is facilitated by trust, communication is hindered by fear, and infrequent visits by nurses affect communication positively or negatively. Health education on HIV is essential to prevent HIV among adolescent girls. Effective communication between healthcare providers and adolescent girls facilitates such health education. The uptake of HIV prevention services by adolescent girls can be improved by communication that facilitates the therapeutic relationship which is founded on trust, with frequent visits by nurses.

Exploring the Scarcity of Municipal Resources as Contributors to Illegal Strikes and Protests in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa

The shortage of resources at municipalities are a national problem in so many ways. By lacking resources and maintenance municipalities are unable to provide communities with quality service delivery. This article aims to highlight the impact of scarcity of resources in the City of Tshwane (CoT) Metropolitan Municipality which bring about illegal and unprotected strikes by employees, and protests by the local community. When residents or employees are unhappy with poor municipal services, be it no water or electricity for days, poor service delivery, low employee salaries or better working conditions, people tend to take to the streets and show their discontentment with lack of proper services by local government. Strikes and protests arise for a number of reasons, though principally in response to economic conditions. When employees strike for better wages or residence for proper services, both demonstrations have an impact on the economic welfare of any country. The methodological rigor of this paper is ethnographical in nature and data was collected through literature study. Major contributions is to identify advanced methods of policing through intelligence gathering and enforcement when or before illegal strikes and protests take place. This will assist in eliminating fear from the public, tourists, non-striking employees, law enforcement officers and local business operators, etc. The implications should instill the norm of zero tolerance to violence and intimidation, and punishments are inevitable within the prescripts of the law of the Republic of South Africa. Enforcing the law by ensuring that legal mechanisms are reactive and punitive will hinder anyone to partake in illegal strikes or protests.

THE FACTORS INFLUENCING BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY OF FOOD TRUCK ENTREPRENEURS: A CASE OF NELSON MANDELA BAY, SOUTH AFRICA

Purpose: Within the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality in South Africa, no record of factors that inhibit the successful pursuit of the food truck business exists. This study closes this gap, as its chief goal was to ascertain the factors influencing the sustainability of food truck entrepreneurs in Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB). Theoretical Framework: The study used a conceptual framework developed from previous studies on factors that affect food truck entrepreneurs and business sustainability. Design/Methodology/Approach: Data for the study was collected through semi-structured interviews with seven food truck entrepreneurs from NMB. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: Reviewing the factors that have been highlighted in this study, it is evident that several factors are most important for a food truck business to remain sustainable and profitable. It was established that both internal and external factors play an important role in the success of a food truck business. A framework that highlights the factors influencing a food truck business in NMB has been created for ease of use by entrepreneurs in the food truck industry. Research, Practical & Social Implications: Prospective and current practitioners in the field can predict the long-term success of their endeavours by understanding the factors. The framework can also be used by metro officials and local governments to determine where support might be needed to promote and support entrepreneurs in their business ventures by reviewing policies and regulations. Originality/Value: Improved regulations could help food truck owners grow their businesses, employ more people, and upskill others.

Government transfers, municipal financial performance, and access to improved sanitation in urban South Africa

ABSTRACT This study examines the impact of national government transfers and municipal financial performance on access to sanitation in South Africa. The study uses fixed and random effects models to analyse annual panel data for 35 urban municipalities during the period 2005–20. Results show that municipalities require between R12 200 and R14 300 (about US$714 and US$836) from the national government to provide each household unit with access to a flush toilet. This figure is lower in smaller urban municipalities, which require between R8 404 and R10 205 (about US$492 and US$597). Equally, smaller urban municipalities require fewer surpluses to provide households with flush toilets compared to metropolitan municipalities. These results have implications for the level of national government spending and municipal financial performance needed to address sanitation backlogs. Thus, the study contributes to the ongoing discussion on the feasibility of developing countries attaining SDG 6 targets by 2030.

