Security In South Africa Research Articles

The Breakdown: Police-Community Communication and its Impact on Safety and Security in South Africa

The article explores the importance of good police-community communication in South Africa, focusing on the historical context, theoretical models, and factors affecting collaboration and trust. It highlights the role of community policing programs in safety advocacy and the challenges in productive police-community relations. . Methodological approach: review of the body of literature on the relationship between the police and the community in South Africa. Examples of particular police-community collaborations. The study suggests that effective public safety and crime reduction depend on trust and cooperation between police and communities. It suggests strategies to enhance ties, such as increasing openness, accountability, and community involvement. The audience includes academics and students, emphasizing the importance of efficient police- community communication for a secure South Africa, promoting justice and equity. The findings can guide policy choices and strengthen plans for public safety in South Africa. This study explores strategies to improve police-community collaborations in South Africa, focusing on public safety, crime reduction, and trust. It highlights the importance of openness, accountability, and community involvement in fostering these relationships. The study's findings can guide policy decisions and strengthen plans for public safety, promoting social justice and equality. The audience includes policymakers, law enforcement officers, community leaders, academics, and students. A safe and secure South Africa relies on efficient police-community communication.

Machine learning technology for good health and well-being for sustainable human security in South Africa

The failure to achieve sustainable development in South Africa is due to the inability to deliver quality and adequate health services that would lead to the achievement of sustainable human security. As we live in an era of digital technology, Machine Learning (ML) has not yet permeated the healthcare sector in South Africa. Its effects on promoting quality health services for sustainable human security have not attracted much academic attention in South Africa and across the African continent. Hospitals still face numerous challenges that have hindered achieving adequate health services. For this reason, the healthcare sector in South Africa continues to suffer from numerous challenges, including inadequate finances, poor governance, long waiting times, shortages of medical staff, and poor medical record keeping. These challenges have affected health services provision and thus pose threats to the achievement of sustainable security. The paper found that ML technology enables adequate health services that alleviate disease burden and thus lead to sustainable human security. It speeds up medical treatment, enabling medical workers to deliver health services accurately and reducing the financial cost of medical treatments. ML assists in the prevention of pandemic outbreaks and as well as monitoring their potential epidemic outbreaks. It protects and keeps medical records and makes them readily available when patients visit any hospital. The paper used a qualitative research design that used an exploratory approach to collect and analyse data.

Public-Private Partnership Strategies Supporting Smallholder Farmers to Enhance Food Security in South Africa

Public-Private Partnership Strategies Supporting Smallholder Farmers to Enhance Food Security in South Africa

Integrating Maize Yield and Agricultural Drought Analysis for Sustainable Food Security: A Provincial Study in South Africa (1993–2022)

ABSTRACTExtreme climatic events, such as droughts, hinder progress toward achieving the sustainable development goal of food security. South Africa is vulnerable to drought‐related agricultural losses, which have led to food insecurity. However, few studies have focused on the long‐term impacts of drought on crop production at a regional scale. Therefore, we aimed to examine the intensity, magnitude, and trend of rainfall‐based short‐term agricultural drought at the provincial scale in South Africa based on the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). Additionally, we analyzed the impact of agricultural drought on maize yield by calculating the Standardized Yield Residual Series (SYRS) and Crop Drought‐Resilience Factor (CDRF). To this end, we collected rainfall data from 29 stations across nine provinces along with maize yield data for the period of 1993–2022. Agricultural drought analyses based on the three‐month (SPI‐3) and six‐month (SPI‐6) SPIs demonstrated dynamic variations in occurrence, with Sen's slope indicating that 10 stations exhibited a significant increase in drought events across South Africa. Notably, SPI‐6 analysis showed that Gauteng, Free State, and North West provinces experienced the highest percentages of severe to extreme drought events during the study period, at 4.17%, 3.89%, and 3.61%, respectively. Furthermore, the majority of provinces in South Africa experienced an extreme SPI‐6 magnitude ranging from −46.03 in Western Cape Province to −61.6 in Free State Province. The dynamic effects of agricultural drought on maize yield revealed that the maximum yield loss of 13% occurred in 1993 in Eastern Cape Province, while some provinces experienced no yield loss during certain years. However, CDRF analyses identified Western Cape (CDRF [SPI‐3] = 0.52, CDRF [SPI‐6] = 0.62) and Mpumalanga (CDRF [SPI‐6] = 0.7) provinces as the most vulnerable to food insecurity due to the severe non‐resilience of maize to drought in these regions. This study reveals the complex interplay between climatic extremes and maize yield variability, providing valuable insights for managing regional food production systems and ensuring future food security in South Africa.

