Die nuwe onderwysbeleid in Transvaal.

Onder die nuwe onderwysbeleid word verstaan nie die voortdurendeveranderings wat deel van ’n dinamiese stelsel uitmaak, nie die Taalordonnansienie, maar wel die beleid wat teen die end van 1950 deur dieprovinsiale owerheid aangekondig, en vanjaar in werking gestel is

The effect of restaurant attributes on customers’ expectations and experiences in formal full service restaurants in Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Published ArticleThe purpose of this study was to assess the effect of restaurant attributes on customers’ expectations and experiences in formal full service restaurants. The attributes included in this research were food, service and ambience as independent variables and expectations and experiences as dependent variables. The aims were to: (a) assess restaurant attributes that are important for customers’ expectations and experiences, (b) to determine which restaurant attributes had a significant relationship with customers’ expectations and experiences. The questionnaire was based on Markovic, Raspor & Markovic’s (2010) research. In order to meet the surveys’ goals, correlation coefficient and regression analysis were conducted. The results of correlation coefficient reveal that all three restaurant attributes had a significant correlation (p<0.05) with expectations. The strongest correlation with expectations was service (r=0.76). Customers’ experiences showed that all the attributes had a weak to moderate (r≤0.5) positive correlation with customers’ experiences. The strongest correlation with experiences was food (r=0.54). The first regression model showed that all three dining attributes were significantly related (p<0.05) to customers’ expectations. The level of service (t=10.73) was rated as the most important attribute for expectations. The second regression model showed that all three dining attributes were significantly related (p<0.05) to experiences. The second model indicated that respondents rated food (t=7.51) as the most important attribute for experience. The results reveal that although good food is an essential component for customers’ experiences, however, the level of service plays a pivotal role for customers’ expectations in formal full service restaurants

Anthropometric profile of HIV-uninfected and HIV-infected women aged 25–44 years in Mangaung, Free State

Background: Obesity and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) affect significant numbers of black women in South Africa.Method: Using township maps, a random sample of 500 black women residing in Mangaung in the Free State was selected to participate in this study in the year 2000. The women were divided into two age groups, namely 25&ndash;34 years (n = 273) and 35&ndash;44 years (n = 215). Anthropometric measurements, including height, weight [to calculate the body mass index (BMI)] and waist circumference (WC) were taken. Fat percentage was measured with bioelectrical impedance. HIV status was determined using a microparticle enzyme immunoassay method. Socio-demographic status, health status, dietary intake, level of physical activity, body perception and attitude toward weight control, as well as prevalence and risk of lifestylediseases were determined as part of the larger study.Results: Sixty-one per cent of younger women (25&ndash;34 years) and 38% of older women (35&ndash;44 years) were infected with HIV. In younger HIV-infected women, median BMI, WC and fat percentage were significantly lower than in HIV-uninfected women.Conclusions: HIV infection rates were found to be higher among younger than older women. The prevalence of obesity was high overall. Median BMI values ranged between 24.4 kg/m2 and 27.6 kg/m2. A large percentage of all women fell in the unhealthy fat percentage category (excessive body fat), ranging between 65.9% of HIV-infected young women and 79.3%of older HIV-infected women. HIV, even in the asymptomatic stage, influences anthropometric indicators

STUDENT EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT TEACHING METHODS AND THE EFFECTIVENESS THEREOF

Published ArticleA significant amount of time and effort has to go into teaching students. It is no art when lecturers simply read from a text book. The objective of this study was to determine the teaching methods that students at the Hotel School, Central University of Technology, Free State, consider as most effective to support learning. All first-year students (N=73) enrolled for the National Diploma: Hospitality Management were targeted to participate in the survey. A mixedmethod study design was followed, and a questionnaire consisting of closedand open-ended questions was developed for data collection. Closed-ended questions were rated on a five-point Likert scale, while answers to open-ended questions were analysed to determine trends. Results showed that lecturers used a variety of teaching methods. The lecture teaching method was rated best by 49% of students followed by the group discussion method which was rated as second best (19%). Case studies and brainstorming were the least-preferred methods (4% and 0% respectively). Lecturers should ensure that maximum information is transferred through the teaching methods that most appeal to students. The focus should be on enabling students to practically apply the lessons taught in everyday life

Expectations and perceptions of customers in mall restaurants in an East London shopping mall using the DINESERV approach

