Western Cape Province Research Articles

Entomopathogens from agricultural soil and their pathogenicity against the potato leaf miner, Liriomyza huidobrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae)

ABSTRACT The potato leaf miner, Liriomyza huidobrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae), is an important economic pest of potatoes across the world, causing substantial damage in most potato-growing areas. The use of local entomopathogens for the control of insect pests has been widely encouraged, coupled with several environmental advantages being contrasted to the effects achieved using chemical pesticides. The current study surveyed potato field soil to determine the presence of entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) and entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) species in the Sandveld region of the Western Cape province. Susceptibility of L. huidobrensis larvae and pupae to the isolated pathogens and other locally sourced isolates was evaluated. The results of the survey indicated the presence of an unknown free-living bacteria feeding insect-associated nematode species of the genus Acrobeloides, the EPN Heterorhabditis zealandica and two EPF species, Metarhizium robertsii and M. majus. All L. huidobrensis pupal (45–57%) and larval stages (52–72%) of the potato leaf miner showed susceptibility to the EPN species tested. Laboratory bioassays showed that the pupal and larval stages was the most susceptible (>72% infection) to Heterorhabditis baujardi. Liriomyza huidobrensis pupal stage showed high pathogenicity to isolates of M. robertsii (10C). Overall, all isolates of M. robertsii showed pupal pathogenicity ranging between 80% and 91%. Metarhizium robertsii outperformed Beauveria bassiana as a biocontrol agent against L. huidobrensis pupae in the laboratory. Results from this study indicate the potential of biologicals as future biocontrol agents in an integrated pest management system for potato production.

Self-management experiences of youth following the unexpected loss of a family member to HIV

BackgroundDeath of a close family member is one of the most traumatic events in a person’s life. The way, in which this loss unfolds, varies from person to person and depends on how close you were with the deceased. It was unclear how youths experienced it to manage themselves during different stages of the bereavement process, after losing a near-family member to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).AimThe aim of this study was to understand the self-management of youth following the unexpected loss of a family member to HIV.SettingKhayelitsha, Western Cape province, South Africa.MethodsA descriptive phenomenological design was followed, with an accessible population of youth who lost a family member to HIV. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 purposively selected participants after obtaining written informed consent. The sessions, held with an interview schedule, did not take longer than 45 min to conduct until data saturation was reached. A digital recorder was used and field notes held. Open coding was followed after transcribing interviews.ResultsIndividuals had different experiences during different stages of the bereavement process, not necessarily similar or following the same sequence. Individuals had to manage their guilt of being unable to do more before the family member passed away, struggling to realise that they have a future purpose, and hardship having fond memories.ConclusionYouth find it difficult to view death as a natural loss of life and to manage themselves after the loss of their loved one to HIV.ContributionThe context-based information in this study confirms the importance of youth and self-coping and self-continuation to plan, organise and direct their future after the loss of a family member.

<em>Caldarinus gwarrie</em>, a new genus and species of edaphic weevil from South Africa with notes on some genera of Oosomini

The new genus and species of edaphic Entiminae Caldarinus gwarrie gen. n., sp. n., is described from South Africa: Western Cape province. Its tribal placement in the subfamily is discussed and the most important taxonomic characters are illustrated. The genus Rhysoderes Marshall, 1955 (Entiminae: oosomini) is proposed as a new junior synonym of Cladeyterus Schoenherr, 1842 and Rhysoderes atrobruneus Marshall, 1958 is proposed as a new junior synonym of Cladeyterus lepidopterus Boheman, 1842. The remaining nine Rhysoderes species are transferred to the genus Cladeyterus.

Transmission, distribution and drug resistance-conferring mutations of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis in the Western Cape Province, South Africa.

Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB), defined as resistance to at least isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RIF), a fluoroquinolone (FQ) and a second-line injectable drug (SLID), is difficult to treat and poses a major threat to TB control. The transmission dynamics and distribution of XDR Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains have not been thoroughly investigated. Using whole genome sequencing data on 461 XDR-Mtb strains, we aimed to investigate the geographical distribution of XDR-Mtb strains in the Western Cape Province of South Africa over a 10 year period (2006–2017) and assess the association between Mtb sub-lineage, age, gender, geographical patient location and membership or size of XDR-TB clusters. First, we identified transmission clusters by excluding drug resistance-conferring mutations and using the 5 SNP cutoff, followed by merging clusters based on their most recent common ancestor. We then consecutively included variants conferring resistance to INH, RIF, ethambutol (EMB), pyrazinamide (PZA), SLIDs and FQs in the cluster definition. Cluster sizes were classified as small (2–4 isolates), medium (5–20 isolates), large (21–100 isolates) or very large (>100 isolates) to reflect the success of individual strains. We found that most XDR-TB strains were clustered and that including variants conferring resistance to INH, RIF, EMB, PZA and SLIDs in the cluster definition did not significantly reduce the proportion of clustered isolates (85.5–82.2 %) but increased the number of patients belonging to small clusters (4.3–12.4 %, P=0.56). Inclusion of FQ resistance-conferring variants had the greatest effect, with 11 clustered isolates reclassified as unique while the number of clusters increased from 17 to 37. Lineage 2 strains (lineage 2.2.1 typical Beijing or lineage 2.2.2 atypical Beijing) showed the large clusters which were spread across all health districts of the Western Cape Province. We identified a significant association between residence in the Cape Town metropole and cluster membership (P=0.016) but no association between gender, age and cluster membership or cluster size (P=0.39). Our data suggest that the XDR-TB epidemic in South Africa probably has its origin in the endemic spread of MDR Mtb and pre-XDR Mtb strains followed by acquisition of FQ resistance, with more limited transmission of XDR Mtb strains. This only became apparent with the inclusion of drug resistance-conferring variants in the definition of a cluster. In addition to the prevention of amplification of resistance, rapid diagnosis of MDR, pre-XDR and XDR-TB and timely initiation of appropriate treatment is needed to reduce transmission of difficult-to-treat TB.

Resilience in Low- to Middle-Income Families with a Mother Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

The aim of this study was to identify characteristics and factors that assisted families in the adjustment and adaptation to the chronic illness of breast cancer. A mixed-methods convergent parallel research design was employed. Non-probability convenience sampling was utilized to recruit 104 mothers from a university hospital in the Western Cape province, South Africa. Qualitative data were collected with semi-structured interviews (n = 11), and quantitative data were obtained using seven self-report questionnaires (N = 104). Several family resilience qualities were identified by means of quantitative and qualitative analyses. Findings can be utilized in interventions aimed at strengthening families with mothers who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Waste-to-energy in a developing country: The state of landfill gas to energy in the Republic of South Africa

Landfill gas to energy (LFGE) projects were implemented in the Republic of South Africa (RSA) to diversify the energy mix and transition to a green economy. This study provides an overview of the status of LFGE in RSA and identifies major factors that inhibit the adoption and utilization of this technology, using existing data from 2010–2020 from electronic databases, namely, ScienceDirect, Taylor & Francis, Google Scholar, Sage Open, Springer Link, Sabinet, and IEEE Xplore, and using a combination of keywords and Boolean functions. This study revealed that, although RSA has made significant progress in the adoption and utilization of landfill gas (LFG) through the seventeen (17) planned LFGE projects, only six (6) are operational and generate 15 MW of electricity supplied to the local grid in the KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, and Gauteng Province. The waste-to-energy (WtE) sources such as LFGE are not given priority, and the country continues to invest in coal-fired power stations, owing to the abundance, availability, and low cost of coal reserves, which will supply coal for the next 200 years. The study identified factors inhibiting LGFE projects in RSA, which included the lack of sanitary landfill sites, LFG monitoring, funding, skills, research, and development. Potential LFGE in RSA is evident, however, except for limited processing facilities, economic investment, and public awareness. Suggestions for further research on the techno-economic and policy assessments are provided in the study. This study contributes to synthesizing evidence of the status of LFGE, insights on state-of-the-art technologies of WtE and the associated challenges in the waste management sector, identifying the potential for LFGE, and LFGE in the circular economy, and building a foundation for future research on WtE such as LFGE. Moreover, it also offers a reference for policymakers, decision-makers, researchers in the waste management sector on the technologies of WtE, LFGE, and potential to reduce waste generated.

