North-West Province Of South Africa Research Articles

Occurrence of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Genes in Two Drinking Water Treatment and Distribution Systems in the North-West Province of South Africa.

With the increasing spread of antimicrobial resistance, there is growing attention to the contribution made by drinking water systems. The potential health impact of two drinking water treatment and distribution systems (A and B) in the North-West Province of South Africa was determined by investigating the water quality and occurrence of antimicrobial-resistant heterotrophic bacteria and genes in the raw and treated water over four seasons. Most of the physicochemical parameters except for electrical conductivity were within permissible limits. Coliform bacteria reduced from raw to potable water except for counts higher than the threshold recorded in Summer and Winter. A total of 203 heterotrophic bacterial isolates were recovered on chromogenic R2A medium and subjected to susceptibility testing to twelve antibiotics. Most of the isolates were resistant to β-lactam antibiotics and Trimethoprim, whereas they were susceptible to Ciprofloxacin, Erythromycin, and Neomycin. The proportions of Cephalothin and Kanamycin-resistant isolates were significantly higher (p < 0.05) after treatment for site A, compared to significantly lower β-lactam, Oxytetracycline, and Trimethoprim-resistant isolates for B. Over 50% of isolates were of high risk, indicating their origin from high antibiotic-use sources. Seventy-one (35%) isolates were multidrug-resistant, out of which the majority (53.5%, n = 38) possessed the strA gene, followed by strB 21 (29.6%), dfrB 13 (18.3%), aadA 11 (15.5%), blaCTX-M 5 (7.0%), and tetA 3 (4.2%). The 16S rRNA gene sequences of the isolates revealed strains belonging to eight bacterial families, some of which are clinically important.

Review of Parasuicide Cases in a South African District Hospital from 2013-20181

ABSTRACT Parasuicide is referred to as an apparent attempt at suicide without the actual intention of killing oneself. Its prevalence continues to increase at Brits District Hospital. The current study aimed to review the parasuicide cases presented at this hospital from 2013 to 2018. The hospital is located in Madibeng district, in the North-West Province of South Africa. The study results have painted a clear picture of parasuicide cases at Brits district hospital where the phenomenon was more often observed among young African females, who were single, unemployed, and with a secondary level of education. For most of them, it was the first attempt and mainly occurred in the months of January and February. Overdose of medication was the most common method used and a relationship problem remained the main reason that motivated the attempt.

Associations of linoleic acid with markers of glucose metabolism and liver function in South African adults

BackgroundThe relation between dietary and circulating linoleic acid (18:2 n-6, LA), glucose metabolism and liver function is not yet clear. Associations of dietary and circulating LA with glucose metabolism and liver function markers were investigated.MethodsCross-sectional analyses in 633 black South Africans (aged > 30 years, 62% female, 51% urban) without type 2 diabetes at baseline of the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology study. A cultural-sensitive 145-item food-frequency questionnaire was used to collect dietary data, including LA (percentage of energy; en%). Blood samples were collected to measure circulating LA (% total fatty acids (FA); plasma phospholipids), plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Associations per 1 standard deviation (SD) and in tertiles were analyzed using multivariable regression.ResultsMean (±SD) dietary and circulating LA was 6.8 (±3.1) en% and 16.0 (±3.5) % total FA, respectively. Dietary and circulating LA were not associated with plasma glucose or HbA1c (β per 1 SD: − 0.005 to 0.010, P > 0.20). Higher dietary LA was generally associated with lower serum liver enzymes levels. One SD higher circulating LA was associated with 22% lower serum GGT (β (95% confidence interval): − 0.25 (− 0.31, − 0.18), P < 0.001), but only ≤9% lower for ALT and AST. Circulating LA and serum GGT associations differed by alcohol use and locality.ConclusionDietary and circulating LA were inversely associated with markers of impaired liver function, but not with glucose metabolism. Alcohol use may play a role in the association between LA and liver function.Trial registrationPURE North-West Province South Africa study described in this manuscript is part of the PURE study. The PURE study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT03225586; URL).

