College of Humanities

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A criminological inquiry into life insurance fraud in KwaZulu-Natal: an exploratory study.
(2023) Mthethwa, Nomathamsanqa.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.
Abstract available in PDF.
A discursive analysis of the construction of Afrophobia in TimesLive, News24 and Independent Online in South Africa, 2019 - 2022.
(2024) Jani, Clifford.; Dyll, Lauren Eva.
Immigration has become a global phenomenon where nearly half of the world‘s populations are refugees, migrants or asylum seekers. However, the representation of black African migrants has not been fair and balanced leading to studies outlining the negative representation of migrants in the media. Previous scholarship has explored how such reporting could be deemed xenophobic. This study is specifically interested in the phenomenon of Afrophobia, defined as fear of black people or systematic discrimination against people with African ancestry (Dube, 2019). This study explores the representation of black African migrants in Timeslive, News24 and IOL news sites and how the reporting language may be used in the construction of Afrophobic sentiments. The study utilises content analysis to gather data. A total of 66 news articles were purposively selected from the three news sites. The data is grouped according to emerging themes: illegality, undocumented migrants, job takers, criminals and drug dealers. Critical discourse analysis is used to analyse the discursive portrayal of black African migrants. The focus of the analysis is on how Afrophobia is problematised and transformed into a discursive crisis through the construction of anti-immigrant themes. Representation theory and post-colonial theory conceptually guide this study. Although the findings of this study generally support earlier studies which argue that the media representation of black Africans is negative, the critical discourse analysis also revealed sympathetic representations available in the news. The study‘s unique contributions are that it explores the Afrophobic sentiments manifested as prejudices and stereotypes, and systemic discrimination faced by foreign nationals in South Africa, through the online news as they are depicted as criminals, drug dealers and illegal or undocumented people, blamed for social ills in South Africa. It also reveals positive reporting where black African migrants are portrayed as entrepreneurs, employing the local population and adding value to the economy. However, the negative homogenous reporting of black African migrants is still prevalent.
A formative evaluation of a child abuse prevention programme in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2022) Makhathini, Sinothile Andile Sinegugu.; Frizelle, Kerry Lyn.
Background Abuse against children has been a concerning social phenomena in South Africa for many years, yet there are only a few child abuse prevention programmes that have been developed and designed to try and address this issue. Such prevention programmes aim to create awareness, educate children and families, assist with reporting cases, and provide trauma counselling and safe houses. Formative evaluations are important an important part of tracking the success in offering and managing prevention interventions. Aim: The aim of the study was to conduct a formative evaluation of a child abuse prevention programme at the Open Door Crisis Care Centre (ODCCC). To do so this study explored, from the perspective of social workers responsible for running the programme, the roles the social workers play in the organisation, the design of the child abuse prevention programme, the facilitators’ experiences in facilitating the child abuse prevention programme, the challenges faced in the implementation of the child abuse prevention programme, how those challenges can be overcome, and the areas that the child abuse prevention programme can be improved on. high workload, (3) political interference, (4) lack of funding, and (5) the lack of volunteers. These challenges are further exacerbated by the COVID 19 pandemic. Conclusion: The ODCCC child abuse prevention programme has been instrumental in helping the victims of child abuse by offering a range of services including counselling, shelter, support groups and awareness campaigns in the surrounding communities and schools. Recommendation: The social workers in the current study recommend the Department of Social Development to prioritise child abuse prevention programmes in South Africa and avail funding to these programmes across the country. As demonstrated in the current study, the child abuse prevention programme faces huge challenges, and a lack of funding is a major obstacle in the implementation of this programme. Methodology: The study adopted a qualitative design. The researcher conducted semi -structured interviews with four social workers to collect data and used thematic analysis to interpret and analyse the data collected. Findings: The findings show the ODCCC child abuse preventive programme, from the social workers perspective, provides essential services such as counselling, safe shelter, support groups and awareness campaigns for those affected by child abuse in the surrounding community. The social workers employed at ODCCC view their roles as improving the general well-being of abused children and their families by assisting them in meeting their fundamental needs which include reporting of abuse to the police, referral to a doctor to gather evidence, and preparation for court. The creating awareness has been a powerful tool because children are more cautious and aware of grooming. The findings further highlight that the ODCCC child abuse prevention programme is facing many challenges, these challenges are; (1) shortage of social workers, (2)
A qualitative exploration of lecturers’ experiences in teaching and assessment of students with disabilities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
(2023) Leahy, Kelly Louise.; Makhaba, Vukani Luvuyo.
