Stakeholders In South Africa Research Articles

Adopting sustainable innovations for remote access to TB and HIV care in South Africa.

For the last decade, South Africa has made substantial progress to control the dual HIV and TB epidemics. However, disruptions in TB and HIV treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic threatened to reverse this. This study aimed to identify adaptations in HIV and TB service delivery models in response to COVID-19 and government restrictions. This information informed the development of an online survey, which was utilized as part of a consultation exercise to further capture adaptations made to HIV/TB service delivery within the South African context. The literature review involved screening 380 titles and abstracts, identifying 30 HIV and TB studies across 19 countries, and categorizing 90 individual interventions into ten thematic areas. Common themes included interventions addressing screening, testing, diagnosis, medication collection and delivery support, and virtual models. Digital health interventions and adaptations to medication collection/delivery were reported in 38% of studies. Analysis of survey responses from 33 stakeholders in South Africa revealed that 47% of interventions targeted HIV, 11% TB, and 23% HIV/TB integrated service delivery. Most interventions (81%) were integrated into the national HIV or TB program, with implementation occurring at various levels: 39% at facility level, 35% at sub-district or district level, and 18% at provincial level. Programmatic data was available for 86% of interventions, with 50% being funded. This study demonstrated that services can be delivered in locations other than in health facilities (e.g., community-based or home-based) and that integrated services can also free up additional resources. Although studies varied, COVID-19 accelerated the adoption of differentiated service delivery (DSD) models for TB care, including multi-month dispensing (MMD) for TB preventative therapy (TPT) and TB treatment, home-based or mobile outreach screening and testing, and community pickup points (PuP) for TB medications. These initiatives had previously lagged behind HIV-focused DSD models, and it is crucial to sustain these services beyond the pandemic. To achieve universal health coverage, it will also be important to capitalize on these experiences and learn from HIV-focused DSD models so programs can deliver integrated person-centered chronic care services for TB, HIV, and non-communicable diseases.

Examining the Influence of Corruption on the Practice of Trophy Hunting in South Africa

This study examines the perceived influence of corruption on the practice of trophy hunting in South Africa, the largest trophy exporter in Africa. Corruption is a major problem in South Africa, where it takes the form of bribery and embezzlement. To investigate its perceived effects on the practice of trophy hunting, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 trophy hunting stakeholders in South Africa. Interviews were conducted via Zoom, recorded, transcribed, and coded using a qualitative content analysis. Six of the 15 respondents had personally witnessed corruption in the trophy hunting industry in South Africa, and 13 respondents had heard accounts of corruption witnessed or experienced by others. Respondents identified several perceived problems caused by corruption in the trophy hunting industry and suggested ways to mitigate corruption. Based on these results, a multi-pronged approach for addressing corruption within the trophy hunting industry in South Africa may be necessary.

Medicine needs of children not addressed in the National Cancer Strategic Framework: insights from a triangulation study

Aim A better understanding of the scope of the National Cancer Strategic Framework (NCSF) could lead to improvements aiding the framework’s ultimate objective of reducing the burden of cancer. Accordingly, this report evaluates whether the 2017-2022 NCSF adequately addressed issues related to childhood cancer treatment, in particular paediatric oncology medicines. Methods To identify determinants of current access to childhood oncology medicines in South Africa, in-depth interviews were conducted with 29 stakeholders in South Africa’s public and private healthcare sectors. Key health system stakeholders included policy makers and regulators, medical insurance scheme informants, medicine suppliers, healthcare providers and civil society stakeholders. Identified barriers were categorised according to the components of the pharmaceutical value chain, and combined with a health systems approach to acknowledge the linkages of medicines with other building blocks of the health system. Identified barriers were then compared to the limitations and interventions as discussed in the 2017-2022 NCSF to identify areas for improvement in the framework. Findings Three recurrent gaps in the NCSF in relation to childhood cancers were identified, representing a range of issues throughout the pharmaceutical value chain: 1) childhood cancers are neglected compared to adult cancers, in both the policy arena and the organisation of healthcare services; 2) there are particular challenges for childhood cancers due to their rarity, thus requiring targeted interventions (e.g., regulatory incentives, tailored pricing solutions, and customised evidence requirements by decision-making bodies); and 3) children must be accompanied by a caregiver during treatment, causing several social and financial issues for their families. Conclusions There is a pressing need for a strategic cancer plan that makes proper provisions for children. Such an endeavour must commence with acknowledging the areas in which childhood cancers are different from adult cancers, and which demand targeted intervention in an update of the NCSF.

