Work In South Africa Research Articles

Perspectives of healthcare workers in South Africa on COVID-19 vaccination passports.

BackgroundFollowing the rollout of several effective vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), many countries have introduced vaccination passports or certificates as a means of certifying that an individual has been vaccinated against, is immune to, or is presently uninfected with COVID-19. An extensive ethical debate has ensued.AimTo determine the perspectives of South African healthcare workers (HCWs) on the implementation of COVID-19 vaccination passports (C19VPs) in South Africa (SA).SettingHealthcare workers working in various fields and practice settings throughout SA were invited to complete an online questionnaire.MethodsAn online questionnaire was distributed using convenience sampling via social media platforms to HCWs over a 1-month period, collecting demographic details and responses to 8 Likert-type items regarding agreement with C19VPs, ethical issues and feasibility. Each item was graded from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), with grouping of 4 of the 8 items exploring a common theme of C19VPs being a good idea, constituting a score out of 20. Non-parametric tests were performed to determine differences in responses between groups.ResultsOne thousand HCWs responded to the survey and fulfilled inclusion criteria. The majority (83.2%) of respondents were medical practitioners (MPs). Overall, most (73.5%) respondents agreed that C19VPs are a good idea. Older respondents agreed more strongly than younger respondents (medians 18 and 17, respectively, p = 0.001), and respondents in private practice agreed more strongly than those in state practice (medians 18 and 16, respectively, p = 0.042). The median response was neutral (3) in response to the ethics of C19VPs considering variations in vaccine access and tending towards disagreement (2.5) in disadvantaging poorer people. Most respondents disagreed that vaccine hesitancy would make C19VPs unethical, and responses from provinces with the highest vaccination proportions disagreed more than others with lower vaccination proportion (median 2 compared with 3, p < 0.001). There was uncertainty about the feasibility of C19VPs in SA, with older HCWs, non-students, senior MPs and those who thought C19VPs are a good idea being more likely to consider them feasible.ConclusionThe perspectives of HCWs, mainly MPs, about C19VPs in SA were obtained. Further research should focus on vaccine hesitancy and its factors in HCWs and the effect of C19VPs on restrictions, reduction in transmission and benefits on economies and mental health.ContributionTo the authors’ knowledge, this is the first survey data published on the perspectives of South African HCWs on C19VPs in the country. Healthcare workers are trusted influencers of vaccination decisions, and their opinion on vaccination certificates may also influence the South African public’s perception and acceptance thereof.

Unpacking the Concept of Decent Work in the Psychology of Working Theory for Blue-Collar Workers

Our research aimed to expand the understanding of decent work at a micro level by exploring the concept among the intended target group for which the Psychology of Work Theory (PWT) was developed for (unskilled and semi-skilled workers). By using an interpretive phenomenological approach and drawing on 13 focus group discussions (with 71 South African blue-collar workers), our findings revealed both objective (e.g. job characteristics and resources, working conditions and skills reproduction) and subjective dimensions (e.g. challenge and mastery and fairness) of decent work. We expand existing knowledge about the work experiences of blue-collar workers as an underrepresented research sample, specifically within a non-western context (i.e. South Africa). Furthermore, we provide some in-depth nuances when considering the PWT for blue-collar workers. Based on our empirical findings and extant literature, our study shows ways in which the existing conceptualizations of decent work can be expanded in order to reflect the perceptions of blue-collar workers in South Africa.

Sex work and young women: a cross sectional study to understand the overlap of age and sex work as a central tenet to epidemic control in South Africa

ABSTRACT Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) engaging in sex-for-money transactions are at risk of HIV infection. A better understanding of the demographic, socio-economic factors and risks of HIV acquisition is required to guide appropriate public health interventions targeting young sex workers in South Africa. A cross-sectional survey of Female Sex Workers (FSWs), using a chain referral sampling method, was conducted across 12 sites in South Africa in 2019. Three thousand and five participants were enrolled and interviewed assessing demographic characteristics, sexual behaviour, substance use and HIV testing and treatment. Of 3005 women, 13.3% were ≤24 years old (young FSWs); of these, 60.0% entered sex work aged ≤19 years. Economic factors were the primary drivers of entry into sex work. HIV prevalence amongst young FSWs was 40.4%, with 12.4% recently infected. Younger FSWs were significantly less likely to know they were HIV positive (87.6% versus 92.1%), to report any ART exposure (75.2% versus 87.6%) and to be virally suppressed (58.1% versus 75.2%) compared to older FSWs. Our findings highlight that many FSWs enter sex work at a young age. It is essential to develop tailored services and interventions that improve access to HIV prevention and treatment services addressing specific needs.

