Blacks in the ex-Boer republics of the Transvaal and Orange Free State in the aftermath of the South African War of 1899-1902

This article attempts to assess the short and long-terrn effects of the South African War of 1899-1902 on the Blacks in the Boer republics of the Transvaal and Orange Free State in particular and on the southern African Blacks in general. While the conditions of black South Africans in the ex-Boer republics in the post· war era is the central theme of this paper, it has, at times, been difficult to avoid commenting on the political influence of the Colonial South, the Cape Colony in particular, on the actions of Blacks in the Orange River Colony and Transvaal, especially in the period immediately following the unification of the four provinces, Transvaal, Orange Free State, Natal, and Cape Colony. It is for that reason that this article has not confined itself to the effects of the war on the black people in the Boer republics only. It was impossible to isolate the Blacks of the two British Colonies from those of the newly acquired British territories in this discussion

Accuracy of symptom-based screening for tuberculosis in HIV-infected pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Matlosana in 2010-2011

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg In partial fulfillment for the requirement for the degree Master of Public Health 25 August 2014BACKGROUND Tuberculosis is the leading opportunistic infection among HIV-infected adults, including pregnant women, globally. Accurate screening tools are needed to identify those requiring further laboratory testing and to initiate isoniazid preventive therapy in a timely manner. This study determined the accuracy of symptom-based screening and in particular the performance of the WHO recommended TB symptom screening algorithm in HIV-infected pregnant women. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among consenting HIV-infected pregnant women attending routine antenatal clinics in Matlosana, South Africa recruited >1 week after first HIV diagnosis between June 2010 and February 2011. Sputum was collected from all women followed by a systematic TB symptom screen. The performances of each symptom (cough, fever, weight loss and night sweats) alone and in combination were assessed with TB confirmed by sputa using microscopy and liquid culture (MGIT), as reference or gold standard. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were calculated for each of the four symptoms (cough, fever, weight loss and night sweats) and their combination. Logistic regression was carried out to find associations between patient characteristics and TB. RESULTS Overall, Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) confirmed prevalence of TB was 2.4% (35/1456) in this sample group. Only 11/38 (29%) women with confirmed TB reported any symptoms. Cough, fever, weight-loss and night sweats, individually and in combination had sensitivities ranging from 2.7-27% and specificities ranging from 84-97%. The positive predictive and negative predictive values for any symptoms of cough, fever, night sweats, or weight loss were 4.2% and 98%, respectively. TB was associated with decreasing CD4 count, close TB contact, cough, and night sweats. DISCUSSION The remarkable number of asymptomatic TB in HIV-infected patients, including in the cohort included in this study highlights the limitation of symptom-based screening. The low sensitivity of the symptom screen would incorrectly stratify patients who are being considered for Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT). However, one could argue that the high negative predictive value of the symptom screen would justify its use in resource-limited settings as the initial step in identifying patients who should receive IPT. Although household TB and the father of the baby having TB were found not to have statistically significant associations with active TB, they are of public health importance as they play a role in the spread of the infection. CONCLUSION The WHO 4-symptom screen had low sensitive among HIV-infected pregnant women but negative predictive value was high. Few women with TB disease reported symptoms on direct questioning; the high rate of subclinical/ asymptomatic TB is concerning. There is an urgent need for more sensitive screening tools for TB in HIV-infected pregnant wome

Perceptions of learnerships and internships as tools for skills development of youths in the Sedibeng District Municipality, Gauteng

Abstract: This study focused on the perceptions of learnerships and internships as tools for skills development of youths in the Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM) in the Gauteng province. The main aim of this study was to analyse the role of internships and learnerships in the SDM as tools for skills development of youths and to assess whether the goals of these intended programmes are perceived to be met by the direct stakeholders involved. To make this determination, this study focused on how internship and learnership programmes were perceived by stakeholders, including participants in the programmes and municipal officials who acted as supervisors in these programmes. This study utilised a qualitative research design in order to analyse data gathered from existing knowledge on the subject, while qualitative interviews were conducted with respondents to establish the utility of internships and learnerships in promoting skills development in the SDM. The study found that internships and learnerships could be used as tools to promote skills among unemployed youths. However, the study also found that internship and learnership programmes could be used more effectively by widening the length, breadth, and scope of the programmes by introducing focused workshops and detailed mentoring, and extending the programmes to deserving youths. Moreover, the private sector could also increase the utility of internship and learnership programmes by investing financial and human capital resources in them.M.A. (Public Management and Governance

Towards developing an engineering management approach to resolving developmental issues faced by graduate engineers

Abstract: New engineering recruits are often subject to anxiety and uncertainty regarding their roles, tasks and career prospects in industrial organisations. As a developing country, South Africa relies heavily on advances in technology for future economic growth and industrial development. Experienced engineers applying reliable engineering practices and processes in the various sectors of industry are necessary to bring about innovative developments. The purpose of this research is to determine whether graduate engineers are currently receiving appropriate and sufficient training to enable them to participate fully in the country’s economic growth and development and apply the technological improvements to be globally competitive. Early job experiences and mentorships have been shown to significantly influence the long-term performance of engineers; consequently, the research will also addresses the extent of involvement in and intervention by engineering managers and mentors to ensure sufficient training and skills transfer for professional engineers. The research will also examine the gap that exists between engineering managers and graduate engineers. This will be done by investigating the relationship between the graduate engineers and their mentors and/or engineering managers. Based on the outcomes of the survey data, the root course of the existing gap will be investigated and suggestions will be made on how best to close the gap that seems to exist.M.Ing. (Engineering Management

The influence of corporate financial events on selected JSE-listed companies

In South Africa, corporate finance events receive extensive coverage in the media. However, there are only a few studies examining the behaviour of share prices in response to such events. Using the event study methodology commonly used in corporate finance research, the reaction of a sample of large- and small-cap stocks to selected corporate finance events (such as dividend and earnings announcements, stock splits and accounting policy changes) was analysed. Results show that there is a rapid stock price adjustment immediately post-announcement, but the time taken varies depending on the nature of the event and company size. This may have profound implications on discretionary portfolio management: fund managers should find it beneficial from a diversification standpoint. Exiting from heavy concentrations in large-cap stocks and diversifying into smaller cap stocks could offer the stability of portfolio returns against adverse events like Steinhoff’s accounting fraud