Reflections on the health system response to COVID-19 in the Western Cape Province

In the Western Cape Province, as elsewhere in the country, the COVID-19 crisis has required an intense multi-pronged response by the provincial Government. With the aim of encouraging wider reflection, this chapter presents our experiences, focusing specifically on surveillance and planning, the outbreak and health platform response including corporate support services, and leadership and governance. During the inter-wave periods, the Department of Health convened a series of facilitated conversations with staff to consider our responses and identify lessons that can inform our future strategy. The Western Cape COVID-19 response showed that government can be adroit and responsive to shocks. We drew on the pre-existing health system foundations of trusting relationships, collaboration and networking. The responses were also underpinned by decisive and distributed leadership and stewardship − mobilising a range of actors within, across and outside government around a common purpose; using routine information and evidence in continuously adapting to emergent conditions; and decentralised approaches that enabled local responsiveness. Responsive corporate support services (infrastructure provision, oxygen supply and staffing support) have been critical. Developing agile inter-disciplinary and cross-functional mechanisms for rapid decision-making, such as huddles, were instrumental. We also specifically sought to: address staff safety in all sectors; use digital technologies to do business differently; and develop a culture of learning and constant improvement. Areas for future improvement include strengthening community connectedness, managing ‘policy overload’ on frontline managers, and empowering middle management in their mediating role between frontline staff, the community and senior management. It is critical to strengthen the health system to manage both everyday challenges and extraordinary adverse events like COVID-19. Organisational muscle and resilience are built through collaborative relationships, flexibility and agility, and the ability to learn, improve and adapt.

Phylogeny and taxonomy of the African frog genus Strongylopus (Anura: Pyxicephalidae)

We present a molecular phylogeny of African stream frogs (genus Strongylopus), based on 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, the nuclear recombination activating gene 1 (RAG-1) and tyrosinase exon 1 (tyr). Molecular data were supported by advertisement call analysis and morphology. We recognise six valid species: Strongylopus bonaespei (Dubois, 1981) from the southern and southwestern parts of the Western Cape Province, South Africa; Strongylopus fasciatus (Smith, 1849) from eastern South Africa to Zimbabwe; Strongylopus grayii (Smith, 1849) found throughout South Africa with older records in Naukluft, in central Namibia; Strongylopus rhodesianus (Hewitt, 1933) known from the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe and western Mozambique; Strongylopus wageri (Wager, 1961) from KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa and Strongylopus merumontanus (Lönnberg, 1907) from eastern Zambia, Malawi, northern Mozambique and Tanzania. Strongylopus fuelleborni (Nieden, 1911), S. kitumbeine Channing & Davenport, 2002 and S. kilimanjaro Clarke & Poynton, 2005 were shown to be junior synonyms of Strongylopus merumontanus. Strongylopus springbokensis Channing, 1986 is recovered as a junior synonym of Strongylopus grayii. Divergence ages were estimated, and discussed in terms of paleoclimatic events.

Enablers and barriers to effective parenting within the first 1000\xa0days: an exploratory study of South African parents and primary caregivers in low socio-economic communities

BackgroundThe first 1000 days is the period between conception and a child’s second birthday. Globally, research on parenting is in an advanced stage, but parenting research focusing specifically on parenting in this developmental phase is limited in South Africa. Therefore, this study explores the enablers and barriers to effective parenting within the first 1000 days through the lens of parents and caregivers in low socio-economic communities.MethodsThis study was conducted in communities in South Africa considered low socio-economic communities in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. An exploratory qualitative research design explored the enablers and barriers to effective parenting within the first 1000 days of life. Thirty participants were purposively selected and interviewed in this study. A semi-structured interview schedule was used for all interviews. The data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.ResultsTwo main categories emerged (effective parenting enablers and effective parenting barriers) during the data analysis. The main enablers of effective parenting within the first 1000 days of life include a support system, healthy behaviours/environment, unemployment/job opportunities, religion, information/knowledge, and professional assistance. On the other hand, the main barriers to effective parenting were low socio-economic circumstances, environmental circumstances, lack of partner’s support, the negative impact of technology, and lack of access to services.ConclusionEnablers that need to be promoted for effective parenting range from support systems to professional assistance for parents. Also, barriers that need to be removed for effective parenting range from low socio-economic circumstances to a lack of partner’s support for parents. This is because effective parenting is vital in improving developmental outcomes for children within the first 1000 days of life. Therefore, there is a need to develop policies and interventions to promote effective parenting within the first 1000 days in the communities.