The HIV Cascade of Care and Service Utilisation at Sex Work Programmes Among Female Sex Workers in South Africa

Female sex workers (FSWs) in South Africa experience a uniquely high prevalence of HIV. We describe the HIV cascade of care (CoC) in FSWs in South Africa, and explored service utilisation at sex work programmes. A cross-sectional, study enrolled FSWs across 12 sites in South Africa. Participants were recruited using chain-referral method. Inclusion criteria: ≥ 18 years, cis-gender female, sold/transacted in sex, HIV positive. 1862 HIV positive FSWs were enrolled. 92% were known positive, 87% were on antiretroviral treatment (ART). Of those on ART, 74% were virally suppressed. Younger FSWs were significantly less likely to be on ART or virally suppressed. Female sex workers using HIV services from specialised programs were 1.4 times more likely to be virally suppressed than non-program users. The pre-COVID-19 pandemic HIV CoC amongst FSWs in South Africa shows striking improvement from previous estimates, and approaches achievement of 90:90:90 goals.

Sisonke: reaching several goals together

Sisonke: reaching several goals together

Effectiveness of the Ad26.COV2.S vaccine in health-care workers in South Africa (the Sisonke study): results from a single-arm, open-label, phase 3B, implementation study

SummaryBackgroundWe aimed to assess the effectiveness of a single dose of the Ad26.COV2.S vaccine (Johnson & Johnson) in health-care workers in South Africa during two waves of the South African COVID-19 epidemic.MethodsIn the single-arm, open-label, phase 3B implementation Sisonke study, health-care workers aged 18 years and older were invited for vaccination at one of 122 vaccination sites nationally. Participants received a single dose of 5 × 1010 viral particles of the Ad26.COV2.S vaccine. Vaccinated participants were linked with their person-level data from one of two national medical insurance schemes (scheme A and scheme B) and matched for COVID-19 risk with an unvaccinated member of the general population. The primary outcome was vaccine effectiveness against severe COVID-19, defined as COVID-19-related admission to hospital, hospitalisation requiring critical or intensive care, or death, in health-care workers compared with the general population, ascertained 28 days or more after vaccination or matching, up to data cutoff. This study is registered with the South African National Clinical Trial Registry, DOH-27-022021-6844, ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04838795, and the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry, PACTR202102855526180, and is closed to accrual.FindingsBetween Feb 17 and May 17, 2021, 477 102 health-care workers were enrolled and vaccinated, of whom 357 401 (74·9%) were female and 119 701 (25·1%) were male, with a median age of 42·0 years (33·0–51·0). 215 813 vaccinated individuals were matched with 215 813 unvaccinated individuals. As of data cutoff (July 17, 2021), vaccine effectiveness derived from the total matched cohort was 83% (95% CI 75–89) to prevent COVID-19-related deaths, 75% (69–82) to prevent COVID-19-related hospital admissions requiring critical or intensive care, and 67% (62–71) to prevent COVID-19-related hospitalisations. The vaccine effectiveness for all three outcomes were consistent across scheme A and scheme B. The vaccine effectiveness was maintained in older health-care workers and those with comorbidities including HIV infection. During the course of the study, the beta (B.1.351) and then the delta (B.1.617.2) SARS-CoV-2 variants of concerns were dominant, and vaccine effectiveness remained consistent (for scheme A plus B vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19-related hospital admission during beta wave was 62% [95% CI 42–76] and during delta wave was 67% [62–71], and vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19-related death during beta wave was 86% [57–100] and during delta wave was 82% [74–89]).InterpretationThe single-dose Ad26.COV2.S vaccine shows effectiveness against severe COVID-19 disease and COVID-19-related death after vaccination, and against both beta and delta variants, providing real-world evidence for its use globally.FundingNational Treasury of South Africa, the National Department of Health, Solidarity Response Fund NPC, The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, The Elma Vaccines and Immunization Foundation, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among healthcare workers in South Africa