Experiences of sport coordinators in a physical education professional development programme

Physical education (PE) is an essential component of the school curriculum. However, studies show that many facilitators responsible for the delivery of PE in South African schools possibly lack the requisite specialist skills for effective PE delivery. Such facilitators can therefore be assisted with in-service training and professional development (PD) interventions to equip them with the relevant PE teaching skills. The purpose of this study was to analyse sport coordinators’ views about the attributes of effective development of non-specialist PE teachers or programme facilitators in South African schools. A qualitative interpretive paradigm was used to conduct a case study among 32 sport coordinators who taught Foundation Phase PE in 32 schools in the North-West Province of South Africa. The training model of PD was used to design the intervention, which included four different workshops held over one year. Data were obtained by using three semi-structured questionnaires, which were completed at different stages during the intervention and consequently analysed using the conventional content analysis approach. The most significant finding was that continuous training and support should not be considered as optional, but rather a necessity. Both the selection of content and pedagogy used to present the programme need careful consideration. Developing pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) experientially is critical. Modelling of practice and engaging the participants in carefully designed practical activities to demonstrate theoretical principles is preferable compared to the traditional lecture method. Thus, teachers should be assisted, not only to grasp concepts associated with PE as a learning area, but also to develop the pedagogic insight needed to adapt their teaching strategies to the instructional settings in which they find themselves. Keywords: Physical education, sport coordinators, non-specialist physical education teachers, physical education programme facilitators, professional development.

‘Who/what causes suffering?’: Discourses on religious healing in African communities

The discourses on religious healing that are presented here were collected during interviews in seven research projects done in South Africa and Malawi over a period of almost 20 years. The focus is on how interviewees view the cause of their illness or misfortune, and consequently how they understand the healing thereof, which determines where they go for healing. During the first of these projects, church leaders of 102 churches in Atteridgeville (Pretoria, Tshwane) were interviewed during 2002 and 2003 on their healing practices and the beliefs supporting them. This was combined with the author doing counselling from 2000 to 2007 with more than 1000 patients at Kalafong Hospital in Atteridgeville on the religious discourses that guided their lives and informed them about the causes of their misfortune. During 2009, interviews were held with 210 farm workers in the Hoedspruit area (in the eastern part of the Limpopo Province) on the religious causes of, and religious cures for people living with HIV and AIDS. These interviews were followed up by interviews in the rural township of Sakhelwe (in Dullstroom-Emnotweni in the eastern province of Mpumalanga) during 2011, and extended to rural villages around Nkhoma in Malawi (2016). These were followed up by two interviews held with two women of mixed race in the industrial township of Rustenburg-Karlienpark in the North-West Province of South Africa. In addition, similar research was done in two contexts that stand in strong contrast to those described above. These are interviews with men serving long-term sentences in Zonderwater – a correctional facility 60 km outside Pretoria, who were asked about the religious causes of what is perceived as their suffering because of incarceration. The second was interviews conducted at the Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Centre with 11 women on the (religious) causes of them being assaulted by their partners. The similarities and differences of the discourses presented by religious people in a variety of contexts on the causes of their illness and misfortune, and how healing can be effected in religious ways, will be highlighted.

Mixed Aetiology of Diarrhoea in Infants Attending Clinics in the North-West Province of South Africa: Potential for Sub-Optimal Treatment.

Routine diagnostic methods for the aetiologic agents of diarrhoea in most developing countries are usually not sensitive enough, leading to under-diagnosis. Thus, this study investigated possible mixed diarrhoeal aetiology by using cultures and real-time polymerase chain reactions (PCR) in children younger than four years old in the Northwest Province, South Africa. In total, 505 stool samples were collected from symptomatic and asymptomatic children who were attending three clinics and the Brits hospital in Madibeng District, between September 2016 and December 2017. Rotavirus, norovirus, Campylobacter, Arcobacter, and diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) were targeted. Campylobacter spp. (24.6%), Arcobacter (15.8%) and DEC (19.6%) were detected using PCR; only Campylobacter spp. (29.7%) and DEC (26.9%) were detected through the culture. Campylobacter jejuni (36%), Campylobacter coli (28%), Campylobacter upsalensis (12%), and Arcobacter butzleri (15.8%) were the only spp. of Campylobacter and Arcobacter identified. The eaeA gene (31.4%) of enteropathogenic E. coli/enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EPEC/EHEC) was the most prevalent DEC virulence gene (VG) identified. Rotavirus and norovirus were detected at 23.4% and 20%, respectively. Mixed viral aetiology (7.3%) and the co-infection of A. butzleri and Campylobacter (49%) were recorded. A mixed bacterial-viral aetiology was observed in 0.6% of the specimens. Sensitive diagnostic procedures like PCR should be considered to provide the best treatment to children experiencing diarrhoea.

