Teachers’ ICT Adoption in South African Rural Schools: A Study of Technology Readiness and Implications for the South Africa Connect Broadband Policy

The South Africa Connect national broadband policy of 2013 aims to ensure that the country achieves universal internet access by 2030, thereby fostering digital skills development. This study investigates one dimension of the South Africa Connect policy objectives, by considering rural teachers’ adoption of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for teaching and learning at 24 schools. This research used baseline data from the Information and Communication Technology for Education (ICT4E) project undertaken in rural schools in seven South African provinces. The technology readiness index (TRI) was used as the theoretical lens. We found that the vast majority of the teachers surveyed were optimistic about the use of ICTs for teaching and learning, which suggests teachers’ readiness to use ICTs despite the existing financial, technical and digital skills challenges at their schools. We also found that the majority of the schools had policies prohibiting student use of personal digital devices, apart from calculators, on school premises. In our analysis, these policies potentially conflict with the objectives of South Africa Connect. This study contributes to theory and practice by offering empirical evidence of the usefulness of the TRI for presenting teachers’ readiness to adopt ICTs in situations of conflicting forces. The study also has the potential to contribute to policy deliberations by highlighting the possible disconnect between the schools’ bans on student personal digital devices and the objectives and targets set by the South Africa Connect policy.School of Computin

Transitioning from Upstream Raising to Downstream Raising on Two TSFs at the Tarkwa Open-pit Mine in Ghana

Tailings management is multifaceted in its goal of zero harm to people and the environment, in line with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM). Gold Fields is committed to conforming with the GISTM and achieving its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) priorities, one of which is reducing the number of active upstream-raised TSFs in its portfolio from five to three by 2030. Upstream construction relies on the integrity of the tailings for stability. As such, while this construction method has been successfully used for decades, these designs require greater ongoing scrutiny. The downstream construction method does not rely on the stability of the tailings, and therefore can be more versatile during operation. This paper presents the approach adopted to convert or transition two upstream raised tailings storage facilities using the downstream/centerline raising technique. The ultimate aim in the transition journey at this site is to form safe and stable facilities, not relying on the in-situ tailings strength and phreatic surface regimes and moving away from the risk associated with static liquefaction in a high rainfall environment. The transition steps, ultimate geometry, waste demand, design and construction challenges are discussed.Non UBCUnreviewedOthe

Abstract 24: Compliance with Referral for Evaluation of Breast Abnormalities among HIV-Clinic Patients in Eswatini

Abstract Purpose: Women living with HIV (WLHIV) are living longer and are at increasing risk for breast cancer (BC). Earlier detection of BC is essential to reduce late-stage diagnosis and BC mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, the region most heavily impacted by HIV. We implemented a pilot BC early detection program in Eswatini HIV clinics and studied patients' compliance with referral for evaluation of breast abnormalities. Methods: Nurses at five Eswatini HIV clinics were trained to ask all WLHIV aged ≥18 years about breast symptoms, to offer clinical breast exam (CBE) to symptomatic women, and to refer for further evaluation if appropriate. Referred, consenting patients completed baseline demographic questionnaires and questionnaires at 30- and 60-days post-enrollment, regarding referral outcomes. We used chi-squared testing to identify patient characteristics associated with completing referral. Results: From June 2019-April 2020, 9,502 WLHIV were screened for breast symptoms: 150 (1.6%) underwent CBE; 93 (62.0%) of those were referred for further evaluation; and 90 (96.7%) were enrolled in the evaluation. Of enrolled WLHIV, median age was 39 (range: 20-65) years, 54 (61.0%) reported completing referral. Referral completion was not associated with age, employment status, relationship status, or various prior experiences related to BC (all p>0.05). Of those who completed referral, 42 (80.7%) reported having no illness identified, 3 (5.8%) reported a new BC diagnosis, 1 (1.9%) reported a breast abscess, and 6 (11.5%) were still undergoing evaluation; diagnosis was missing for 2. The most common reasons cited for not completing referral were cost of transport or care, conflicting employment-related commitments, other conflicting commitments, and the breast clinic not accommodating the patient upon presentation. Conclusion: In this pilot BC screening program, 60% of WLHIV completed referral for further evaluation. Efforts to improve compliance with referral could focus on reducing the time and cost entailed by obtaining specialized breast care. Citation Format: Daniel O'Neil, Sifiso Nxumalo, Cebisile Ngcamphalala, G Tharp, Judith Jacobson, Harriet Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha, Xolisile Dlamini, Alfred Neugut, Tiffany Harris. Compliance with Referral for Evaluation of Breast Abnormalities among HIV-Clinic Patients in Eswatini [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 9th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Global Cancer Research and Control: Looking Back and Charting a Path Forward; 2021 Mar 10-11. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2021;30(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 24

Breast Cancer Early Detection in Eswatini: Evaluation of a Training Curriculum and Patient Receipt of Recommended Follow-Up Care

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