ABSTRACT Background We assessed willingness to accept vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among healthcare workers(HCWs) at the start of South Africa’s vaccination roll-out. Research Design and Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey among HCWs in Cape Town in March-May 2021 and assessed predictors of vaccination intentions. Results We recruited 395 participants; 64% women, 49% nurses, and 13% physicians. Of these, 233(59.0%) would accept and 163 (41.0%) were vaccine hesitant i.e. would either refuse or were unsure whether they would accept COVID-19 vaccination. People who did not trust that COVID-19 vaccines are effective were the most hesitant (p = 0.038). Older participants and physicians were more likely to accept vaccination than younger participants (p < 0.01) and other HCWs (p = 0.042) respectively. Other predictors of vaccine acceptance were trust that vaccines are compatible with religion (p < 0.001), consideration of benefits and risks of vaccination (p < 0.001), willingness to be vaccinated to protect others (p < 0.001), and viewing vaccination as a collective action for COVID-19 control (p = 0.029). Conclusions COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is high among HCWs in Cape Town. Reducing this would require trust-building interventions, including tailored education.

A Comparative Policy for the COVID-19 Emergency Management of Frontline Health Workers in Selected African Countries

Health workers are often exposed to health risks and danger in the discharge of their duties. This is especially distressing during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study employs a multiple case study design to investigate the COVID-19 emergency management of frontline workers in South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria. The findings from the study reveal that governments in the selected countries prioritize the response phase of the emergency management theory over the mitigation and preparedness phases. The response phase was meted with inevitable consequences. Health workers feared risking their lives, and the majority threatened to abandon their jobs due to insufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) and welfare support. The study concludes that the government should prioritize all the phases of emergency management instead of focusing on the response phase, which involves the use of both human and financial resources on an overwhelming pandemic. They should have prepared the frontline workers adequately and equipped their health systems in preparation for any impending epidemic.

The Changing World of Work and Further Marginalisation of Workers in South Africa: An Evaluation of the Relevance of Trade Unions and Collective Bargaining

The world is changing rapidly. The globalisation of economies and rapid technological change severely impact all nations. Trade unions, collective bargaining, and labour legislation in all states have struggled to keep pace with change, yet they must do so. Many workers will join the unemployment ‘congregation’ as some of the skills we need now and for the future do not yet exist. This poses serious challenges for the provision of employment and training. Several new research studies released by the ILO have examined the ramifications of globalisation and the effects of a fast-changing world of work on unemployment and the protection of vulnerable workers. A key finding is that policies to protect vulnerable workers more effectively will be fundamental if countries are to respond to the challenges raised by globalisation and, more recently the Covid-19 pandemic, to develop the new skills required to maximise economic potential. This article also interrogates the current role played by trade unions and collective bargaining in protecting marginalised and vulnerable workers in South Africa. It also finds that the role played by trade unions and collective bargaining in protecting marginalised workers is declining.

Retail Workers in the Context of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) and Lockdown Regulations: An Analysis of Shoprite Workers in South Africa

Many sectors of the South African economy have felt the effect of the coronavirus, except for a few companies such as the Shoprite Group. The Shoprite Group kept its stores open during the Covid-19 lockdown levels and regulations in South Africa, except for its liquor stores owing to lockdown regulations that prohibited the sale of alcohol. The Shoprite Group did not retrench its workforce, but created thousands of jobs since Covid-19 hit the country. Retail workers such as Shoprite workers are deemed essential workers and are allowed to go to work during the Covid-19 lockdown periods. The retail giant is required to provide protective equipment such as face masks and hand sanitisers to its workforce. The workforce at Shoprite consist of full-time permanent workers and sub-standard workers (i.e. temporary, labour brokers and casual workers). This article highlights that Covid-19 provides an opportune time for both government and Shoprite to revisit the employment status of some workers, particularly sub-standard workers. They should recognise them as essential workers and give them essential, decent full-time permanent jobs with decent salaries, protection and benefits.

Motivating factors associated with oral pre-exposure prophylaxis use among female sex workers in South Africa.

To explore the motivating factors that encourage female sex workers to take oral PrEP, despite the challenges that come with adherence. The 39 participants in this study consisted of female sex workers, peer educators, a counselor, and a researcher. Participants took PrEP as an expression of self-love. Some participants described PrEP as empowering because they could independently prevent HIV. They were also motivated by parenting, hope and future aspirations. It is important for future PrEP interventions to incorporate behavioral strategies that appeal to the user's personal and deeper motivations for living.