Deconstructing Gangsterism in South African Legislation and Policy: Reframing Anti-Gang Strategies by Utilising At-Risk Definitions

The issue of gangs, and ensuing gang violence, predates democracy in South Africa. While the dawn of democracy promised a new beginning, the lingering effects of Apartheid remained, particularly the spatial configuration of cities and legacies of fractured communities. Cape Town, the country’s second largest city and metropole of the Western Cape province, exemplifies this more starkly than elsewhere, as apartheid spatial planning relegated the historically disadvantaged to the limits and outskirts of society, where they still remain, but the City of Cape Town perpetuated the relegation of the poor and working class to the verges. The nascent democratic government and newly recalibrated police forces have struggled to address gang violence effectively amidst the backdrop of widespread organised crime and corruption, social inequality, a sluggish economy, and poor service delivery. The National Anti-Gangsterism Strategy (2017), the country’s latest strategy framework, requires policy implementation at provincial level. This paper will assess the Western Cape policy content and deconstruct the concept of gangsterism so as to discuss the measures best suited to bring about change in society. It will be argued that sustained anti-gang strategies and interventions demand that structural obstacles and inequality in lieu of the spill over from the Apartheid era are addressed. Concludingly, the long-term benefits of reframing the problem of gangsterism in the Western Cape as ‘a youth-at-risk-crisis’ as such policy responses contribute to local peace, including the view to allowing youth(s) to exert agency and become empowered in pursuit of individual and community resilience and active citizenry.

Cascade Immune Mechanisms of Protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (IMPAc-TB): study protocol for the Household Contact Study in the Western Cape, South Africa

BackgroundNatural immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis exists, and > 90% of those infected remain disease-free. Innate and adaptive immune responses required to mediate such protection against tuberculosis (TB) are, however, poorly understood.MethodsThis is an analytical study exploring protective and non-protective pathways of immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Adults without HIV infection are recruited at community healthcare clinics in high TB incidence areas of the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Data regarding participants’ medical, social and medication usage will be collected, and clinical examinations and point-of-care tests documented. Reference tests for TB (chest radiographs and sputum tests for GeneXpert MTB/RIF Ultra®, Auramine smear and liquid cultures) and investigations to classify infection states [interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) and SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) nasopharyngeal swab and IgG], are done on all participants who meet the inclusion criteria. 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography combined with computerized tomography will be done on all close contacts (contacts) and healthy control (controls) participants. Participants are divided into 12 study groups representing a spectrum of TB clinical phenotypes and prior SARS-CoV-2 infection based on their TB status, exposure history, results of IGRA test at baseline and 3 months, SARS-CoV-2 serology, and PCR results, and for contacts and controls, PET-CT imaging findings indicative of sub-clinical TB lesions. Samples for experimental assays include whole blood for isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and blood in PAXgene® tubes for RNA isolation. All SARS-CoV-2 PCR negative study participants undergo bronchoscopy for collecting bronchoalveolar lavage samples.DiscussionThe paired blood and BAL samples will be used for comprehensive analyses of the tissue-specific and systemic immunity that will include e.g., cytometry by time-of-flight analyses, RNA-sequencing, multiplex immunoassays, epigenetic analysis, and mechanistic studies of control of infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Results will be integrated with those from mice and non-human primate studies to provide a comprehensive analysis of protective pathways in natural and vaccine-induced immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Residents and Professionals’ Perspectives on Energy and Water Consumption While Transiting from Conventional to Sustainable Housings in South Africa