Since the advent of democracy in South Africa, an inclusive education policy was implemented in the education system to address barriers to learning. Although this has increased the enrolment percentage of students with disabilities in higher education institutions (HEIs), a disjunction between policy and practice remains in HEIs in South Africa. Challenges in implementing inclusive education may stem from teaching practices and assessment methods which have not been adjusted appropriately in response to the inclusion of a diverse student body. While the experiences of students with disabilities in HEIs have received considerable research interest, the experiences of lecturers appear to be an understudied research area, particularly within the South African context. This research study drew on the theoretical framework of Differentiated Instruction and qualitatively explored the lived experiences of lecturers in teaching and assessing students with physical disabilities within a South African HEI. Data for the study was collected through individual semi-structured interviews with eight lecturers within the College of Humanities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Howard College campus, and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. The findings suggested an emphasis on deficit thinking among lecturers in higher education. In addition, the study revealed that both challenging and positive experiences with these students emerged during teaching and assessment which may hinder or promote the inclusion of students with physical disabilities, respectively. Conclusively, the findings suggested that further progress is required in the institution to support lecturers and their students. Recommendations to enhance inclusivity in the institution may include the incorporation of, and access to inclusive pedagogy, greater awareness and sensitisation, a reduction in attitudinal and physical accessibility barriers, and the promotion of shared responsibility and collaborative effort among relevant stakeholders.
A scoping review of gender-based violence interventions and programmes targeted at South African men.
(2022) Mavasa, Themba Fotrick.; Mntambo, Ntokozo.
Background: The phenomenon of gender-based violence is a global concern (Tappis, Freeman, Glass & Doocy, 2016). Neither women nor men are immune to gender-based violence (GBV); however, the findings from different studies have found that women are more susceptible to GBV perpetrated against them by men (Peate, 2019; Radzilani-Makatu & Chauke, 2019). South African men play a vital role in perpetuating gender-based violence. Therefore, due to their role as perpetrators or potential perpetrators of gender-based violence, intervention measures targeting them should be prioritized (Navindhra & Nadvi, 2013). Aim: The focus of this study review was on interventions and programmes targeting South African men as a key means for addressing gender-based violence (GBV) against women in South Africa. The aim was to address the following question: “What was the available evidence of interventions and programmes targeting men as a key strategy for the prevention of gender-based violence against women in the South African context?” South Africa has been grappling with GBV for many years. New laws and programmes have been developed since 1994 – yet the scourge seems to worsen (Department of Higher Education and Training, 2019). Despite multiple interventions and research papers conducted on gender-based violence, it was unclear or at least unknown how men were included in these interventions (Tappis et al., 2016). Methods: To 'unlock' these interventions and programmes targeting men, the researcher utilised a scoping review approach. This study looked at 25 studies that included a total of 7 084 participants. Results: Men's participation in gender-based violence interventions had been reviewed extensively and it appeared to have significantly reduced gender-based violence (Gibbs, Dunkle,Mhlongo, Chirwa, Hatcher, Christofides & Jewkes, 2020). The findings indicate that interventions had many positive impacts on participants (Graaff & Heinecken, 2017). Conclusion: Even though the interventions produced positive impact, however, the impact of interventions appeared to be more behavioural than attitudinal, affecting specific 'problematic' behaviours rather than changing men's attitudes regarding gender inequality in general (Graaff & Heinecken, 2017). Some studies argued that this was because men had not rejected their patriarchal power, had difficulty adopting gender-equitable behaviour, as well as sustaining positive change, especially when their emotions were high (Treves-Kagan, Maman, Khoza, MacPhail, Peacock, Twine, Kahn, Lippman & Pettifor, 2020; Graaff & Heinecken, 2017).
A social science perspective on literature relating to medically prescribed stimulants: a systematic review.
(2022) Rode, Bo Staci.; Collings, Steven John.
Introduction: Ritalin, Concerta and Adderall are well-known medical drugs used to treat and manage attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Over the past couple of decades, there has been an increase in the medical prescriptions, consumption, and research of medically prescribed stimulants (MPS). A review of the literature indicated that common areas of enquiry were the use and wrongful use of MPS and suggested a great emphasis on academics and educational settings. The research indicated an ever increasing presence of MPS and reinforced the need for a consolidated overview of the available literature so that there is a deeper understanding and a guide for future research. Method: A systematic review was conducted; this was guided by the Cochrane Framework. A predetermined inclusion and exclusion were utilised, and various journal databases were searched using the JBI Reviewers Manual three-phase search strategy. The articles were analysed for eligibility for the study and then underwent coding. SPSS was used to analyse the data and measures of frequency and measures of central tendency were used. Results: This review included 167 research articles. Of that, 67.1% of them were from the USA and 89.8% of them emerged from first-world countries. Questionnaires and surveys were the most common data collection method, with 59.9% of the reviewed articles using them, and statistical analysis was the most common data analysis method, recording 46.1% of articles with this analysis method. Adults (over 18s) were the most common sample group, recording 67.1% of articles and 66.5% of the articles focused and investigated student populations. The top emerging themes associated with MPS use were academics (46.1%), prescriptions (13.8%), socioeconomic/demographic factors (12%) and attitudes and perceptions (7.2%). The top emerging themes associated with MPS wrongful use were academics (46.7%), attitudes and perceptions (12%), socioeconomic/demographic factors (8.4%) and prescriptions (6%). The majority of the data collection took place in a tertiary education setting (57.5%). Conclusion: This review recorded an abundance of MPS literature focusing on academics or an academic setting, suggesting these are frequently linked in the literature. There is an uneven representation in the literature, with minimal amounts of research emerging from developing/third-world countries. It also indicated the high concern over the wrongful use of MPS and the need for further investigations into different settings to form a comprehensive understanding of MPS.