Integrated Real-Time Information System for Public Commuting: Perspectives of Stakeholders in South Africa

Integrated Real-Time Information System for Public Commuting: Perspectives of Stakeholders in South Africa

Affordability of Higher Education in South Africa

This article investigates why South African universities increased their tuition fees above inflation during the period 2010 to 2019 (intentionally excluding the potential distortion caused by COVID-19). The affordability of higher education is the subject of increased debate among stakeholders in South Africa. From a financial point of view, universities, as typical service organisations, should have benefited from an increase in enrolments. The main reason is that their expenses are typically period costs and are hence less affected by an increase in enrolments. However, the key findings of the study on which this article is based were that revenue increased above inflation, with tuition fees the main culprit. In turn, the reason for increased tuition fees is a significant increase in expenses. This suggests that universities did not benefit from economies-of-scale or efficiency in managing their expenses. The research makes a unique contribution to the body of knowledge by assessing why university tuition fees increased using a financial model to project budgeted revenue, expenses and tuition fees (taking inflation and growth in student enrolments into account) for 2019 using actual financial data from 2010.

Key programmatic and policy considerations for introducing multipurpose prevention (MPT) methods: reflections from healthcare providers and key stakeholders in South Africa.

Multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) simultaneously prevent HIV, other sexually transmitted infections, and/or unintended pregnancy. Key gatekeepers, [healthcare providers (HCPs) and key stakeholders] require proactive engagement before product implementation. This manuscript identifies HCP demand creation strategies, key stakeholder considerations for the adoption of MPTs in South Africa. Formative research was conducted in three districts in three South African provinces (July to November 2022). Nurses initiating oral PrEP at facility and mobile study sites participated in 4-hour participatory workshops, exploring HIV prevention, including MPTs, demand creation strategies, and preferred MPTs training packages. Activities were observed, transcribed, and thematically analysed. Five online in-depth interviews (IDIs) with Key informants (KIs) (National/district programme implementers and technical leads) and one in person, exploring key programmatic and policy considerations for MPT adoption. IDIs were approximately 40 min long, audio recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed. Twenty-one Professional Nurses completed workshops: 19 female. Six IDIs were conducted with 4 Facility Managers, 1 NDoH representative and 1 DoH Provincial Deputy Director. All participants were females, aged 30-60+ years with >10 years' in SRH/HIV policy/advocacy/research. Community conversations and information at the clinic were the best MPT demand creation methods among HCPs. KIs identified five considerations for future MPT implementation: HCP training; demand creation and messaging; existing PrEP policy amendments; preparing users for additional choice; and sustaining MPT provision. Contraceptive implant and oral PrEP implementation lessons learned should be proactively considered when preparing for MPT introduction. HCP training and demand creation are of particular importance before MPT introduction.

Access to childhood cancer medicines in South Africa: a health systems analysis of barriers and enablers.

We sought to identify what barriers and facilitators determine current perceived access to childhood cancer care in South Africa through in-depth interviews with stakeholders in South Africa's public and private sectors. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 key health system stakeholders, including policy-makers and regulators, medical insurance scheme informants, medicine suppliers, healthcare providers and civil society stakeholders. Identified barriers and facilitators in access to medicines and broader care were structured according to the pharmaceutical value chain (PVC). Barriers and facilitators were identified across all components of the PVC. Key barriers included (1) a lack of political commitment to childhood cancers, (2) discontinuation of essential chemotherapeutics, (3) incomplete insurance coverage for childhood cancers, (4) stock-outs of essential medicines, (5) the inability to access care, including travel to healthcare facilities and (6) low awareness on childhood cancers among primary healthcare (PHC) workers. Proposed priority interventions included pricing flexibilities, increased transparency and consistency in decision-making and healthcare spending, and improved training of PHC staff, nurses and pharmacists on childhood cancers. This first comprehensive study of determinants of access to medicines used in childhood cancer in South Africa provides context-specific evidence for targeted policy development.