The concept of sustainable construction is, unfortunately, not implemented in many developing countries, and even where it is, e.g., South Africa, the uptake is still slow. In the present study, we evaluate, based on residents and professionals’ perspectives, the sustainability measures implemented at the Belhar Gardens Rental Estate (BGRE), a sustainable housing rated for its Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Data were collected through questionnaires administered to experienced professionals (n = 19) and residents (n = 106) of BGRE and analysed using descriptive statistics and a modelling approach. We found that 95% of professionals were aware of the concept of sustainable construction, and 74% were aware of the National Building Act 103 of 1977. However, some barriers to sustainable construction were raised: (i) it is expensive and (ii) there is a limited knowledge of how the sustainability concept can benefit the construction industry. Ecological design and procurement are the solutions proposed by professionals to mainstream sustainable construction in South Africa. Finally, 63% of the professionals indicated that the centralized heat pumps installed in BGRE lead to efficient energy use. Surprisingly, only 61% of residents are aware that energy-saving measures are implemented in BGRE, and only 40% of the residents agree that the energy-saving measures implemented are efficient. Interestingly, 65% of residents indicated that energy consumption in BGRE is less than what they consumed in conventional housings. Finally, none of the variables tested (age, gender and residence time) correlate with residents’ satisfaction with sustainability measures in BGRE, making it difficult to predict what drives people’s satisfaction in an EDGE-rated housing. By identifying the barriers and benefits of sustainable construction, we provide opportunities on which to press to improve the awareness, mainstreaming and uptake of the sustainable construction approach in South Africa.

Access to health care for people with stroke in South Africa: a qualitative study of community perspectives

BackgroundIncidence of stroke is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa. People who survive stroke experience disability and require long-term care. Health systems in South Africa (SA) are experiencing important challenges, and services in the public health system for people with stroke (PWS) are fragmented. We aimed to explore the perspectives and experiences of PWS related to stroke care services to inform health system strengthening measures.MethodsIn-depth interviews with 16 PWS in urban and rural areas in the Western and Eastern Cape Provinces of SA were conducted between August and October 2020. PWS were recruited through existing research networks, non-government organisations and organisations of persons with disabilities by snowball sampling. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and thematically analysed. We used the conceptual framework of access to health care as proposed by Levesque et al. to map and inform barriers to accessing health care from the user perspective.ResultsPWS recognised the need for health care when they experienced signs of acute stroke. Health literacy on determinants of stroke was low. Challenges to accessing stroke care include complex pathways to care, physical mobility related to stroke, long travel distances and limited transport options, waiting times and out of pocket expenses. The perceived quality of services was influenced by cultural beliefs, attitudinal barriers, and information challenges. Some PWS experienced excellent care and others particularly poor care. Positive staff attitude, perceived competence and trustworthiness went in hand with many technical and interpersonal deficits, such as long waiting times and poor staff attitude that resulted in poor satisfaction and reportedly poor outcomes for PWS.ConclusionsStrategic leadership, governance and better resources at multiple levels are required to address the unmet demands and needs for health care of PWS. Stroke care could be strengthened by service providers routinely providing information about prevention and symptoms of stroke, treatment, and services to patients and their social support network. The role of family members in continuity of care could be strengthened by raising awareness of existing resources and referral pathways, and facilitating connections within services.

