Informality and the context of reception in South Africa's new immigrant destinations

This study examines the context of reception for Zimbabwean migrants who are engaged in South Africa's informal economy. It seeks to contribute to two areas of migration scholarship: (a) the emergence of new immigrant destinations in the global South and (b) the role of the informal economy in shaping the context of reception for migrants in new gateway cities. Through surveys of Zimbabwean day labourers in Tshwane (formerly Pretoria), we document the poverty and the food and housing insecurity these migrants and their dependents endure resulting from underemployment in the informal economy. The analysis presented here suggests that although it has received little attention from migration scholars, the informal economy can play a significant role in shaping the context of reception for immigrants in the new gateway cities of the global South. In many destination countries, the informal economy absorbs large numbers of migrants, making it an important, if flawed, source of employment, earnings, and remittances. With increasing levels of migration to major cities, the informal economy has become a key arena of migrant incorporation, with far‐reaching implications for lives and livelihoods.IBSS & Scopu

Omnibus February [South Africa], 1996 (M872V1)

An omnibus survey is done quarterly and its purpose is to give clients an opportunity to participate in a national survey at low cost. A number of clients’ questions are combined into one questionnaire. This questionnaire is usually administered to probability sample of about 2 200 respondents in the whole country (South Africa). The 1996 February omnibus consisted of two separate samples of 2 200 each – one sample having a yellow questionnaire and the other sample having a pink questionnaire. The February/March 1996 omnibus survey was undertaken over the period 27 February to 24 March 1995. The data from this survey was available in May 1996. The fieldwork was done on a countrywide basis including all nine provinces. Interviewers specifically trained in personal interviewing collected the data. The respondents were scientifically selected, and interviewed at home. The interviews were conducted after hours to ensure that the scientifically drawn person was present. If the drawn person was not home during the first visit, but was available during the fieldwork period, an appointment was made and the person concerned revisited. If nobody in the household qualified, or was available during the fieldwork period, the household was substituted. The questions in the questionnaire were printed in both English and Afrikaans. During training these were translated into he relevant languages of the Black fieldwork areas. Interviews were conducted in the respondent’s choice of language. The respondent also had to be part of the scientifically drawn household, and be available during the fieldwork period. Substitution of the visiting point was only allowed for specified reasons

Omnibus September [South Africa], 1995 (M874V1)

ABSTRACT: An omnibus survey is done quarterly and its purpose is to give clients an opportunity to participate in a national survey at low cost. A number of clients’ questions are combined into one questionnaire. This questionnaire is usually administered to probability sample of 2 200 respondents in the whole country (South Africa). The 1995 February omnibus consisted of two separate samples of 2 200 each – one sample having a blue questionnaire and the other sample having a green questionnaire. The September 1995 omnibus survey was undertaken over the period 04 September to 06 October 1995. The data from this survey was available in December 1995. The fieldwork was done on a countrywide basis including all nine provinces. Interviewers specifically trained in personal interviewing collected the data. The respondents were scientifically selected, and interviewed at home. The interviews were conducted after hours to ensure that the scientifically drawn person was present. If the drawn person was not home during the first visit, but was available during the fieldwork period, an appointment was made and the person concerned revisited. If nobody in the household qualified, or was available during the fieldwork period, the household was substituted. The questions in the questionnaire were printed in both English and Afrikaans. During training these were translated into he relevant languages of the Black fieldwork areas. Interviews were conducted in the respondent’s choice of language. The respondent also had to be part of the scientifically drawn household, and be available during the fieldwork period. Substitution of the visiting point was only allowed for specified reasons

Near vision correction and quality of life among textile factory workers in Durban

Background: Uncorrected near vision impairment affects the performance of near vision tasks and activities for an estimated 410 million people worldwide. Once normal vision becomes blurred or impaired, the ordinary and simple daily routines of individuals become difficult; often resulting in frustration and irritation, which is consequently reflected in their quality of life. Aim: We investigated the change of vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) following near correction among textile factory workers in South Africa. Methods: Presbyopic subjects who were 40 years and older with no other eye conditions were provided near spectacle correction. We interviewed subjects to ascertain their VRQoL scores using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire, pre-treatment and 6 months after the provision of near corrections. Setting: The study was conducted among the textile factory workers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Results: A total of 423 textile factory workers were followed up from seven textile factories in Durban. The overall increase in VRQoL scores of 21.9 (95% CI 16.7–27) was significant (p < 0.01). This translates to a 36.5% (95% CI 30.6–42.4) change in VRQoL. The increase was highest among participants of African origin 25.1 (95% CI 21.14–29.1), males 18.8 (95% CI 12.6–27.2), among those who had completed primary school 35.8 (95% CI 21.7–49.9) and among participants with other responsibilities (ironing and quality assurance) 21.9 (95% CI 16.7–27). Conclusion: Correcting near vision impairment improved the VRQoL scores of textile factory workers. The results showed that VRQoL scores increased significantly across levels of education and categories of responsibilit

The attitude and perceptions of doctors at Letaba Hospital towards family medicine: A qualitative study

Background: It was noted that family medicine (FM) was not used properly by doctors at Letaba Hospital. Anecdotally, misconceptions and misunderstandings about FM were reported. An exploration was recommended to understand the perceptions and attitudes of doctors at Letaba Hospital with regard to FM. Identifying doctors’ misconceptions and the possible reasons for mistaken beliefs about FM by other specialists could offer possible solutions.Methods: A qualitative study was conducted that attempted to identify the perceptions of doctors about FM and to explore their attitudes towards this specialty.Results: The primary findings indicate more positive than negative perceptions of other disciplines towards FM. The participants viewed FM as the centre of the healthcare system, with prevention being its core business. This includes a holistic approach, the continuity of care, being community-based, and receiving recognition as a specialty. Family medicine was described by various medical personnel as making a positive contribution to the healthcare system. They note the role of FM discipline in district hospitals, its support of primary health- care and its ability to fill the gaps in the healthcare system, including surgical skills. The few negative perceptions that were identified mostly related to the status of FM as a specialty and doctors’ level of surgical ability. Based on individual interviews, 11 themes were extracted and a ‘wheel’ model was created, depicting the core values of the FM discipline.Conclusion: The study concluded that most participants have a positive perception of the role of FM, similar to the views of the senior staff in the discipline itself. The concerns from most participants are in the area of preventative medicine, which has not been given enough priority in South Africa and where doctors are expected to rapidly attend to long queues and manage casualties. There was also concern of a perceived lack of surgical skills