A Comparative Study on the Ethical Responsibilities of Key Role Players in Software Development

Background: Issues of lack of consideration for professional responsibility by software engineers (SEs) present major challenges and concerns to software users. Previous studies on the subject of ethical responsibility in software development assessed whether software development key stakeholders should take ethical responsibility for their actions in software development. However, such studies focused on assessing responses from a particular grouping in software development. Objective: Based on the revelation, this study seeks to evaluate the perceived ethical responsibilities in software development by juxtaposing the perceptions of students, educators and industry-based software practitioners on the ethical responsibility of software development key stakeholders in South Africa. Methods: To meet this objective, the study collected data using a survey, which was shared on an online platform. A total of 561 (44 from computing academics; 103 from industry-based software practitioners and 414 from software development students) responses were received. The collected data were analysed using descriptive and variance statistical analysis approaches. Results: The study found that there is no significant statistical difference in how students, educators and software practitioners perceive the ethical responsibility of software development key stakeholders. Conclusions: This finding of the study shows that the prevailing view is that various software development key stakeholders should be held ethically responsible for their contribution to software development. Furthermore, the organisation of ethical responsibilities used in this study provides a useful framework to guide future studies on this subject.

Undergraduate Agricultural Extension Qualifications in South Africa: Comparing Available Curricula to Desired Skills and Competencies

Globally, the need for the agricultural extension profession to change from a top-down, production-focused approach to a more participatory and holistic approach has been reiterated. Different stakeholders in South Africa have criticised the public sector service delivery efficiency. To enhance the standard of service, the South African government has specified that every person employed as an agricultural extension worker in the public sector should have a minimum of a bachelor's degree. The department has made much progress. Currently, 73% of all extension professionals in the public sector have a minimum of a bachelor's degree. Despite this, the department still highlights training as inadequate regarding the profession's needs. A proficient agricultural extension sector is vital in assisting farmers in dealing with challenges and enhancing food security. This article examines the available undergraduate bachelor qualifications in agricultural extension in South Africa to determine their relevance in the competencies and skills required by the profession. The curriculum evaluation and improvement model is used as methodology, and coding is used as an analytical tool. The results show that available curricula are still excessively focused on technical subject matter and expertise, and there is an urgent need for updating curricula to be more relevant to the profession's needs.

Communication Strategies in Relation to COVID-19 in South Africa and Ghana: A Systematic Review

COVID-19 is a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SAR–CoV-2) spread from person to person through infected air droplets of saliva and discharged from sneezes and coughs. This study seeks to contribute to knowledge and understanding of how coronavirus outbreaks could be addressed by examining communication and media strategies used by governments and public health institutions in South Africa and Ghana during the coronavirus pandemic. The study systematically analysed published data on COVID-19 in South Africa and Ghana from 2019 to 2020 to identify recurring themes to discuss issues regarding communication strategies in response to the outbreak. This study found various inadequacies and challenges to communication and media strategies to address the spread of COVID-19. The governments and public health institutions in South Africa and Ghana used multiple mass media channels to communicate different messages and create awareness about COVID-19. This article recommends the improvement of communication and media engagements between governments and health stakeholders in South Africa and Ghana to increase public awareness of the risks, threats and outcomes of COVID-19. The media in South Africa and Ghana must conduct fact finding of information about coronavirus from official sources in government and health institutions before dissemination to the public to minimise fake news, misinformation and disinformation. The governments and health institutions must not rely solely on traditional mass media strategies but also integrate indigenous communication strategies for engagements to address the challenges of mass media to increase public awareness about COVID-19 in South Africa and Ghana.

Concurrent use of herbal and prescribed medicine by patients in primary health care clinics, South Africa.