A socio-ecological analysis of postgraduate students lived experiences while at university.
(2022) Khoza, Sisanda Natalie.; Hlengwa, Wellington Mthokozisi.
The study explored the experiences of postgraduate students at a South African tertiary institution. The intention was to understand the challenges that entwined postgraduate studies and the coping mechanisms employed by students during their postgraduate studies. In this qualitative study, the participants were interviewed utilizing a semi-structured interview schedule: with the consent of the participants the interviews were recorded using an audio-recorder. The data obtained was thematically analyzed, which gave rise to various themes. The following themes emerged: students’ motivation to enroll in postgraduate studies: the graduate unemployment problem, implications of lack of funding at postgraduate level, non-monetary challenges at postgraduate level: mental health issues, postgraduate workload, online learning challenges, coping mechanisms, social relationships, and support during postgraduate studies. The findings of this research study indicated that financial, academic, and psycho-social support positively impact postgraduate students’ experiences at university. Nonetheless, that lack of financial aid, mental health issues, postgraduate workload and online learning challenges negatively impact postgraduate student experiences.
Access to health care and its determinants: the case of older persons in Chivi South district, Zimbabwe.
(2024) Muzvidziwa, Evelyne.; Govender, Jayanathan Perumal.
This study investigates the accessibility of health care services by older persons living in rural areas of Chivi South district. Access to health care has remained invisible in the scholarship in third-world countries like Zimbabwe. In this respect, the study explores the lived experiences of rural older persons residing in Chivi South, a research site embedded in political uncertainty and economic quagmire bedeviling Zimbabwe. This qualitative study was anchored on the interpretivist approach. A sample of 10 key informants and 20 older persons participated in key informant and in-depth interviews. This study established four key findings that will contribute immensely to the sociology of ageing in poor-resourced settings such as Zimbabwe. The cultural meaning of illness among older persons is essential in creating acceptable healthcare services. The consequences of not making a more enabling and inclusive environment for older persons will have a dire impact on healthcare delivery. Changes in policies that support more preventative health and social care globally instead of a reactive approach, which is wholly unsustainable for today’s ever-growing population. In Zimbabwe, older persons are often treated as a homogenous group with similar needs, leading to blanket interventions that overlook individual differences. This has resulted in poorly conceptualized and targeted assistance programs, failing to address local needs. Socially constructed narratives of successful ageing could inform the design of appropriate geriatric policies and programs to transform the healthcare needs of older persons in Zimbabwe. The key findings of the study show that the older persons living in the rural areas of Chivi South district experience challenges such as limited access to economic resources, traveling long distances to access healthcare services, inequalities in the healthcare service delivery system, reduced health status, limited availability, acceptability, and accessibility of healthcare services and inter alia. These challenges limit older persons from accessing much-needed healthcare services. The preeminent aim of this study is informed by the theoretical accounts of Penchansky and Thomas (1981) and Giddens (1984). The structures that frame rural healthcare provision ultimately function as key determinants of the nature and scope of healthcare service utilization, which propounded the structuration theory. Based on the subjective narratives of the research participants, the uniqueness of this study is anchored on its ability to offer a sociological foundation for developing innovative interventions and workable public policy options that support the aging population in African rural spaces. The study showed evidence of how social determinants of health may help reduce disparities in healthcare access for older persons in rural settings. Older persons, especially those residing in poor communities, have unique needs when addressing social health needs. The ageing population in Zimbabwe faces socio-economic predicaments and various challenges in the healthcare sector. It is particularly challenging to manage social connectedness in rural areas because of the issues around accessibility of health care, i.e., physical, financial, and societal barriers, making these multifaceted but crucially critical social determinants of health. Any efforts to improve the health and well-being of older rural persons address rural-urban disparities in healthcare needs and include a focus on the social determinants of health.
An analysis of nonverbal communication between nurses and hospitalised older adults in selected hospitals in Cameroon=Ukuhlaziya ukuxhumana ngezimpawu phakathi kwabahlengikazi nabantu asebekhulile abalaliswe kwezinye zezibhedlela ezikhethiwe zaseCameroon.
(2023) Wanko Keutchafo, Esther Lydie.; Kerr, Jane.