Published ArticleShopping malls have become distressed in South Africa, with statistics showing a decline of 5.3% in tenant mix in 2013 compared to 2012, as retail stores in malls decline due to online shopping and the changing consumer value equation and culture. As such, to reposition and resuscitate shopping malls, restaurants have become an important part of the leasing strategy in malls. However, despite lowering their prices and spending marketing funds on promotions, mall restaurants seem to be finding great difficulty in determining customer expectations. With this as background, the focus in this study was to gain insight into restaurant customers’ expectations and perceptions in Hemmingways shopping mall using the DINESERV model. Customers’ expectations and perceptions were measured on a five point Likert-type scale. The empirical results show that, on a 5 point Likert scale, the overall mean score for expectation items was 4.50 whilst for perception items was 3.46. The overall DINESERV gap was -1.04, implying that mall restaurants did not meet customers’ expectations. The results of this study serve not only to identify customers’ expectations and strengthen customer loyalty in mall restaurants, but also improve the mall’s reputation and increase customer satisfaction

PERCEPTIONS AND KNOWLEDGE OF A SELECTED GROUP OF ORGANIC CONSUMERS IN BLOEMFONTEIN, FREE STATE PROVINCE

Published ArticleOrganic agriculture is a production method that upholds the well-being of soil, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles tailored to local conditions. This descriptive study assessed the knowledge and perceptions of organic food consumers in Bloemfontein. A convenience sample of 60 consumers (male and female) was selected to participate in the study. A structured questionnaire was designed to obtain data at a local fresh-produce grocer. Most of the consumers showed positive and negative attitudes towards organic products. Most consumers had basic knowledge regarding organic products, but it also became evident that there was uncertainty surrounding facts of organic products, such as labelling standards. Only 12% of respondents interpreted the term “organic” correctly. Human health (86.67%) and environmental concerns (28.33%) were the key factors influencing consumer preference for organic food. Organic fruit and vegetables (45.37%) were the most popular purchased organic items amongst consumers. The majority of consumers (61.67%) stated that organic products are affordable. The results of the present study provided valuable insight into the knowledge, perceptions and attitudes of consumers towards organically grown foods. The general positive attitude of consumers can be attributed to consumers' basic knowledge of, and preference for, organic food. Despite the organic lifestyle being in the minority in this region, there continues to be a growing demand for organic products in Bloemfontein, and for this reason producers have ensured a continued supply of organic products

Iron status and anaemia of chronic disease in HIV-infected African women in Mangaung, Bloemfontein

Background: Anaemia occurs widely among people living with HIV/AIDS. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of HIV status on ironstatus, more specifically to investigate the nutritional health of women between 25 and 44 years of age.Methods: An epidemiological study was undertaken in Mangaung, a black residential community of Bloemfontein in the Free State (South Africa).A random sample consisted of 500 women in two age groups (25–34 [n = 273] and 35–44 years [n = 215]). Blood specimens were collected in ethyldimethylacetic acid collection tubes according to standard procedures. Respondents fasted overnight, abstained from exercise and avoided consuming alcohol and caffeine for 24 hours prior to collection of the blood specimens. All specimens were taken in the morning. A full blood count was performed using a Coulter Microdiff 18 Cell Counter. The metabolic variables haematocrit (Hct), haemoglobin (Hb), serum iron, ferritin and transferrin were determined. The red blood cell count was performed to calculate the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Age and HIV-status groups were described and compared by nonparametric methods. A p-value lower than 0.05 was considered significant. HIV-infected and -uninfected groups were compared by 95% confidence intervals for the difference in the percentage of women with parameters below or above the normal range.Results: Sixty-one per cent of the younger women and 38% of the older women were HIV infected. The percentage with serum ferritin levels below20 μg/L was higher in HIV-uninfected women, ranging from 0% in older HIV-infected women to 10.4% in younger HIV-uninfected women. A largepercentage of women had elevated transferrin values, ranging from 23.9% in older HIV-infected women to 44.8% in older HIV-uninfected women.A large percentage of women had anaemia of chronic disease, with HIV-infected women afflicted more often.Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that prevalence of HIV infection in Mangaung is high, especially among women between 25 and34 years of age. Although the parameters of iron status on average did not indicate iron deficiency in the different age and HIV-status groups, a large percentage of women did have anaemia of chronic disease, with HIV-infected women afflicted more often. Knowledge of the HIV status of a patient is of paramount importance in evaluating laboratory results of iron levels to determine future treatment or nutritional recommendations. HIV-infected and -uninfected individuals might not be comparable regarding their laboratory results to interpret iron store depletion, with consequences for further therapeutic actions in these two groups. The progression rate to AIDS might also be enhanced by certain interventions.Keywords: iron; HIV; nutrition; women; South Afric

Evaluation of energy and macronutrient intake of black women in Bloemfontein: A cross-sectional study