Food security and disability in South Africa: an analysis of General Household Survey data

Purpose We investigated the relationship between disability and food security in South Africa using data from the General Household Survey (GHS). Materials and Methods Regression models were utilised with GHS data (2014–2018) to gauge the likelihood of food insecurity (the dependent variable) among individuals with disabilities. Socioeconomic and demographic traits of the 2018 GHS sample were analysed. All estimates were weighted and represented nationally at the individual level. Results In this study population (32 187) of food insecure people, 9.64% are disabled. Food insecurity impacts more Black people with disabilities (91%) versus those without disabilities (90%), and disabled women (65%) versus nondisabled women (58%). Most reside in KwaZulu-Natal. Those with disability grants lower food insecurity odds, while child support grant recipients face higher odds. Household size and education are significant predictors, while marital status and gender are not. Conclusion This study data justifies the need for disability-inclusive food security programmes in South Africa, especially amid crises like COVID-19. Significantly, there is a nil data finding about people with eating/swallowing disabilities whose needs intersect with food security. This emphasises the need for inclusive data collection that operates within a food sovereignty framework to increase the visibility of people with disabilities.

The Influence of Education on Women and Food Security

The study analysed the influence of education on women and food security in South Africa. The methodological approach was a qualitative analysis using focus group discussions and an in-depth desktop review of relevant literature on the education system. The focus group discussions were about rural women's farming initiatives, looking at the influence of education on productivity. According to the study, educational level and farm productivity are directly correlated. The women in the focus group discussions mentioned that education and training were critical for food production and household food security. In addition, education is essential for women to imagine and implement strategies and opportunities to gain employment and move up the commodity value chain. Furthermore, a specialised curriculum in technical subjects at primary and secondary levels targeting girls was essential for establishing a strong foundation for them. Adult education, especially in primary education courses targeting women, improves women's agriculture participation. Since women are the custodians of smallholder agriculture, gender transformative approaches such as tailor-made financial and leadership support are also critical for the socio-economic development of agriculture in South Africa.

Operation and Performance of The Lab and Pilotscale Greywater Treatment Systems: Biochar and Gravel Use in South Africa

Water security in South Africa depends on natural and artificial water sources such as rivers, lakes, rainwater harvesting, boreholes, dams, desalination, the importation of water from nearby countries, and wastewater treatment plants. The primary input to these water resources is rainfall which is estimated to be around 492 mm per year and is half of the world average (985 mm per year) due to climate change impacts. This study encourages the treatment and reuse of greywater as an additional water source for non-potable purposes such as toilet flushing and irrigation. The performance of the Laboratory (Lab)-scale Gravel Filter Towers (GFTs) was evaluated concurrently with the Pilot-scale system for remediation of the microbiological and physicochemical constituents in greywater which was sampled from separate single-households for both systems. The highest removal efficiency of faecal coliforms by the GTFs was 92.89 ± 93.39 % while the Pilot-scale exhibited a removal efficiency of 21.51 ± 12.47 %. The systems showed partial removal of microbiological, chemical, nutrient, and physical constituents, indicating that further analysis and improvements are required before decentralization. The GFTs could be improved by the addition of a biochar filter while the pilot-scale systems require fresh treatment materials monthly to avoid clogging and leaching of biofilms to the final collection tank. Further analysis could involve the profiling of the microbial communities using metagenomic techniques which may provide insight into the biochemical functioning (bioremediation, quorum sensing, and pathogenicity) of the system.