Background: Nurse-patient communication has been recognised as one of the most important aspects of successful patient outcomes. In relation to older adults, whose numbers are growing worldwide, nurses’ communication with older adults is essential because older adults will seek medical assistance more than before. Since most rely on nonverbal communication because of hearing deficits, and changes in attention and coding of information – all restrictions in interaction and effective verbal communication – nurses’ nonverbal communication will be a vital skill to develop good nurse-older patient relationships. In a context where there are no long-term care settings, nurses will be required to achieve effective nonverbal communication when older adults are admitted to the wards. Aim: This study aimed at analysing nonverbal communication between nurses and hospitalised older adults in selected hospitals in Cameroon, to develop a model for effective nonverbal communication between nurses and older adults. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used in this study. A total of 372 participants were included through overt, theoretical, and convenience sampling. To collect the qualitative data through participant observations and individual interviews, twenty-seven (27) nurses were observed, of which 13 nurses were interviewed, and 29 older adults were observed, of which eight (8) were interviewed. In addition, 316 nursing students participated in the survey. Qualitative data analysis was composed of open coding, axial coding, and selective coding, which were intertwined as the researcher moved back and forth between data collection and data analysis. Additionally, comparative analysis, theoretical sensitivity, and memos were used during the process of analysing the qualitative data. Quantitative data were analysed using SPPS version 25, where descriptive and inferential analyses were run. Additionally, an explanatory factor analysis based on the principal component analysis method with varimax rotation was conducted, to determine the common factors that explain the order and structure among measured variables. Results: Firstly, the results showed that there was limited evidence of studies on nonverbal communication between nurses and cognitively intact hospitalised older adults in clinical settings. Secondly, the results showed that hospitalised older adults made both positive and negative interpretations of nurses’ nonverbal communication. They also had specific nonverbal communication needs. Thirdly, the results showed that nurses mainly used haptics, kinesics, and proxemics to communicate nonverbally with hospitalised older adults to build relationships with them, convey affection, reassure them, and support verbal communication. Further, the results showed that nursing students held slightly positive attitudes towards older adults; yet, the tool used to assess their attitudes showed moderate psychometric properties and two factor loadings. Finally, the results showed that the proposed model for effective nonverbal communication with hospitalised older adults, which emerged from the data, encompassed all six categories of Strauss and Corbin’s framework, which are: causal conditions, contextual conditions, core phenomenon, action/interaction strategies, intervening conditions and expected outcomes. Conclusions: This study revealed that nurses mainly use few nonverbal communication techniques to communicate with hospitalised older adults, which cannot achieve effective communication, vital in nurse-patient relationships. The proposed model provides a guide for effective nonverbal communication with older adults and acknowledges that older adults’ interpretations and needs of nonverbal communication, as well as attitudes towards them, all influence effective nonverbal communication with hospitalised older adults. It is hoped that nurses will consider these to improve their nonverbal communication with hospitalised older adults for better patient outcomes such as: patient satisfaction, shorter lengths of stay in hospitals and improved quality of care. Iqoqa Isendlalelo: Ukukhulumisana phakathi kwabahlengikazi neziguli kubalulekile ukuze isiguli silulame kahle. Ngokuphathelene nabantu asebekhulile ngeminyaka, indlela umhlengikazi akwazi ngayo ukuxhumana nabo ibalulekile ngoba abantu abaningi asebekhulile bathembele ekusebenziseni izimpawu lapho bekhuluma, okuyikhono okusemqoka ukuba umhlengikazi abe nalo ukuze kuthuthukiswe ubudlelwane obuhle phakathi kwabahlengikazi neziguli esezikhulile ezimweni lapho kungekho khona uhlelo lokunakekelwa isikhathi reside. Inhloso: Ukuhlaziya ukuxhumana ngokusebenzisa izimpawu phakathi kwabahlengikazi nabantu asebekhulile ngeminyaka abalaliswe ezibhedlela ezithile zaseCameroon, ukuze kusungulwe inqubo esebenza kahle yokuxhumana ngezimpawu. Izindlela zokwenza: Kulolu cwaningo kusetshenziswe izindlela ezixubile lapho kwabandakanywa khona ababambiqhaza abangama-372 kusetshenziswa uhlelo lokukhetha ngokusobala, ngokulandela indlela yezinjulalwazi nalolo oluvumelana nesimo. Kwabukwa abahlengikazi abangama-27, kwathi abayi-13 kubo kwaxoxwa nabo. Kwabukwa abantu asebekhulile abangama-29, kwase kuthi abayisishiyagalombili kubo kwaxoxwa nabo. Ngaphezu kwalokho, kunabahlengikazi abangamathwasa abangama-316 ababamba iqhaza kule nhlolovo. Ukuhlaziywa kwemininingo eyikhwalithethivu kwakunalezi zinyathelo ezintathu; ukuhluza ulwazi oluqoqiwe ukwenza ucwaningo lube yizingxenye