Analysis of Immigrant Employment in South Africa

The aim of this report is to analyze the employment status of African immigrants in South Africa. It will look at the reasons behind a workers’ decision to emigrate, local reactions to migrant workers in South Africa, and the benefits and conflicts that result from these movements.

Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) in South Africa: introduction and a review of the labour market literature

Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) was conceived as a structural intervention to fundamentally reorganise the South African economy and address persistent economic inequalities. South Africa has the world's highest income inequality, and this is reflected by vast inequalities in salaries and wages both between high and low earners, but importantly between different race and gender groups. Despite a plethora of legislation aimed at addressing inequality in ownership (such as B-BBEE) and in the workplace (employment equity legislation), women and Black workers in South Africa continue to be paid less than men and white employees, even when doing the same work (the pay gap), and are more likely to work in precarious, low-paid jobs (occupational segregation). These factors are driven by differences in the characteristics of workers, and by structural discrimination in the economy. Conceptually, we can decompose structural discrimination into two forms–that which discriminates against people who do the same job, based on race and gender (the pay gap)– and that which discriminates indirectly by occupational segregation–blacks and women concentrated in low paying occupations. In this paper, we ask whether B-BBEE–while not explicitly a labour market intervention–has had any positive impact in reducing labour market inequalities. We review the literature on occupational segregation and the gender and race pay gaps in post-apartheid South Africa, and examine the various policy interventions, with a particular focus on B-BBEE, that have attempted to address this enduring problem.

REASONS FOR CHOOSING SOCIAL WORK AS PROFESSION: A CASE STUDY OF PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LIMPOPO

The current number of social workers in South Africa is worryingly low. Whereas the motives for pursuing social work as a career have been documented, over the course of time things change and it is not possible to know or assume what motivated the current cohort of students. Thus, ongoing research is vital. A document analysis research that was qualitative in nature was undertaken at the University of Limpopo, where a selection test questionnaire in the form of open-ended questions was administered to 141 prospective students. The findings of a thematic analysis indicate that aspirations to pursue social work are influenced by family, school teachers, social workers in the field and a desire for self-healing. Keywords: career paths, prospective social work students, social work profession, University of Limpopo

Trauma and Social Work in South Africa, Need for a Comprehensive Trauma Intervention Model for Social Workers

A significant proportion of South Africans are exposed to traumatic life experiences annually. The trauma is exacerbated by high crime rate which ranges from murder, violence, house breaking and theft. The trauma victims end up in the hands of social workers who are ill prepared to deal with such clients. The motivation for this study was built on assessments that indicated at the time of the study that social work students in South Africa receive little or no training on trauma and trauma intervention. The purpose of this literature study was to draw together relevant knowledge on trauma in South Africa, trauma intervention and the importance of trauma intervention training for social workers in South Africa. Articles reviewed were identified through search engines such as Google Scholar, JSTOR, ProQuest, EBSCOHost, Boloka-NWU Institutional Repository (NWU-IR), Scopus, Science Direct and Web of Science were the databases and search engines utilized in the search. The inclusion criteria that were used to help identify relevant and recent studies using key words regarding the topic of trauma, were chapters in books; conference proceedings; full-text journal articles and higher degree papers. The literature consulted exposes how South Africans are exposed to traumatic life events and provided a deeper understanding of the problem of trauma and trauma intervention. The literature study also clarified why it is critical to have a trauma intervention model for social workers in South Africa and provided guidelines for the development of the trauma intervention manual.

Attitudes towards migrant workers in South Africa: A critical discourse analysis

Background: The influx of migrants from neighbouring countries has contributed to diversity in South Africa. This has caused on-going clashes between local residents and migrants. This article explores the role of discourse towards enabling a cohesive society. There has been much focus on migrants working in South Africa over the 2020 December festive season as many faced challenges in travelling to their respective countries because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This limelight exposed the underlying discrimination towards migrants in South Africa remain regardless of the South African progressive Constitution that values and respects individuals as well as protecting them from discrimination.Aim: This article adopts threat theory and uses critical discourse analysis to highlight the existing and continued discrimination towards migrant workers. The article exposes the causes of social inequalities, which can assist the government in decision-making towards reducing the inequality gap in service delivery.Setting: Public viewer comments on the news updates on migrants’ travel that were posted on the national news websites over the 2020 festive season were analysed.Methods: Critical Discourse analysis (CDA) was employed as a method of analysis in this article.Results and conclusion: The article intends to add to the existing body of knowledge and to also inform local government towards canvasing agenda that incorporate all human rights and enable a cohesive society by considering the role of discourse as an enabler of the problems experienced in societies. The results show that discourse contributes to negative attitudes, hate speech, discrimination and stereotyping towards migrants in South Africa.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Eye Health among Public Sector Eye Health Workers in South Africa.