The use of herbal medicine (HM) as a self-management practice for treating various diseases has gained popularity worldwide. Consumers co-administer herbal products with conventional medicine without the knowledge of possible herb-drug interaction (HDI). This study aimed to assess patients' perception and use of HM and their knowledge of HDI. Participants attending primary health care (PHC) clinics in three provinces (Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Free State), South Africa, were recruited. Focus group discussions comprising a total of thirty (N = 30) participants were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Discussions were audio-recorded and then transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Reasons for using HM, sources of information on HM, co-administration of HM and prescribed medicine, disclosure of the use of HM, PHC nurses' attitudes and not having time to engage were frequently discussed. Respondents' lack of knowledge and perceptions about HDI and their dissatisfaction with prescribed medicine because of experienced side effects were also discussed. Because of the lack of discussions and non-disclosure about HM in PHC clinics, patients are at risk of experiencing HDIs. Primary health care providers should regularly enquire about HM use on every patient, to identify and prevent HDIs. The lack of knowledge about HDIs by patients further compromises the safety of HM.Contribution: The results highlighted the lack of knowledge of HDI by patients thus assisting the healthcare stakeholders in South Africa to implement measures to educate patients attending PHC clinics.

A qualitative approach to investigate stakeholders' engagement in construction projects

PurposeStakeholder engagement in construction projects is an ingredient that contributes to project optimal performance. Many developing countries have a paucity of literature about stakeholders' engagement in construction projects. Therefore, the study investigated South Africa's shareholders' engagement in construction projects and recommended possible measures to mitigate potential limitations.Design/methodology/approachThe researchers collated data from South African experts in stakeholder engagement via a phenomenology type of qualitative research design. They explored the “perceived hindrances” facing stakeholders' engagement in construction projects and proffer measures to mitigate them. The study analysed collected data via thematic analysis and achieved saturation. Three themes emerged from the analysed data.FindingsFindings show that efficient stakeholder engagement will enhance team collaboration and integrated construction project delivery. Results identified the perceived limitations facing stakeholders' engagement in South Africa's construction projects and categorised them into individual perceived hindrances, organisational perceived hindrances and government-related perceived hindrances. Also, findings proffer measures to mitigate perceived hindrances via policies and programmes within the sector.Practical implicationsBesides enhancing policymakers and other stakeholders in South Africa's construction industry to understand the benefits of stakeholder engagement better, the study may stir up the construction sector's stakeholders to embrace enhanced and effective stakeholders' management.Originality/valueThis study contributes to construction project practice that involves stakeholders, as it reveals the underlying causes of perceived hindrances facing stakeholders' engagement in construction projects. Also, it proffers feasible solutions to mitigate these hindrances and enhance stakeholders' engagement within South Africa's construction projects.

China’s war on poverty

Prior to China’s reform, the poverty count surpassed that of the whole African continent. However, within five years, the Chinese could reverse this narrative. Between 1980 and 2020, China lifted a staggering 800 million citizens out of poverty. By February 2021, the Chinese declared that the war on ‘absolute poverty’ had been won when measured using the standard equivalence of $2.30 a day per person. In consonance with the Chinese feat on poverty, the study examines the strategy adopted in defeating poverty and highlights fundamental lessons that rural developmental stakeholders in South Africa may embrace in achieving a similar feat. To achieve this aim, the study adopted a literature review alongside a desktop analysis in deducing critical lessons from the Chinese war on poverty that may apply to rural developmental stakeholders in South Africa. Hence, an extensive assemblage of earlier studies on Chinese poverty alleviation strategies was looked into systematically. The study highlights potential challenges the South African rural developmental stakeholders may face in an attempt to replicate the Chinese stratagem. The study thus concludes with practical steps rural developmental stakeholders in South Africa may adopt to create viable rural spaces devoid of egregious forms of poverty.

Sustainable environmental and economic relations of Turkiye and republic of South Africa — a focus study for the period 2000-2010