The impact of Tamarix invasion on the soil physicochemical properties

The exotic Tamarix species, T. ramosissima and T. chinensis, were introduced into South Africa in the early 1900s reportedly either for ornamental or soil wind erosion control purposes in the mines. They are, however, currently invading several riparian ecosystems in the country and threatening its biodiversity and proper functioning. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of the exotic Tamarix species on the soil physicochemical properties vis-à-vis the indigenous Tamarix at the Leeu River in the Western Cape Province, of South Africa where they are purvasive. Three transects were laid from the riverbank towards the outer land, where the exotic followed by the native Tamarix species predominantly occurred. Soil was sampled from three points per transect and three soil depths (0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm) per point in winter and summer to determine selected soil physicochemical properties. The results showed that total nitrogen (TN), total carbon (TC), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K) and Magnesium (Mg) concentrations under the native and exotic Tamarix species were significantly higher than those in the open land without Tamarix species. The salinity under the native and exotic Tamarix species was greater (P < 0.05) in the topsoils (0–10 cm) than in the deeper soils (20–30 cm) with 5.05 mS cm−1 and 4.73 mS cm−1, respectively. Soil electrical conductivity (EC) was higher (P < 0.05) during the winter season under the exotic Tamarix species (5.05 mS cm−1) followed by the native species (4.73 mS cm−1) and it was the lowest in the control (0.16 mS cm−1) at 0–10 cm soil depth. Similarly, sodium and sodium absorption ratios (SAR) under the native and exotic Tamarix species were significantly greater than those in the control. The highest levels (P < 0.05) of TC were recorded at the topsoil (0–10 cm soil depth) under the exotic Tamarix species (1.17%), followed by the native Tamarix (1.07%) with the control recording the lowest (0.53%). There were no significant differences (P < 0.05) in K, TC, TN and SOC concentrations at lower soil depths (20–30 cm). The soil texture was significantly affected by the Tamarix species. The soil bulk density was lower under the exotic Tamarix followed by native Tamarix species than the control soils. The soil volumetric water content was higher under the exotic Tamarix species compared to the control. This study concludes that the invasion of the exotic and native Tamarix species altered the soil properties underneath and created conducive soil conditions for their predominance.

Fear at the top: killer whale predation drives white shark absence at South Africa’s largest aggregation site

Risk-induced fear effects exerted by top predators are pervasive in terrestrial and marine systems, with lasting impacts on ecosystem structure and function. The loss of top predators can disrupt ecosystems and trigger trophic cascades, but the introduction of novel apex predators into ecosystems is not well understood. We documented the emigration of white sharks Carcharodon carcharias in response to the presence of a pair of killer whales, Orcinus orca, at a large white shark aggregation site in South Africa. Between February and June in 2017, five white shark carcasses washed up on beaches in Gansbaai, Western Cape Province, four of which had their livers removed. Sightings per unit effort (sea days) and telemetry data demonstrated that white sharks emigrated from Gansbaai following these predation events, and in response to further sightings of this pair and other killer whale pods in the vicinity. Tagging data demonstrated the immediate departure of white sharks from Gansbaai, and some sharks were subsequently moving east. Contrary to expected and well-documented patterns of white shark occurrence at this site, their sightings dropped throughout the following 2.5 years; change-point analysis on both datasets confirmed these departures coincided with killer whale presence and shark carcasses washing out. These findings suggest that white sharks respond rapidly to risk from a novel predator, and that their absence triggered the emergence of another predator, the bronze whaler Carcharhinus brachyurus. Predator–prey interactions between white sharks, other coastal sharks, and killer whales are increasing in South Africa and are expected to have pronounced impacts on the ecosystem.

Association of maternal depression and anxiety with toddler social-emotional and cognitive development in South Africa: a prospective cohort study

ObjectiveA robust literature has identified associations between prenatal maternal depression and adverse child social-emotional and cognitive outcomes. The majority of prior research is from high-income countries despite increased reporting of...

Is medication administration in the elderly influenced by nurses’ demographics in South Africa?

BackgroundGlobally, nurses are increasingly employed post-retirement, with task-shifting to nurses with lower competencies, a lack of knowledge being a barrier, all of which could lead to medication errors.AimTo describe the impact of nurses’ age, experience, training, and skill mix on the medication administration processes in long-term care facilities (LTCFs).SettingNurses (N=123) working in 28 LTCFs in the Western Cape province, South Africa.MethodsA quantitative non-experimental, cross-sectional descriptive design was used. The LTCFs were divided into funded (state-subsidised) and private (for profit) facilities using a stratified sampling method and each stratum thereafter randomised to obtain equal samples from each stratum. Self-administered questionnaires with close-ended statements were used, and statistical software (SPSS version 27) to perform descriptive and inferential analyses.ResultsRespondents, (27%), had more than nine years of experience, with 15.8% aged 61-70 years; and 3.5% aged 71-80 years. Some were ‘very inexperienced’ in computer use (29.3%), 35% received medication training longer than five years ago, and n=28 nurses administered medication outside their scope of practice. The highest sources of job pressure were an increase in workloads (75.6%), being under stress (42.3%), and being overworked (39.0%).ConclusionThe aging nursing workforce, although experienced, found the job demands, paperwork, and technology barriers. Outdated training and delegating medication administration to lower categories of nurses can lead to medication errors.ContributionThis study’s findings can serve as a guideline for creating succession plans, recruiting procedures, development, and training of nurses, and improving clinical practices.