ezincane bese zinikezwa amakhodi, ukuhlela amakhodi olwazi oluhluziwe bese ebekwa ngemikhakha kuye ngokuhlobana kwawo nokuhlobanisa yonke imikhakha ibe umkhakha owodwa owumgogodla kanye nokuhlaziya ngokuqhathanisa, kanye nerekhodi lomcwaningi eliqukethe umbono wakhe, neziphetho afinyelele kuzo nokuphawula. Imininingo eyikhwantithethivu yahlaziywa kusetshenziswa uhlelo lwekhompuyutha i-SPPS version 25, lapho kwenziwa khona ukuhlola okuchazayo nokucabangelayo. Imiphumela: Okokuqala, bube buncane ubufakazi bokuthi lukhona ucwaningo olwenziwe odabeni lokuxhumana ngokusebenzisa izimpawu phakathi kwabahlengikazi nabantu asebekhulile abalaliswe esibhedlela abanengqondo esebenza ngokugcwele endaweni yokwelapha. Okwesibili, abantu asebekhulile ngeminyaka abalaliswe esibhedlela, ababenezidingo ezithile zokuxhumana ngezimpawu, bakuqonda ngokunembile okwakushiwo abahlengikazi lapho bekhuluma nabo ngezimpawu, kanti kwezinye izimo abazange bakuqonde ngokunembile okwakushiwo. Okwesithathu, abahlengikazi basebenzisa ikakhulukazi ukuthinta, izimpawu zomzimba, nezinga lokuqhelelana noma ukusondelana nomuntu ukuze bakhe ubudlelwano nabantu asebekhulile abalaliswe esibhedlela, bababonise uthando, babanikeze ithemba futhi baxoxe nabo. Ngaphezu kwalokho, abahlengikazi abasengamathwasa babonisa isimo sengqondo esihle kakhudlwana kubantu asebekhulile; nokho, ithuluzi elisetshenzisiwe ukuze kuhlaziywe isimo sabo sengqondo libonise izimpawu zokusebenza kahle. Okokugcina, isibonelo sendlela ephumelelayo yokuxhumana ngezimpawu nabantu asebekhulile abalaliswe esibhedlela satholakala emininingweni futhi sididiyela yonke imikhakha eyisithupha yohlaka lukaStrauss noCorbin. Isiphetho: Ngokuvamile abahlengikazi basebenzisa izindlela zokuxhumana ngezimpawu ezimbalwa ukuze baxhumane nabantu asebekhulile abalaliswe esibhedlela, ezazingasizi ekudluliseleni umyalezo ngempumelelo. Indlela ehlongozwayo inikeza isiqondiso sokuxhumana ngezimpawu nabantu asebekhulile ngendlela ephumelelayo futhi iyavuma ukuthi indlela abantu asebekhulile abaqonda ngayo izinto nezidingo zabo zokuxhumana ngezimpawu, kuhlanganise nendlela umuntu ababheka ngayo, kunomthelela ekuxhumaneni nabo ngezimpawu ngempumelelo. Kuthenjwa ukuthi abahlengikazi bazokuhlola lokhu ukuze bathuthukise indlela abakhulumisana ngayo ngezimpawu neziguli esezikhulile ezilaliswe esibhedlela ukuze kuthuthukiswe izinga lokwaneliseka kweziguli, kuncishiswe ubude besikhathi ezisihlala esibhedlela futhi kuthuthukiswe izinga lokunakekelwa kwabantu abadala.
An analysis of the media as a key socialising agent for gender and gender stereotypes.
(2023) Zungu, Sindisiwe.; Lamula, Sihle Pretty.
This study examines how the media influences gender identities among university students by studying harmful gender stereotypes toxic masculinities and femininities. Qualitative data were gathered through detailed interviews with students aged 18–26 at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College campus, using snowball and purposive sampling. The thematic content analysis involved coding the interview transcripts, identifying recurring themes, and analysing patterns in the data. The study revealed that the media significantly influences how students view themselves and others. Men are frequently shown in powerful roles, while women are often portrayed in submissive roles. This reinforces harmful gender stereotypes and unequal power dynamics. Participants observed that societal norms restrict women from independence and limit men from self-expression. These observations reflect entrenched, harmful gender norms. Moreover, male power dynamics and societal structures frequently contribute to gender disparities and reinforce damaging gender stereotypes. Students encounter challenging stereotypes regarding women, which persist through the depiction of beauty norms and traditional gender roles. Furthermore, the media portrays hegemonic masculinity, which refers to the dominant form of masculinity that idealises traits like aggression and control. This perpetuates restrictive and harmful ideas of true masculinity. To promote gender equality, the media should prioritise equality in content, policy, and practice. To combat gender-based violence, address public health issues, and promote positive and constructive gender practices, it is critical to address gender stereotypes in the media. The media exerts a significant influence on societal norms and values. Therefore, it is essential to coordinate efforts to foster a deeper understanding of harmful forms of masculinity and femininity, while also promoting positive gender practices. Gender-based violence and problems with public health will only get worse if harmful gender stereotypes in the media are not addressed. Future research should explore the impact of the media on gender identities across different cultures and promote positive representations of gender. Gender socialisation significantly shapes an individual’s views on gender roles, beliefs, cultural norms, and societal expectations. This underscores the critical importance of implementing education programmes that integrate gender equality education into curricula and community initiatives that establish safe spaces for open dialogue, challenging traditional societal gender norms.
An evaluation of ethical concerns raised by a South African research ethics committee using the principles and benchmarks proposed by Emanuel et al. (2004, 2008)
(2022) Magolela, Melda.; Wassenaar, Douglas Richard.