As one of the primary issues facing Turkiye, environmental degradation is one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Therefore, a policy-level reorientation may be required to address this situation. Based on this perspective, during the increase of mutual economic developments between Turkiye and South Africa, the impact of renewable energy (RE) use, financial develoment, urbanization, and agriculture emissions of carbon dioxide should be analyzed separately using a dataset spanning a considerable period of time. South Africa develops its national environmental policy through a consultation process known as the National Consultative Environmental Policy Process (CONNEPP). The process is designed to provide an opportunity for all stakeholders in South Africa to contribute to the development of a new environmental policy. With the end of the apartheid period in 1994, the Republic of South Africa initiated a comprehensive program of economic reform and development going forward and made significant progress in many sectors after 2000. At this time, Turkiye, as situated on a strategic location regarding global trade, was expanding its operations worldwide. The purpose of the research is to analyze the Turkish RSA relations focusing on the first decade of 21st century. As a basis of our methodology, we have researched achieves and business records as tangible verifiable information about this time period. Although the global financial crisis of 2008 affected this country for some time; the development line and ongoing momentum in the automotive industry sector, as well as sectors such as construction, banking, investment regulations, energy, telecommunications, mining and agriculture, are worth mentioning. For this specific research article, we believe that it is imperative to focus the 2000-2010 period which is the basis of today's cooperation which will bring a specific value to the academia.

Strategies to promote the acceptance of sandbag building technology for sustainable and affordable housing delivery: the South African case

PurposeSandbag building technologies (SBTs) have been offered as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative building technology (ABT) capable of accelerating house construction in South Africa, but its acceptance remains low. However, knowledge about how to effectively improve SBT social acceptance is limited. This study aims to develop and prioritise SBT social acceptability strategies towards providing a comprehensive framework for the successful deployment and widespread adoption of sandbag technology.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a quantitative research strategy that included a literature review and a structured questionnaire survey of 228 ABT professionals and stakeholders in the South African housing industry. The study statistically analysed 13 strategies for the social acceptance of SBT.FindingsThe analysis showed that the top three strategies include the availability of sandbag demonstration projects in all provinces, the approval of a sandbag building code and the availability of standard design methods for earthbags. A factor analysis clustered the 13 strategies into Stakeholders integration and policy formation, Effective education and knowledge sharing and Grassroots advocacy and incentives.Practical implicationsThe current study’s findings provide a broad framework for the effective implementation and wide acceptance of sandbag technology in housing projects. It offered certain best practices that policymakers and practitioners might use to promote ABT and SBT societal acceptability.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, the study represents the first and only attempt to investigate the viewpoints of experts and housing market stakeholders in South Africa regarding sandbag technology social acceptance strategies and contributes to the social acceptance body of knowledge in ABT and SBT.

An impact assessment of alien invasive plants in South Africa generally dispersed by native avian species

Invasive alien plant species have been identified as a major threat to biodiversity and the relationship with native avian dispersers may increase their invasion potential. The impact of invasive plant species needs to be quantified using comparable assessment tools across different habitats and species to allocate limited resources to high-priority species. Here, we used the Generic Impact Scoring System (GISS) to assess the impacts of 16 fleshy-fruited alien invasive plant species in South Africa generally dispersed by native avian species. The results showed that fleshy-fruited invasive species have both environmental and socio-economic impacts. The cumulated impact scores for lantana (Lantana camara) and the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) were the highest, with scores of 42 and 32, respectively. Some species, such as white mulberry (Morus alba), camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora), American bramble (Rubus cuneifolius) and Brazilian pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius), had low overall impact scores of 8, 18, 14 and 16, respectively, but scored the maximum impact of 5 for certain mechanisms. Environmental impacts of fleshy-fruited invasive plant species had a high impact magnitude through effects on the ecosystem and vegetation. Socio-economic impacts were mainly through effects on forest production, agriculture and human health. Species with large crop sizes, small seeds and fruit sizes had higher environmental and socio-economic impact magnitude. The information generated in this study is important for guiding resource allocation and preventing the uncontrolled introduction of invasive species in South Africa. The impact of the fleshy-fruited invasive species transcended sectors and, therefore, effective management of invasive species will require the collaboration of multiple and inter-sectoral stakeholders in South Africa.