Predictors Of Efficiency In Municipal Solid Waste Management In Moses Kotane Municipality In The North-West Province Of South Africa

A study was conducted in the Moses Kotane Municipality (MKM) in the North-West Province of South Africa in order to identify and quantify factors that affect efficiency in the management of municipal solid waste generated by households and businesses. Data was collected from a combination of 171 households and businesses on 24 socioeconomic, sanitary and environmental indicators of efficiency in the management of municipal solid waste in developing municipalities. The specific objectives of study were to assess the current level of efficiency in the collection and disposal of municipal solid waste, and to construct a framework that could be used for improving the current level of efficiency in the management of municipal solid waste. Efficiency in the management of municipal solid waste was assessed by using ISO 14000 and ISO 14031 standards defined by the Canadian Standards Association. The results showed that about 67% of businesses selected for the study were inefficient in municipal solid waste management, whereas about 33% of them were efficient. Efficiency in the management of municipal solid waste was significantly influenced by 3 predictor variables (lack of adherence to municipal bylaws on waste management, inability to enforce municipal bylaws on municipal solid waste management, and wrong perception on the potential benefits of proper waste management. &#x0D;

Is the soil seed bank a reliable source for passive restoration of bush-cleared semi-arid rangelands of South Africa?

BackgroundBush clearing of encroached rangelands is crucial for restoration of herbaceous cover and diversity. Regeneration after bush clearing depends largely on the soil seed bank (SSB) size and composition. To assess the potential of the SSB to facilitate post-clearing herbaceous restoration, we examined the SSB density, composition and diversity and similarity between SSB and aboveground vegetation (AGV).MethodsThe study was conducted in semi-arid rangelands of Maseding and Kgomokgomo in North-West Province of South Africa. In each rangeland, all woody plants in three 1250 m2 plots were cut using saws and loppers, with the stumps treated with picloram. Paired observations were conducted in cleared and uncleared microsites. Soil samples were collected at three depths (0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm) in each microsite in April (pre-treatment), August, October and December 2016 and in April and August 2017. SSB was assessed using seedling emergence method, whereas pre- and post-clearing surveys of AGV were conducted in February 2016 and 2017, respectively.ResultsCleared microsites had significantly (p < 0.01) higher seed bank densities (1872 and 693 seeds m-2 at Maseding and Kgomokgomo, respectively) relative to uncleared microsites in August 2017, with grasses accounting for higher densities than other plant functional groups in the upper 0–10 cm. Pioneer grasses (Aristida congesta subsp. barbicollis, Brachiaria eruciformis and Tragus berteronianus) and invasive forbs (Bidens pilosa and Schkuhria pinnata) dominated the SSB in cleared microsites at Maseding, whereas succulents (Portulaca spp.) and pioneer grasses (T. berteronianus and Urochloa mosambicensis) were abundant at Kgomokgomo in August 2017. SSB and AGV were dissimilar until December 2016; thereafter, similarity increased significantly (p < 0.05) in cleared microsites (Sørensen’s coefficient = 0.60 to 0.66 at Maseding and 0.43 to 0.52 at Kgomokgomo) compared to uncleared microsites. Species diversity was highest in August 2016 and April 2017 at Maseding, but it did not differ between two microsites (p > 0.05). At Kgomokgomo, SSB was more diverse in cleared than uncleared microsites in April and August 2017.ConclusionHigh seed bank densities in the upper soil layer in cleared microsites would promote passive restoration, but regeneration is likely to be initiated by early successional species. However, close monitoring and eradication of invasive forbs and succulents is necessary following bush clearing. The tendency of SSB resembling AGV over time in cleared microsites signifies that seed production from AGV is important for passive restoration following bush clearing.

Community Participation in Mahikeng Local Municipality: Power Relations Perspective

In South Africa, community members have the constitutional right to partake in local governance and the local municipal council has the constitutional mandate to facilitate community participation. Qualitative research was used to assess the impact of power relations on community participation in the Mahikeng Local Municipality. The study findings indicate that power differentials contributed to the abandonment of the legislative provisions in the Mahikeng Local Municipality in the North-West Province of South Africa. Among other things, this paper recommends finalisation of the draft public participation framework. The framework should clearly identify and define the roles of the community, elected councillors and traditional authorities. The paper recommends the development of a strategy that includes clear and comprehensive public participation guidelines, protocols and processes to facilitate implementation of the framework. In consultation with the community, a detailed community participation schedule must be developed, implemented and continuously monitored and evaluated.

Characterization of Non-O157 Escherichia coli from Cattle Faecal Samples in the North-West Province of South Africa.