Addressing Hunger in South Africa: Food Aid and Food Security Programs for Needy Communities

Hunger in South Africa is a serious challenge that requires rapid and effective action to address its impacts. This research aims to explore strategies for alleviating hunger through implementing food aid programs and building food security in communities in need. The research method used is qualitative with a descriptive approach. The research results show that a combination of food aid and food security programs provides the best solution. Food aid can provide direct assistance to families in need, while food security programs aim to empower communities with the skills and resources to produce their own food. The importance of involving interested parties, including government, non-governmental organizations and the private sector, is highlighted in this research. Strong collaboration between various parties can increase the efficiency and positive impact of efforts to overcome hunger. This research makes an important contribution to understanding how best to address hunger in South Africa, providing a holistic and integrated view. It is hoped that the results of this research will serve as a guide for policy makers, humanitarian organizations and the general public in their efforts to combat hunger and improve food security in South Africa.

A drought monitoring and early warning service for food security in South Africa

In this paper we present an operational system for drought monitoring and early warning over South Africa-Lesotho. The indicators used for the alert issuance are based on meteorological, agricultural and hydrological indices, assembled by satellite and reanalysis raw data, to cover for all aspects of drought. The service is operationally updated every 10 days and has a spatial resolution of 10 Km. A severe drought period for South Africa covering the time period 2017–2020 was used to test the performance of the drought system. Our analysis indicated that the service is useful, providing sufficient warning on the onsets of and duration of droughts. Comparison of our results with a South African national drought service indicates a very good agreement in early warning messaging. The service is particularly user friendly and easily transferable to any region worldwide.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars physiological, biochemical performance and yield parameters response to acid mine water irrigation and soil physiochemical properties

This paper aimed to analyse the potato cultivar’s response to physiological, biochemical performance, yield parameters and soil physiochemical properties when subjected to quicklime (un)treated acid mine drainage (AMD) irrigation. A randomized design experiment was conducted with five water treatment levels: TW1; TW2; TW3; TW4 to TW5 replicated four times. The results showed that the quicklime treatment increased the pH of the AMD water, reduced the concentration of EC, NO3−, SO42− and ameliorated heavy metals. However, unsafe levels of heavy metals above the maximum permissible (WHO/FAO) levels were found in Pb, Mg and Mo for water (TW4 and TW5), while As, Cd and Cr for soils (ST4 and ST5) respectively. For potato tubers (TT4 and TT5) concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, and Pb were above the maximum levels. Stomatal conductance, chlorophyll content and yield parameters responded positively by increasing significantly on TW4 and TW5 treatments, but negatively (reduced) towards TW2 and TW3 treatments. A higher bioaccumulation factor was obtained for Zn ˃ Cu ˃ Mg ˃ Pb ˃ Mn, which was an indication of the contamination status of soil, with Zn being more concentrated than other metals. The findings indicate that quicklime-treated AMD is usable for potato irrigation with regular monitoring of heavy metal levels and strict observation of water reuse protocols. The use of this large source of ameliorated (AMD) water will go a long way in improving food security in South Africa and/or in countries where agriculture production is around mining areas.

The role and impact of constitutional values of ubuntu, equality, and human dignity in the interpretation and protection of the right to have access to social security in South Africa

This article examines the role and impact of constitutional values of ubuntu, equality, and human dignity in the interpretation and protection of the right to have access to social security entrenched in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. Sec. 27(1)(c) of the Constitution provides a universal social security protection to everyone, including if they are unable to support themselves and their dependants’ appropriate social assistance. Against this background, this article has three objectives. First, it enters the debate on the universal approach that comes with a human right to social security. Secondly, it examines the impact of the constitutional values of human dignity, equality, and ubuntu on the right to have access to social security. Thirdly, it looks at how the South African courts have incorporated and interpreted these values in their drive to protect and enforce the constitutional right to have access to social security. The article concludes by examining South Africa’s compliance with its constitutional obligation in respect of ensuring that everyone has the right to have access to social security.

The Realisation of Indigent Widows’ Right to Social Security in South Africa: Pitfalls and Opportunities

The Realisation of Indigent Widows’ Right to Social Security in South Africa: Pitfalls and Opportunities

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

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

Household food insecurity in South Africa from 1999 to 2021: a metrics perspective.