New records of Eriophyidae and Tenuipalpidae mites (Acari: Prostigmata) on bougainvillea plants in South Africa

Bougainvillea plants, native of Brazil, are cultivated in home gardens in South Africa. Vittacus bougainvilleae (Keifer) (Eriophyidae), Brevipalpus californicus s.l. (Banks) and Brevipalpus yothersi Baker (Tenuipalpidae) are recorded for the first time in this country infesting bougainvillea plants. The bougainvillea rust mite, V. bougainvilleae, was detected in the Western Cape Province during the summer season. Infested plants showed symptoms of leaf rolling, as well as leaf and flower drop. Brevipalpus californicus and B. yothersi were detected in Mpumalanga Province during winter and late autumn causing no obvious damage.

Illustrated descriptions of juvenile stages of an Aloeides species close to margaretae Tite &amp; Dickson, including comparisons with both A. apicalis Tite &amp; Dickson and A. depicta Tite &amp; Dickson

The butterfly in this study is provisionally treated as Aloeides margaretae and represents observations and material from Moorreesburg, Lambert’s Bay and Graafwater, in the Western Cape province. The juvenile stages illustrated herein were mostly obtained from Graafwater; although they are consistent with observations at the other localities. These juvenile stages are compared with Gowan Clark’s illustrations of A. depicta in Tite &amp; Dickson (1968). Some small differences in markings of the larval stages were noted, that together with a difference in the shape of the hind wing, lend some support for their separate status. A comparison is also made here between the adult stages of A. margaretae and A. apicalis. This reveals little significant or consistent difference between them in either wing shape or markings, inferring that their taxonomic relationship needs to be reviewed in a molecular study. It is surprising that Tite &amp; Dickson did not attempt to define or question the relationship between them seeing that both taxa were described by them in the same publication and that according to their designated paratypes, their distributions overlapped. It is unlikely that species of host plant or host ant can throw any further light on their relationship as there is a dearth of such data in most descriptions of myrmecophilous juveniles, especially in the earlier publications, prompting a plea herein for lepidopterists to add observed host information to the usual collecting data and to collect samples of the host ants wherever possible.

Delineation of Paraburkholderia tuberum sensu stricto and description of Paraburkholderia podalyriae sp. nov. nodulating the South African legume Podalyria calyptrata

Since the discovery of Paraburkholderia tuberum, an indigenous South African species and one of the first beta-rhizobia described, several other South African rhizobial Paraburkholderia species have been recognized. Here, we investigate the taxonomic status of 31 rhizobial isolates from the root nodules of diverse South African legume hosts in the Core Cape Subregion, which were initially identified as P. tuberum. These isolates originate from the root nodules of genera in the Papilionoideae as well as Vachellia karroo, from the subfamily Caesalpinioideae. Genealogical concordance analysis of five loci allowed delineation of the isolates into two putative species clusters (A and B). Cluster A included P. tuberum STM678T, suggesting that this monophyletic group represents P. tuberum sensu stricto. Cluster B grouped sister to P. tuberum and included isolates from the Paarl Rock Nature Reserve in the Western Cape Province. Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) analysis further confirmed that isolates of Cluster A shared high genome similarity with P. tuberum STM678T compared to Cluster B and other Paraburkholderia species. The members of Cluster B associated with a single species of Podalyria, P. calyptrata. For this new taxon we accordingly propose the name Paraburkholderia podalyriae sp. nov., with the type strain WC7.3bT (= LMG 31413T; SARCC 750T). Based on our nodA and nifH phylogenies, P. podalyriae sp. nov. and strains of P. tuberum sensu stricto (including one from V. karroo) belong to symbiovar africana, the symbiotic loci of which have a separate evolutionary origin to those of Central and South American Paraburkholderia strains.