CONTEXTUAL DETERMINANTS OF MARITAL DISSOLUTION AMONG BLACK SOUTH AFRICAN WOMEN: A MULTILEVEL ANALYSIS

Marital dissolution and their contextual determinants are concerns to the government and other stakeholders in South Africa. These are so, especially among the Black South African women of childbearing age. The South African Demographic Health Survey (SADHS) 2016 data was used to examine the role of three hierarchical layers of variables (individual, household and community level characteristics) in determining marital dissolution among Black South African women of childbearing age in South Africa. Based on the Social-ecological (SEM) and the Easterlin’s micro-economic models, the chi-squared test and multilevel logistic regression were performed at the bivariate and multivariate levels respectively. The multilevel logistic regressions were performed using the generalised linear and latent mixed model (GLLAMM) to obtain fixed and random effects. Findings suggest that an insignificant proportion of the study sample were ever married. The level of those ever married increased with mother’s age, while the highest proportion of those never married reside in KwaZulu-Natal (88,3%) province. With the exception of language, type of place of residence and place of delivery, all tested factors were found to be significant and/or associated with marital dissolution at different hierarchical model levels (p<0.05). Results of random effect revealed a very small, i.e. insignificant (0.01) variations in their log odds of predicting marital dissolution. The study recommends that these findings be considered in all programme and policy developments around the issue in South Africa.

CONTEXTUAL DETERMINANTS OF FERTILITY TRANSITIONS AMONG BLACK SOUTH AFRICAN WOMEN: A MULTI-LEVEL ANALYSIS

Fertility declines (transitions) and their contextual determinants are concerns to the government and other stakeholders in South Africa. These are so, especially among the Black South African women of childbearing age. The South African Demographic Health Survey (SADHS) 2016 data was used to examine the role of three hierarchical layers of variables (individual, household and community level characteristics) in determining fertility transitions among Black South African women of childbearing age. Based on the Social-Ecological (SEM) and the Easterlin’s micro-economic models, the chi-squared test and multilevel logistic regression were performed at the bi-variate and multivariate levels of analysis. The multilevel logistic regression was performed using the generalised linear and latent mixed model (GLLAMM) to obtain fixed and random effects. Findings suggest that close to half (48.1%) of these women had low fertility levels (1-2 children) in South Africa. Those in rural areas had a higher fertility level (4 plus children), compared to those in urban areas. Factors such as mother’s age, employment and wealth status, owning a house with water and electricity, access and distance to health facilities and workers, etc., were strongly associated (significant) at different hierarchical model levels (p<0.05). Results of random effect revealed a non-existance (0.00%) of variations in their log odds of predicting fertility transitions across the communities (clusters/layers). The study recommends that these findings be considered in all programme and policy developments around the issue in South Africa.

NICHE TOURISM IN SOUTH AFRICA: A RENEWED POLICY FOCUS IN THE COVID-19 ENVIRONMENT

The COVID-19 pandemic is a catalyst for new patterns of demand and supply for the tourism sector. One consequence is a renewed policy interest in the importance of niche tourism products for destination development. This paper investigates the importance of niche tourism and its (re-) emergence on the policy agenda of tourism stakeholders in South Africa. It is argued that with a resurgence of niche tourism as policy focus there is a need for an extended research agenda on niche tourism in South Africa. The analysis represents a contribution to the changing agendas of tourism scholarship in the global South which have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Danger of being a Young Female Migrant: A Case Study Female Refugees in Musina Town in South Africa

Several studies show that international migrants across the globe extremely face challenges upon their arrival in the host countries. This constant influx of international population movement is driven by factors such as escaping from poverty, seeking better livelihoods, or escaping from political upheavals and civil strife, such as wars. There have been several studies in South Africa that generally explored challenges faced by the international migrant youth but not necessarily on the gendered nature of migration. This study argues that migration affects males and females inversely. Thus this study aimed to contextually explore the danger of being a young female migrant by following a qualitative research approach using female refugees in Musina town as a case study. Nine participants were purposively and conveniently selected and semi-structured face-to-face interviews with open-ended questions were followed to collect data that is analysed thematically in this paper. The Nvivo software was used to manage and organise data. Findings reveal that young female migrants face challenges from the cross-bordering where they are at risk of being raped. Findings further show that upon their arrival in South Africa, female young migrants face challenges such as exclusion from basic health care services due to lack of immigration documents, sex work, and exploitation by local citizens as well as victimization by the police. The security at border posts should thus be tightened and the defence forces should jointly work with the police officials to deport female migrant youth who migrate illegally and stakeholders in South Africa should run educational programmes where the illegal immigrants would be educated about the risks of cross-boarding to South Africa without legal immigration permits.