"Mission creep”, “closed doors”, “bureaucracy”, “time delays”, “incompetence” are terms used in some of the arguments advanced by researchers who are not in favour of or are critical of the system of independent ethics review of research by Research Ethics Committees (RECs). “Human subjects’ projection”, “public accountability”, “good research governance” are some of the terms used by researchers who embrace the system of independent ethics review of research. Also known and referred to as institutional review boards (IRBs), ethics review boards (ERBs), ethical review committees (ERCs), human research ethics committees (HRECs) evaluate all human research to ensure that proposed studies comply with international and national ethics principles and guidelines for conducting human research. These committees may either approve, reject, or require modifications to submitted protocols and their decision is binding. A key feature of such committees and their members is their independence. Despite being for or against ethics review, there is a growing body of work attempting to describe and understand the functioning and outcomes of RECs in protecting research participants and promoting ethical research. In this area, there is relatively little work describing the actual issues that RECs look for and subsequently raise when reviewing research protocols. The current study therefore assessed minutes of a South African biomedical REC and identified ethical concerns raised during review of protocols submitted between 2015 - 2016. Ten sets of minutes were retrospectively analysed using Emanuel et al.’s (2004, 2008) framework to code, rank and classify the issues raised by the REC. There were 813 queries raised in the two-year period; 86% (697) of the queries were consistent with the framework. Top four most frequently queries were identified with scientific validity (38%) being the most frequently raised concern, followed by informed consent (33%), ongoing respect for participants (11%) and independent ethics review (9%). Of the 813 queries raised, 14% (116) of queries could not be accommodated by the framework and these pertained to administrative issues. The results of this study support the findings of the primary study by Tsoka-Gwegweni and Wassenaar who were the first to propose and establish that the Emanuel et al. framework is a useful tool to categorize concerns raised by one South African REC. In this study, it was found that 99,7% of 1,043 queries raised for the years 2008 to 2012 were compatible with the Emanuel et al. framework with informed consent emerging as the most frequently raised concern. Equally comparable are the results of a subsequent study by Silaigwana and Wassenaar who also reported that 97,7% of the 1,272 queries raised for the years 2009 to 2014 could be categorised using the Emanuel et al. framework. The Emanuel et al. framework of eight principles and benchmarks proves to be a useful and important tool in evaluating ethical queries raised during EC protocol review meetings. Both the current study and these previous studies support use of this framework.
An evaluation of the service delivery efficiency in uMkhanyakude District Municipality in South Africa between the periods of 1996 to 2011.
(2023) Gwala, Nontokozo Noxolo.; Cebekhulu, Elias.
This study is an evaluation of the delivery of services by South African municipalities, through a case study of uMkhanyakude District Municipality after nearly thirty years of democracy and taking into consideration all the inherent apartheid era challenges faced by rural and urban local municipalities. The literature review revealed that following the apartheid era, municipalities in South Africa experienced significant difficulties in providing top-notch services to residents from a variety of social, geographic, and economic backgrounds. In comparing these three municipalities in South Africa: uMkhanyakude (district), uMhlabuyalingana (rural), and uMtubatuba (urban), the data clearly shows that each had their difficulties, with the provision of water being the most serious problem due to the decision that municipal water services should be a competence of the district municipalities themselves. Jozini, False Bay, uMtubatuba, and uMhlabuyalingana are the municipalities that make up this district municipality. A thorough analysis of the literature from each of these municipalities shows that there is some form of service delivery taking place, with some services seeing slight improvement, while others are being severely impacted by service interruptions. The service delivery shortages or interruptions, corruption, political interference, and border crimes appeared to be major challenges in the area and this was evident from the literature, data, and the community responses during the data collection phase. Qualitative research methodologies were employed to collect data on the demographic profiles, and expert opinions garnered from the key informants. Municipal performance issues raised by the municipal officials confirmed that there was still a long way to go in resolving the audit findings, as well as the concerns and needs raised by the community members themselves. The inadequacies in the provision of services defeated the ‘A Better Life for All’ election slogan of the African National Congress and created unrealistic expectations following the elections, that the communities were going to receive adequate municipal services as promised. The findings revealed that the main problem with the South African service delivery model was with its top-down approach, where the national government alone determines the policy frameworks, mechanisms, and budgets, which hinders the voices of ordinary citizens from being heard. This is in direct opposition to the government’s stated goal of bringing government closer to the people through decentralization, which was designed to increase accountability and the responsiveness of government to its citizens by bringing decision-makers closer to the people.
An examination of how Sowetan Live and Daily Sun reported on Operation Dudula and foreign nationals: January to June 2022.
(2023) Xulu, Luyanda Randy.; Dyll, Lauren Eva.
Abstract available in PDF.
An examination of the social context of sexual victimisation of female students in institutions of higher learning in KwaZulu-Natal (Durban)
(2022) Makhaye, Mandisa Samukelisiwe.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.