There is growing evidence that urbanization of black South Africans is associated with changes in the structure of dietary intake. The urban diet is more diverse than the rural diet, and includes more animalfoods, refined carbohydrates and fats, posing a potential risk to the health of urbanized populations. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the macronutrient intake of non-pregnant,pre-menopausal black women living in Bloemfontein in South Africa. A representative group of 500 participants was randomly selected to participate. Women were divided into two age groups. Youngerwomen were 25 - 34 years old and older women 35 - 44 years old. Macronutrient intake was determined using a validated Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (QFFQ). Median macronutrient intake was compared with the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) as applicable. Median energy, macronutrient and cholesterol intake of younger and older women was compared using non-parametric 95% confidenceintervals (CI’s). P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Median energy distribution of macronutrients was determined and compared with standard references. After being screened foreligibility, four pregnant women were excluded from the study, and 496 women qualified for participation. Median total energy, protein and carbohydrate intakes of all women exceeded the DRI. Median intakes of fibre were low, while median fat intakes were high. Younger women had significantly higher intakes of total fat (p = 0.034), saturated fat (p = 0.046) and PUFA (p = 0.015). Median energy distribution was 12% protein (both age groups), 32% fat (younger women) and 31% fat (older women) and 51% carbohydrates (younger women) and 53% carbohydrates (older women). The high median energy and macronutrient intakes may pose a potential risk for the development of chronic lifestyle diseases. The main focus of intervention should be to improve the quality of the diet, by decreasing fat intake and replacing this with fruit and vegetables. The benefits of a low glycaemic index and high fibre diet need to be emphasized

The metabolic profiles of HIV-infected and non-infected women in Mangaung, South Africa

Objective: To determine the biochemical nutritional status of HIV-infected women in Mangaung.Design: Cross-sectional.Setting: The community of Mangaung, Free State, South Africa.Subjects: A representative group of 500 black women (25–44 years) was selected randomly to participate.Outcome measures: Biochemical analyses were performed for total  lymphocytes, serum protein, serum albumin, plasma fibrinogen, serum insulin, serum glucose, serum triglycerides and serum cholesterol using standard methodology. Values were compared to standard references, and between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women.Results: After screening for eligibility, 488 women qualified. Sixty-one per cent of the younger women (25–34 years) and 38% of the older women (35–44 years) were HIV-infected. HIV-infected women had significantly lower median blood values for total lymphocytes (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.02 for younger and older group respectively) and serum albumin (p = 0.0001 for both age groups), but significantly higher median concentrations of serum protein (p = 0.0001 for both age groups) than uninfected women. Plasma fibrinogen and serum insulin concentrations were significantly lower in HIV-infected younger women than in their uninfected counterparts (p = 0.002 for both parameters). Older HIV-infected women had significantly lower total serum cholesterol values (p = 0.01) than older HIV-uninfected women. Serum glucose and serum triglycerides did not differ significantly between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women.Conclusions: The results indicate a possible impact of HIV infection on serum protein and serum albumin, which may adversely affect biochemical nutritional status and the course of HIV progression. Future research into the causes and possible treatment of metabolic changes in women in this community should be prioritised

Assessment of the physical activity, body mass index and energy intake of HIV-uninfected and HIV-infected women in Mangaung, Free State province

Published ArticleDeclining levels of physical activity at workplaces, during leisure time and when travelling, accompanied by increasing exposure to the mass media, are major determinants of the global obesity epidemic. This study aimed to assess physical activity, the body mass index (BMI) and energy intake of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-uninfected and HIV-infected black women in Mangaung. Method: A random sample of 500 black women was selected in Mangaung. Physical activity levels, dietary intake and BMI were determined in younger and older women, aged 25–34 and 35–44 years, respectively. Results: Of the 488 women who qualified for participation, 61% of the younger women and 38% of the older women were HIV-infected. Low physical activity levels were reported in most women, and more than 50% were overweight or obese. The BMI of HIV-infected younger women with low physical activity levels (24.9 kg/m2) was significantly lower than that of the HIV-uninfected younger women (27.2 kg/m2) (p-value 0.02). The energy intake of older HIV-infected women with low physical activity levels was significantly lower (10 090 kJ) than that of the older HIV-infected women in the normal to high physical activity category (14 519 kJ) (p-value 0.03). Conclusion: A more active lifestyle and energy-reduced diet that focuses on food quality could partially address BMI parameters in HIV-uninfected women. Safeguarding a lean BMI in HIV-infected women, by increasing physical activity levels while maintaining current energy intake, with an emphasis on healthy eating practices, could support quality of life