The efficiency of public expenditures on basic services: The case of South African municipalities

AbstractThis paper examines the efficiency of service delivery across 213 local and metropolitan municipalities in South Africa, focusing on four critical areas: electricity, water, sewerage and waste removal. Utilising a order‐ partial frontier efficiency analysis (PFEA), the study calculates output‐oriented efficiency scores for each municipality, incorporating adjustments for service quality based on an ‘infrastructure quality‐index’. Our empirical findings indicate marked variations in efficiency, with electricity services exhibiting the highest efficiency rate at 35%, while waste removal lags behind at 22%. Additionally, municipalities centred around small urban towns are found to be more efficient, challenging the widely held view that larger municipalities are better equipped for efficient service delivery. The analysis offers empirical insights into local government performance in South Africa, underscoring the need for targeted policy interventions to address efficiency gaps. These results not only inform fiscal and administrative decentralisation strategies but also set the groundwork for future research exploring the underlying factors affecting municipal efficiency.

Bathing the Dead, the Dirty Work: Stigmatization of Gassals in Modern Türkiye

The present study examines the transformation of the profession of Gassals, dead body bathers in Islamic culture, from a prestigious role to a stigmatized job in modern Türkiye. Through a qualitative research design, this study employs a combination of participant observation and in-depth interviews with Gassals in Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. In the study conducted with the purposeful convenience sampling technique, in-depth interviews were conducted with 19 participants (3 male,16 female). Ultimately, the study raises three major modernity-related claims: Modernity marginalizes death and excludes it from daily life, primarily functions to secularize the public sphere and excludes religious issues, and presents the dead body as dirty, as it sees the body as a biological mechanism, as a product of standardization and institutionalization. Their job involves physical contamination due to direct contact with deceased bodies, and this solid physical taint overshadows the overall dignity of the profession. The three main findings of the study are important. First, community members perceive it as a “reminder of death.” The second is the modern human tendency to avoid death in the domains of everyday life, primarily through institutions such as hospitals. Lastly, the stigma toward gassals may be explained by them losing their status in the modern era under the influence of institutionalization despite enjoying a prestigious status in the past.

SDPH: a new technique for spatial detection of path holes from huge volume high-resolution raster images in near real-time

Detecting and repairing road defects is crucial for road safety, vehicle maintenance, and enhancing tourism on well-maintained roads. However, monitoring all roads by vehicle incurs high costs. With the widespread use of remote sensing technologies, high-resolution satellite images offer a cost-effective alternative. This study proposes a new technique, SDPH, for automated detection of damaged roads from vast, high-resolution satellite images. In the SDPH technique, satellite images are organized in a pyramid grid file system, allowing deep learning methods to efficiently process them. The images, generated as 256×256\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$256\ imes 256$$\\end{document} dimensions, are stored in a directory with explicit location information. The SDPH technique employs a two-stage object detection models, utilizing classical and modified RCNNv3, YOLOv5, and YOLOv8. Classical RCNNv3, YOLOv5, and YOLOv8 and modified RCNNv3, YOLOv5, and YOLOv8 in the first stage for identifying roads, achieving f1 scores of 0.743, 0.716, 0.710, 0.955, 0.958, and 0.954, respectively. When the YOLOv5, with the highest f1 score, was fed to the second stage; modified RCNNv3, YOLOv5, and YOLOv8 detected road defects, achieving f1 scores of 0.957,0.971 and 0.964 in the second process. When the same CNN model was used for road and road defect detection in the proposed SDPH model, classical RCNNv3, improved RCNNv3, classical YOLOv5, improved YOLOv5, classical YOLOv8, improved RCNNv8 achieved micro f1 scores of 0.752, 0.956, 0.726, 0.969, 0.720 and 0.965, respectively. In addition, these models processed 11, 10, 33, 31, 37, and 36 FPS images by performing both stage operations, respectively. Evaluations on geotiff satellite images from Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality, ranging between 20 and 40 gigabytes, demonstrated the efficiency of the SDPH technique. Notably, the modified YOLOv5 outperformed, detecting paths and defects in 0.032 s with the micro f1 score of 0.969. Fine-tuning on TileCache enhanced f1 scores and reduced computational costs across all models.