Escherichia coli are commensal bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract of mammals, but some strains have acquired Shiga-toxins and can cause enterohemorrhagic diarrhoea and kidney failure in humans. Shiga-toxigenic E. coli (STEC) strains such as E. coli O157:H7 and some non-O157 strains also contain other virulence traits, some of which contribute to their ability to form biofilms. This study characterized non-O157 E. coli from South African cattle faecal samples for their virulence potential, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), biofilm-forming ability, and genetic relatedness using culture-based methods, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and whole genome sequencing (WGS). Of 80 isolates screened, 77.5% (62/80) possessed Shiga-toxins genes. Of 18 antimicrobials tested, phenotypic resistance was detected against seven antimicrobials. Resistance ranged from 1.3% (1/80) for ampicillin-sulbactam to 20% (16/80) for tetracycline. Antimicrobial resistance genes were infrequently detected except for tetA, which was found in 31.3% (25/80) and tetB detected in 11.3% (9/80) of isolates. Eight biofilm-forming associated genes were detected in STEC isolates (n = 62) and two non-STEC strains. Prevalence of biofilm genes ranged from 31.3% (20/64) for ehaAβ passenger to 100% for curli structural subunit (csgA) and curli regulators (csgA and crl). Of the 64 STEC and multi-drug resistant isolates, 70.3% (45/64) and 37.5% (24/64) formed strong biofilms on polystyrene at 22 and 37 °C, respectively. Of 59 isolates screened by PFGE, 37 showed unique patterns and the remaining isolates were grouped into five clusters with a ≥90% relatedness. In silico serotyping following WGS on a subset of 24 non-O157 STEC isolates predicted 20 serotypes comprising three novel serotypes, indicating their diversity as potential pathogens. These findings show that North West South African cattle harbour genetically diverse, virulent, antimicrobial-resistant and biofilm-forming non-O157 E. coli. Biofilm-forming ability may increase the likelihood of persistence of these pathogens in the environment and facilitate their dissemination, increasing the risk of cross contamination or establishment of infections in hosts.

Detection of Virulence Genes in Multidrug Resistant Enterococci Isolated from Feedlots Dairy and Beef Cattle: Implications for Human Health and Food Safety.

The misuse/abuse of antibiotics in intensive animal rearing and communities led to the emergence of resistant isolates such as vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VREs) worldwide. This has become a major source of concern for the public health sector. The aim of this study was to report the antibiotic resistance profiles and to highlight the presence of virulence genes in VREs isolated from feedlots cattle of the North-West Province of South Africa. 384 faecal samples, 24 drinking troughs water, and 24 soil samples were collected aseptically from 6 registered feedlots. Biochemical and molecular methods were used to identify and categorise the enterococci isolates. Their antibiotic resistance profiles were assessed and genotypic methods were used to determine their antibiotic resistance and their virulence profiles. 527 presumptive isolates were recovered, out of which 289 isolates were confirmed as Enterococcus sp. Specifically, E. faecalis (9%), E. faecium (10%), E. durans (69%), E. gallinarum (6%), E. casseliflavus (2%), E. mundtii (2%), and E. avium (2%) were screened after molecular assays. VanA (62%), vanB (17%), and vanC (21%) resistance genes were detected in 176 Enterococcus sp., respectively. Moreover, tetK (26), tetL (57), msrA/B (111), and mefA (9) efflux pump genes were detected in 138 VRE isolates. Multiple antibiotic resistances were confirmed in all the VRE isolates of this study; the most common antibiotic resistance phenotype was TETR-AMPR-AMXR-VANR-PENR-LINR-ERYR. CylA, hyl, esp, gelE, and asa1 virulence genes were detected in 86 VREs with the exception of vancomycin-resistant E. mundtii isolates that did not display any virulence factor. Most VRE isolates had more than one virulence genes but the most encountered virulence profile was gelE-hyl. Potentially pathogenic multidrug resistant VREs were detected in this study; this highlights the impact of extensive usage of antimicrobials in intensive animal rearing and its implications on public health cannot be undermined.