To review and synthesize studies on household food security in South Africa. Systematic mapping review of metrics (methodological review). Electronic databases, including EBSCOHost, Scopus and Web of Science, were searched for studies and reports on household food security in South Africa, reporting household food security published between 1999 and 2021. Searching, selecting and reporting were performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement. South African households. Forty-eight articles reporting on six national surveys (one repeated annually since 2002) and forty sub-national studies meeting the inclusion criteria were selected. Various metrics, with different recall periods and ways of categorizing food security levels, were identified. Surveys that used similar metrics showed that the percentage of South African households that have experienced food insecurity and hunger has decreased over the review period yet remains concerning. However, the multitude of metrics used to assess the different components and levels of food security limits the comparability of the results to evaluate the scope and scale of the problem. There is growing support for developing multi-variable approaches for food security research in sub-Saharan Africa. Future research should focus on finding the most appropriate combination of complementary metrics that would allow comparable data while holistically capturing food security and providing insight into the causes and consequences.

THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT OF ACCESS TO SOCIAL SECURITY: PART II  PROPOSED SOLUTIONS

This is the second of two articles dealing with the constitutional right to have access to social security in South Africa. Part I dealt with the general introduction to the topic and highlighted some concerns relating to the right to have access to social security in South Africa and the inclusion of this right in the Constitution. Part II contains a study of various proposed solutions to these problems with particular emphasis on attempts to assist those excluded from the formal framework of social security.

Unlocking African Food Sovereignty: The Path to Food Security in South Africa

Unlocking African Food Sovereignty: The Path to Food Security in South Africa

Media Framing, Climate Change and the Complexities of Water Security in South Africa

Media Framing, Climate Change and the Complexities of Water Security in South Africa

Changing childcare demands due to COVID-19 lockdown regulations and household food security in South Africa

This study examined the effect of increased childcare demands during the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal work and household food security in South Africa. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were conducted with 1890 mothers using the National Income Dynamics Study – Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey (NIDS-CRAM) Wave 2. About seven out of ten mothers did not work (74.8%), and one-third (29%) had increased childcare demands, limiting their work opportunities. About half of the households experienced food insecurity (44%). Unemployed mothers who reported that childcare affected their ability to work had increased odds of food insecurity (OR = 2.20, p = 0.000). Household food insecurity was significantly related to maternal age, province and childcare effect on employment. This study established that mothers whose work was affected by increased childcare demands had higher levels of food insecurity. Therefore, we recommend implementing food security and gender equality interventions that promote change in childcare cultural norms.

Workers’ Social Security in South Africa: COIDA amended

This contribution briefly outlines the history and background of workers’ compensation in South Africa, with a focus on its legal purpose and function. In doing so, the genesis of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) during apartheid and its development into the constitutional era is considered. This includes an analysis of the latest Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Amendment Act (COIDAA) and a critique of the likely success, partial success and/or failure of the amendments to rectify some of the problems stemming from the legislation. It focuses on the elements of rehabilitation, rationalisation, restrictions, privatisation, constitutionalism, parity, decriminalisation, governance, and compliance as contained in the amendments.

Addressing food insecurity in Richmond area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: The role of cash transfers

Food insecurity is one of the national priorities in South Africa. Cash transfer programs are hypothesized to alleviate short-term deprivations, regularize consumption, and reduce the adoption of negative coping strategies. This study estimates the role play of cash transfers in enhancing food security in South Africa. The household food security access scale (HFIAS) was used to estimate food security status of 180 sampled households. An endogenous switching poisson model was used to examine how household food insecurity was affected by access to cash transfers. The findings indicate that the household food security was statistically significantly influenced by access to cash transfers, household head gender, access to finance, access to farm-based organizations (FBO), access to cooperatives, and agricultural training. As a result, this study recommends the South African government and other donor organizations to expand cash transfer programs among low-income households in rural South Africa. Access to cash transfers is a key component of achieving enhanced household food security.