Sexual victimisation is a serious violation of human rights, as well as a safety and public health concern. It does not only occur in one dimension or among a specific race group, but it affects all classes, races, settings, and circumstances. The aim of the study is to uncover the social context of the phenomenon of sexual victimisation in three selected institutions of higher learning in KwaZulu-Natal (Durban). The study's objectives are to investigate the nature of sexual victimisation against female students in Durban's selected universities; to determine the contributing factors to sexual victimisation against female students; to investigate the effects of sexual victimisation on female students; to investigate the lack of reporting of sexual victimisation by female students; and to evaluate the usefulness of current strategies for policing sexual offences in the selected universities. The Routines Activities Theory and the Integrated Theory of Sexual Offending guide the research. Both theories explain sexual victimisation in terms of the victim and the perpetrator, highlighting the explicit factors that contribute to the prevalence of sexual victimisation. A total of 46 participants were purposively sampled from three universities in Durban, and data was collected through interviews and thematically analysed. According to this study, incapacitated sexual victimisation is more common on campus than forcible rape, in which perpetrators use threats or physical force. This could be attributed to both the victim's and the perpetrator's excessive alcohol consumption and drug use. Victimisation can lead to social withdrawal, trauma, depression, and poor academic performance. Furthermore, some victims are infected with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), while others become pregnant. Furthermore, the study discovers that Student Representative Council (SRC) and lecturers abuse their power by requesting sexual favours from female students in exchange for securing a residence or grades. Statistics on sexual victimisation are unreliable because young female students are reluctant to report sexual victimisation to authorities. Some of the reasons for non-reporting include a fear of secondary victimisation and a lack of trust in institutions. According to the study's recommendations, the curriculum should include sex education to instil an understanding of consent and to foster dialogue and consistent awareness of sexual victimisation within the institution. Additionally, policies should be efficiently implemented according to the stipulated objectives. Furthermore, the study recommends upgrading security measures, establishing a gender-based violence (GBV) centre, capacitating security personnel to deal with cases of sexual victimisation, and forming a partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to encourage a transparent and efficient investigation process. Finally, institutions should implement an online reporting portal to create a safe space for victims to report.
An exploration of community attitudes towards people living with mental illnesses: a case of Inanda KwaZulu-Natal.
(2022) Mthembu, Andile Kevin.; Tshishonga, Ndwakhulu Stephen.
The topic of mental health is one of the many topics that are neglected in many South African communities. Although this is a burning issue that affects millions of South Africans, little to nothing has been done to raise awareness regarding this phenomenon that society still grapples with among many other pandemics. Available literature suggests that the issue of mental illnesses is among the many issues that haven’t been given the necessary attention they deserve as a result of their magnitude and also the negative effects they have on many lives in our communities. Communities lack the necessary tools and services to tackle the problems associated with mental illnesses and the stigma thereof. People living with mental illnesses are continuously marginalised, violated and excluded from community programmes as a result of the stigma and negative attitudes associated with mental illnesses. This study was motivated by the fact that although mental illnesses are a huge concern for South African communities as they disrupt many lives and lead to death as many people have died by suicide as a result of mental illnesses and not being able to talk about them as a result of the negative stigma associated with mental illness, yet little has been done to provide communities, especially townships with mental health services. This study is geared towards exploring community attitudes towards people living with mental illnesses. The study was conducted at Durban Inanda, Kwa-Zulu Natal. Methodologically, the study employed a qualitative approach that involved semi-structured interviews conducted with twenty-six participants involved in the study. The study found that community members harbour negative attitudes towards those living with mental illnesses. This is a result of how people living with mental illnesses are depicted as violent, dangerous and not deserving of being treated with dignity. The study also showed that community members have false and misleading information regarding mental illness and those living with it. Another finding of the study was that the community lacked mental health services that can provide the community with the correct information regarding mental illnesses thus curbing the scourge of mental illness stigma as well as the associated repercussions. The study concludes that mental health service centres are a necessity in the community as they can play critical role in raising awareness regarding mental illness as well as facilitating programmes that can assist communities to better deal with issues related to mental illnesses without stigmatising and victimising those living with such illnesses.
An exploration of graduate trainee’s perceptions of their psychological contract in a South African organisation.
(2022) Makhoba, Celukuthula.
While research on the Psychological Contract has received much attention in aiding a better understanding of employment arrangements, few empirical studies have sought to understand how Graduate employees in their first year of employment create their psychological contract using Schema Theory as the Theoretical Framework particularly in the context of South Africa. To address this, the aim of the present study sought to understand the pre-entry expectations that Graduate Trainees held about employer-employee obligations and the extent to which these expectations informed how they experienced their psychological contract within the first year of joining the Nestlé Future Talent (NFT) Graduate Development Programme in a South African-based organisation (Nestlé South Africa). In doing so, the study adopted a qualitative research approach, rooted within an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) paradigm. Six Graduate Trainees were purposively sampled from the company’s Graduate Development Programme and in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant. These interviews were individually audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the six stages of IPA. From the research findings the following five themes emerged: (1) Graduate Trainee’s pre-entry expectation of employers, (2) Graduate Trainees’ perceptions of anticipated Employer’s expectations of them, (3) Graduate Trainees’ post-entry experiences in Nestlé South Africa, (4) Graduate Trainees’ socialisation processes and sources of information and (5) Graduate Trainee’s perceptions of unmet expectations. Findings revealed that Graduates Trainees held a rudimentary anticipatory psychological contract shaped by social and professional norms before being hired into the company’s graduate development programme. The findings also suggest that pre-entry encounters with the organisation in the form of campus recruitment initiatives seem to shape organisation-specific expectations in which some graduates note how information gleaned from these initiatives seemed to be inconsistent when compared with their experiences of employment since joining the organisation. Another finding, spoke to Graduate Trainees early encounters with Senior Graduates in the business and revealed the complex cognitive process of sense-making in which they sought information to better understand themselves as novice employees hired in the same graduate development programme.