Microbial chromium (VI) immobilization in saturated aquifer columns using culture inoculated soil

Chromium exists in two oxidation states in the environment namely; Cr(VI) which is highly toxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic in nature and Cr(III) which is less toxic, mobile and is required in trace elements with human diets. South Africa holds approximately 72 % of the currently documented chromium ore reserves. Areas where chromium is mined, experience severe Cr(VI) contamination due to poor treatments of Cr(VI) by products. Cr(VI) is exclusively released through anthropogenic activities into wastewaters. Biological reactors have been investigated in reducing chromium successfully. Bioremediaion of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) has increasingly gained interest as it is seen as economic and ecological. In this study, in situ bioremediation of treating Cr(VI) aquifers is evaluated. Firstly, dried sludge containing indigenous chromium reducing bacteria (CRB) from a dried sludge was collected from Brits Wastewater Treatment Plant, North West Province (South Africa). Batch experiments by isolated bacteria were done under aerobic conditions. Cr(VI) reduction was recorded at 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/L of Cr(VI) concentrations. Pseudomonas putida showed complete Cr(VI) reduction within 5 h of batch analysis. The continuous batch experiments were done using columns with five equally spaced sampling pots along the column length. Cr(VI) reduction profile was thus observed. At steady state there was complete reduction of Cr(VI) on all the columns including; sludge, saw dust and carbon source at 40 mg/L. The continuous batch system appeared to have certain amount of algae emerging after 30 d of operation, from the bottom of the column where there’s reduced Cr(VI) concentration and so it was cultivated and characterized. The presence of algae may show a symbiosis relationship involving a complex relationship of detoxification survival of algae or a food source for bacteria. Cr(VI) reducing effects of the columns was further tested against higher Cr(VI) concentrations at 60 mg/L. Near complete Cr(VI) reduction was observed within a couple of days of operation at this concentration. This study demonstrates the potential of biological Cr(VI) reduction using Cr(VI) reducing bacteria that has been isolated from polluted sites in South Africa.

Entrepreneurial Orientation and Performance of Small Business in Vryburg Region North West Province South Africa

Small businesses play a significant role in job creation, economic growth and development, innovation, competitiveness and poverty alleviation that eventually improve business performance. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between Entrepreneurial orientation (EO) (innovativeness, risk taking, proactiveness and autonomy) and performance of small business in Vryburg area North West Province South Africa(SA). This quantitative study utilised questionnaire for data collection in a survey. The population were small business owners/managers in North West Province South Africa. Simple random sampling method was utilised to obtain participants for the study. The study utilised descriptive and inferential statistics. The result shows that only three attributes (innovativeness, risk taking and proactiveness) influence business performance while no association was found between autonomy and business performance. Additionally, positive relationship exists between the overall EO and the performance of small business. Empirically, the study contributes to the literature on EO and advance recommendations to improve the EO of small business in South Africa. The study recommends that policy makers, owners and managers of small business strategize on enterprise development and better business performance of small business in Vryburg area North West Province South Africa.

Validation of the Teacher Stress Inventory (TSI) in a multicultural context: The SABPA study

The aim of this study was to validate the Teacher Stress Inventory (TSI) for use in a South African context. The process of scale validation also sheds significant light on this culturally diverse group of participants’ levels of psychological well-being and physical health, and its association with the level of stress that teachers reported. Using a cross-sectional survey design, Caucasian ( n = 209) and African ( n = 200) educators’ subsiding in the North-West Province of South Africa, completed the TSI, together with a number of self-report and physiological measures of stress and well-being. In contrast to the five factors of the TSI identified in US samples, statistical analysis yielded a two-factor model (i.e. General circumstance-related stress and Learner-related stress ) with satisfactory reliability indices. Significant correlation with measures of psychological and physiological health also reflected positively on the criterion-related validity of the scale. The TSI proved to be a useful, brief self-report questionnaire for the assessment of teacher stress in this cohort of South African teachers. Keywords: psychological well-being; reliability; South African context; stress; Teacher Stress Inventory (TSI); validity

Religious beliefs and climate change adaptation: A study of three rural South African communities.

This article argues that religious beliefs significantly influence a community’s understanding and experience of climate change adaptation, indicating the need for an inclusion of such information in climate change adaptation education. Data were collected using the Q-method, whereby recurring statements were identified from semi-structured interviews with participants from three rural communities in the North-West province of South Africa: Ikageng, Ventersdorp and Jouberton. The research found that community members who regard themselves as religious (overall of the Christian faith) fall under two groups: the religious determinists or fatalists, who see climate as a natural process that is governed by God, and religious participants who deny this ‘naturalness’ and acknowledge humans’ impact on the climate.

Challenges to belief systems in the context of climate change adaptation.