In South Africa, primary eye care is largely challenged in its organisational structure, availability of human and other resources, and clinical competency. These do meet the standard required by the National Department of Health. This study seeks to assess the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices on eye health amongst Human Resources for eye health (HReH) and their managers, as no study has assessed this previously. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 11 districts of a South African province. A total of 101 participants completed self-administered, close-ended, Likert-scaled questionnaires anonymously. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted, and values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Most participants had adequate knowledge (81.6%), positive attitudes (69%), and satisfactory practices (73%) in eye health. HReH showed better knowledge than their managers (p < 0.01). Participants with a university degree, those aged 30–44 years, and those employed for <5 years showed a good attitude (p < 0.05) towards their work. Managers, who supervise and plan for eye health, were 99% less likely to practice adequately in eye health when compared with HReH (aOR = 0.012; p < 0.01). Practices in eye health were best amongst participants with an undergraduate degree, those aged 30–44 years (aOR = 2.603; p < 0.05), and participants with <5 years of employment (aOR = 26.600; p < 0.01). Knowledge, attitudes, and practices were found to be significantly moderately correlated with each other (p < 0.05). Eye health managers have poorer knowledge and practices of eye health than the HReH. A lack of direction is presented by the lack of adequately trained directorates for eye health. It is therefore recommended that policymakers review appointment requirements to ensure that adequately trained and qualified directorates be appointed to manage eye health in each district.

Illegal migrant Basotho women in South Africa: Exposure to vulnerability in domestic services

The illegal migration of Basotho women to South Africa in order to render domestic service is alarming because they are subjected to harsh treatment. This is a pastoral and theological concern for the church. As migrants, their struggle begins from the household circumstances that often force them to leave and seek job opportunities undocumented or without following prescribed migration procedures. They are then subjected to migration processes and procedures: for example, corruption and bribery by migration officers and illegal dealers (lirurubele). The working and living conditions in South Africa are often unconducive for illegal migrants. As economic and illegal migrants, they are often considered as lesser by prejudiced employers who treat them inhumanely. Accessing essential services also imposes a significant threat to their lives.Contribution: Through this study, the article will reveal the vulnerability faced by illegal migrant Basotho women as domestic workers in South Africa.

Skills2Care: An innovative, cooperative learning programme for community health workers in South Africa.

BackgroundCommunity health workers (CHWs) hold potential to support universal health coverage and better health for vulnerable communities. They are integral to the re-engineered Primary Health Care (PHC) strategy, introduced in South Africa in 2011. This study focussed on how to train CHWs in large numbers, especially in resource-limited, rural settings. Skills2Care, a method of cooperative learning for CHWS, has been pioneered in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.AimTo determine whether Skills2Care could improve the cognitive knowledge of CHWs; to understand their response and attitude to the programme; to explore factors that enabled and inhibited learning and to consider its viability as a training method.SettingResearch was conducted in 2019 in the Ngqeleni subdistrict of the O.R. Tambo district, in rural Eastern Cape.MethodsA group-learning model using specifically tailored study modules in booklet format, addressing mother and baby care, was used. A facilitator promoted learning. Knowledge assessment was conducted by pre- and post-study testing using multiple choice questions. Focus group discussions and interviews explored the appropriateness and acceptability of this method, and factors enabling and inhibiting the learning.ResultsThis method of peer group cooperative learning can significantly increase the cognitive knowledge of CHWs. Test scores indicated a significant (13%) improvement. Focus group discussions indicated that participants valued this method as it increased knowledge and boosted their confidence.ConclusionThis innovative approach to district-based, continuing education suggests that CHWs could be trained in large numbers without the need for additional resources.

Another World Is Possible: A Comparative Perspective

Another World Is Possible: A Comparative Perspective