An exploration of mental health in post-colonial times: perspectives from a selected sample of community members within iLembe District in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2023) Basdeo, Abhishta.; Bomoyi, Zininzi Anele.
No abstract available.
An exploration of the experiences of social workers and nurses treating HIV/TB patients during the COVID-19 pandemic at King Dinuzulu Hospital in Durban.
(2023) Thabethe, Thandiwe Bonisiwe.; Seepamore, Boitumelo Khothatso.
The outbreak of COVID-19, a global health pandemic, created a tsunami of problems resulting in lockdowns as the world grappled to understand and contain its spread and save lives. For King Dinuzulu Hospital, a specialised healthcare centre for the treatment of TB, its designation as a COVID-19 health facility in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, turned it into a facility managing three epidemics, COVID-19, TB and HIV. The main aim of this study was to explore the experiences of public social workers and nurses caring for and treating TB/HIV patients during the COVID-19 pandemic at King Dinuzulu Hospital. This study utilised a qualitative research methodology. Data were collected from 15 HCWs (seven public social workers and eight nurses) selected using a purposive sampling methodology. One-on-one in-depth interviews were conducted. These were guided by an interview guide with open-ended questions, and the collected data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The study revealed that COVID-19 negatively affected the delivery of social work and nursing services at King Dinuzulu Hospital, and HCWs experienced psychological distress due to fear of being infected, infecting their family members and seeing some of their colleagues and patients at KDH die from COVID-19 pandemic. The mitigation measures that were put in place to blunt the full impact of COVID-19 on HCWs providing services to TB/HIV patients, went some way in preventing a total disaster from happening. KDH needs to resolve the shortage of HCWs, provide sufficient PPEs, repair and provide access to telephones/ mobile phones, and provide adequate and conducive offices.
An exploratory study of vaccinations amongst staff at a South African research institution: personal choice or mandatory?
(2024) Couch, Marilyn Angel.; Toohey, Jacintha Deleane.; Groenewald, Candice Rule.
Controversies related to immunisation have existed since 1840. The focus of much discussion has been on the efficacy of vaccination in protecting public health and safety, as well as the question of vaccine mandates infringing upon individual freedoms. The COVID-19 pandemic, declared by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020, reignited these debates. In South Africa, under Section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act No 57 of 2002, the Minister of Employment and Labour is authorised to issue directives linked to the country’s state of disaster. As a result, the COVID-19 Occupational Health and Safety Measures in Workplaces directive (C19 OHS) (Department of Employment and Labour, 2020) was issued by the Minister of Employment and Labour in terms of regulation 10(8) issued by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in terms of Section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act No 57 of 2002 (Republic of South Africa, 2002). The objective of the directive was to implement occupational health and safety measures in the workplace to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus and to provide guidance to employers on how to deal with COVID-19 in the workplace. Consequently, this brought to light the need to tackle the dilemma of individual versus collective rights in the context of vaccine mandates in the workplace. The study aimed to explore participants' knowledge and understanding of ethical, human rights, and legal aspects of vaccination. It also sought to understand whether participants believe vaccines should be a personal choice or mandatory, as well as their experiences with COVID-19 vaccination in the workplace. This study used a qualitative methodology approach, conducting 20 semi-structured, in-depth, open-ended individual interviews that took place either face-to-face or virtually. The study sample comprised of staff members from a South African research institution, across three provinces. The interview data were transcribed and then loaded onto Atlas. ti software for coding, using the thematic analysis approach. This social science study employs an interdisciplinary approach that considers the human rights, ethics, and legal aspects in the workplace setting concerning mandatory vaccination policies. The research aimed to provide valuable insights from participants in this study concerning the multifaceted interactions between human rights law, bioethics, and the social dynamics of mandatory vaccination policies. The research also utilises the social constructionist framework as a conceptual model to examine and understand how individuals have shaped their perceptions regarding personal freedoms, the mandatory nature of vaccination, trust in vaccine role players, experiences with COVID-19 in the workplace, and the factors influencing their beliefs. This conceptual approach is used to analyse and interpret participants' viewpoints but does not dictate the entire study. The study indicates that most participants are in favour of personal choice. These findings imply that, for these participants, individual choice in medical freedoms is paramount in healthcare decision-making, including vaccination. Recommendations are made for the South African government, vaccination policymakers, employers, and for future research.
An exploratory study of violent behaviours perpetrated against homeless people: a case study of Durban Central Business District.
(2023) Mthembu, Nosipho Nombulelo.; Sibisi, Nomakhosi Nomathemba.
Abstract available in PDF.

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