This article focuses on the social aspects of climate change and explores the interrelationship between belief systems and adaptation. The links and interaction between external and internal realities are examined from the perspective of contextual vulnerability, with a focus on the multifaceted structure of belief systems. The aim was to determine those challenges regarding climate change adaptation that are caused by a community’s belief system and to make recommendations to overcome them. Diverse perceptions of climate change and beliefs from three townships in the North-West Province of South Africa were collected and analysed using Q-methodology, finding five distinct worldview narratives. These narratives were named naturalist collectivist, religious, religious determinist, activist collectivist and structural thinker. It is recommended that policymakers aim to address diverse views and should be informed by factors that increase resistance to belief revision. Information should be framed in ways that foster the perception of internal control, are clearly evidence based and encourage a desire to learn more.

A Narrative Review of the Assessment of Extension and Advisory Services on an Agricultural Development Project in North-West Province, South Africa

The effectiveness of agricultural extension work relies upon the accessibility of staffs that are qualified, roused, conferred and receptive to the consistently evolving social, financial and political condition. This narrative seeks to highlight the role that extension and advisory services play on a specific Agricultural Development Programme Project in North-West Province of South Africa. It also explores how best the provincial government can ensure that policies are developed and timely interventions are delivered with the needs of the farmers being considered first. Recommendations for rapid growth in the cattle and livestock industry in the province were also suggested.

Music-inspired free play to foster scientific exploration in early childhood

Background: The importance of music and play in early childhood development is widely acknowledged. However, no recent studies have investigated the potential of music-inspired free play to foster scientific exploration. Aim: The purpose of this qualitative case study is to explain the rationale in utilising musical skills, knowledge and experiences during free play to foster scientific exploration, applying a constructivist approach with the learner placed at the centre of the educational process, while the teacher acts as observer and facilitator. Setting: Data were primarily collected through documents to create a concept map that informed observations of preschoolers during free play at two day-care centres in Mohadin in the North-West Province of South Africa. Methods: An explanatory case study provided the context for this study and a document analysis informed the findings. Results: Through data analysis, key themes were identified from the literature and observations to generate a conceptual model that illustrates the influence of music-inspired free play to foster scientific exploration by stimulating creativity and emphasising the necessity of free play in preschool settings. Conclusion: The conclusion of this investigation was a better understanding of the capacity of young learners to apply scientific exploration, utilising a transdisciplinary approach for teaching and learning the sciences in the early years to develop a better understanding of their world through music-inspired free play.

Spiritual leaders’ experiences of a comprehensive HIV stigma reduction intervention

HIV is a deadly reality in South African communities, where people living with HIV (PLWH) do not only face physical sickness but also severe stigmatisation. Literature shows that spiritual leaders (religious leaders/traditional healers) can have a very meaningful role in the reduction of HIV stigma. This article reports on part of a comprehensive community-based HIV stigma reduction intervention with PLWH and people living close to them, which included partners, children, family members, friends, community members and spiritual leaders. The focus of this article is on the experiences of spiritual leaders during and after the HIV stigma reduction intervention. The research took place in both an urban and rural setting in the North-West Province of South Africa and data collection was done by means of in-depth interviews with the spiritual leaders. The interaction with PLWH during the intervention activated new experiences for spiritual leaders: acceptance and empathy for PLWH, an awareness of their own ignorance, a stronger realisation of God’s presence and a realisation that they could inspire hope in PLWH. A greater awareness was created of HIV and of the associated realities regarding disclosure and stigma. The inclusion of spiritual leaders as well as PLWH brought about a positive shift in the attitudes of communities through the increase of knowledge and understanding of HIV stigma. They saw themselves playing a much greater part in facilitating such a shift and in reducing HIV stigma in their own congregations and their communities at large.

Music-inspired free play to foster scientific exploration in early childhood

Background: The importance of music and play in early childhood development is widely acknowledged. However, no recent studies have investigated the potential of music-inspired free play to foster scientific exploration. Aim: The purpose of this qualitative case study is to explain the rationale in utilising musical skills, knowledge and experiences during free play to foster scientific exploration, applying a constructivist approach with the learner placed at the centre of the educational process, while the teacher acts as observer and facilitator. Setting: Data were primarily collected through documents to create a concept map that informed observations of preschoolers during free play at two day-care centres in Mohadin in the North-West Province of South Africa. Methods: An explanatory case study provided the context for this study and a document analysis informed the findings. Results: Through data analysis, key themes were identified from the literature and observations to generate a conceptual model that illustrates the influence of music-inspired free play to foster scientific exploration by stimulating creativity and emphasising the necessity of free play in preschool settings. Conclusion: The conclusion of this investigation was a better understanding of the capacity of young learners to apply scientific exploration, utilising a transdisciplinary approach for teaching and learning the sciences in the early years to develop a better understanding of their world through music-inspired free play.