A review of the book Kasinomic Revolution: The rise of African Informal Economies. Written by GG Alcock

The author restates the need for Afrocentric systems such as building modern villages to accommodate Africa’s uniqueness. He condemns the practices of marginalising the informal economy as it contributes to countries’ Gross Domestic Production (GDP). GG alludes that jobs are now beyond the conventional “8 to 5 job with a payslip” and that communities of ordinary people should not be treated as “breeding grounds for employees”. Moreover, he highlights that the colonial and Western systems are unjust to the masses in developing countries. Africa needs no “bicycle lanes but hawker lanes” where they can trade closer to their clientele without being fearful of municipalities chasing them

Stress levels among government secondary school teachers in a semirural area of KwaZulu-Natal.

Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.There is little or no information regarding stress levels among teachers in semi-rural government secondary schools in South Africa. Furthermore, findings regarding the relationship between gender, age and teaching experience and teacher stress appear to be equivocal. The present study aims to examine the levels of stress among a group of semirural secondary school teachers, and whether there is a relationship between stress levels and gender, age, teaching experience and medical/psychiatric treatment. The researcher employed a survey using the Professional Life Stress Scale (PLSS) to assess teachers' stress levels. The demographic checklist consisted of the following items: gender, age, length of service in the teaching profession, psychiatric or medical treatment during the previous 3 months. Participants included 102 teachers, 38 of whom were males and 64 were female, from 9 selected government schools in the Durban semirural area. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample. T-tests were used to determine the relationship between gender and total stress scores, as well as to determine gender differences on individual items on the PLSS. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to determine the relationship between age and teaching experience and total stress scores. Chi squares were used to determine whether there was a relationship between gender and category of stress. In addition, reasons for obtaining medical/psychiatric services were examined. The research findings indicate that these secondary teachers are experiencing high levels of stress and that gender, age, teaching experience have no significant effect on their levels of stress. In addition, few participants seek psychological and medical services and most participants report psychosomatic symptoms

Synthesis, characterization and biological activity of some cluster and mononuclear osimium complexes with P- donor ligands

Routes to mononuclear Os(II) and Os(0) cluster complexes containing P-donor ligands (PR3, PP) were studied using the osmium salts Y2[OsX6] (Y = NH4, K; X = Cl, Br, I) as precursors. Carbonylation of the precursors and then subsequent reaction with tertiary phosphines afford neutral complexes of the type cis,cis,trans-[OsX2(CO)2(PR3)2] (X = Cl, Br, I, PR3 = tertiary phosphine), which were characterized by combination of infrared and Raman spectroscopy, NMR (1H, 13C, 31P) spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The compounds cis,cis,trans-[OsBr2(CO)2{Ph2P(CH2C6H5)}2] (2b), cis,cis,trans-[OsBr2(CO)2{P(CH2C6H5)}3] (3b) and cis,cis,trans-[OsBr2(CO)2{P(C6H11)}2] (4b) have been further characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Thermogravimetric analysis of these complexes shows multiple stages of decomposition that can be directly related to the loss of ligands.Microwave-promoted reaction of the osmium salt precursor with bidentate phosphine ligands affords the neutral complexes [OsX2(PP)2] (X = Cl, Br, I; PP = bidentate phosphine ligand). A stepwise substitution pathway has been suggested resulting in the formation of compounds cis/trans-[OsX2(PP)2] in which the ligands display different reactivity. The size of the bidentate phosphine ligand determines the stereochemistry of the product complex. Reaction with short ligands such as dppm selectively yield the cis-[OsX2(PP)2] isomers. Whilst reaction with dppe and dppp under the same conditions gives the trans-[OsX2(PP)2] isomers. Steric bulkiness of the ligands influences the stereochemistry. The cis-[OsX2(PP)2] isomers are thermally stable with onset of decomposition at temperatures above 300 °C. In contrast, the trans-[OsX2(PP)2] isomers were found to be thermally less stable and found to decompose in the range 195 – 251 °C. Microwave irradiation of [Os3(CO)12] in the presence of PPh3 in acetonitrile solution gave a mixture of disubstituted and trisubstituted phosphine cluster complexes which have been characterized by IR, Raman, 1H and 31P (where applicable) NMR spectroscopies. Variation of solvents influences substitution and give a mixture of monosubstituted and disubstituted phosphine cluster. Complexes of the type [OsX2(PP)2] exhibited both anticancer and antimicrobial activity. In some instances the activity was comparable to that of the reference drugs. The complexes cis,cis,trans-[OsX2(CO)2(PR3)2] and phosphine substituted derivatives of [Os3(CO)12] exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacterial strains and some fungal strains under study.ChemistryM. Sc. (Chemistry

Post-basic nursing students' perceptions of the emigration of nurses from the Republic of South Africa: research

The emigration of nurses from South Africa to work in overseas countries continues to increase despite efforts to curb this phenomenon. This exploratory descriptive survey attempted to identify nurses' perceptions of their colleagues who have emigrated as well as their own intentions to emigrate should the opportunity arise. Selfcompletion questionnaires were posted to all students registered for under- and postgraduate studies at a distance education institution. The analysis of the data obtained from 453 completed questionnaires indicated that almost all respondents knew nurses who had emigrated, and that approximately 60% of the respondents would emigrate if the opportunity should arise. The major deterrent to their emigration was family ties which kept them in South Africa. The major reasons why they would emigrate related to better remuneration and to the ability to save money quickly for specific reasons. Besides improved remuneration and fringe benefits, employers could help nurses to remain in the Republic of South Africa (RSA) by showing appreciation for their work, by improving facilities and resources and by appointing competent health managers. The South African government could help nurses to remain within the RSA by appointing people in the frozen posts, eliminating corruption within the government and by improving safety and security in the country. Almost all respondents indicated that the government had no right to prevent South African nurses from emigrating to other countries. Die emigrasie van Suid-Afrikaanse verpleegkundiges om in oorsese lande te werk neem toe ten spyte van pogings om die verskynsel te bekamp. 'n Verkennende, beskrywende opname is gedoen ten einde verpleegkundiges se persepsies te verken oor kollegas wat ge?migreer het asook hulle eie voornemens om te emigreer indien die geleentheid sou voorkom. Vraelyste wat die studente self moes voltooi is aan alle studente gepos wat vir voor- of nagraadse studies by 'n afstandsonderriginstelling geregistreer was. Die ontleding van die data wat verkry is vanaf die 453 voltooide vraelyste het aangedui dat bykans alle respondente verpleegkundiges geken het wat reeds ge?migreer het, en dat ongeveer 60% van die respondente sou emigreer indien hulle so 'n geleentheid sou kry. Die belangrikste faktor wat hulle emigrasie teengewerk het was familiebande wat hulle in Suid-Afrika gehou het. Die hoofredes waarom hulle sou emigreer het verband gehou met beter besoldiging en met die vermo? om vinnig geld te spaar vir spesifieke doeleindes. Benewens verbeterde besoldiging en byvoordele kan werkgewers verpleegkundiges help om in RSA te bly deur waardering te toon vir hul werk, deur fasiliteite en bronne te verbeter en deur bevoegde gesondheidsorgbestuurders aan te stel. Die Suid-Afrikaanse regering kan verpleegkundiges help om in die RSA aan te bly deur mense in bevrore poste aan te stel, korrupsie binne die regering uit te roei en die veiligheid en sekuriteit in die land te verbeter. Bykans alle respondente het aangetoon dat die regering nie oor die reg beskik om Suid-Afrikaanse verpleegkundiges te verbied om na ander lande te emigreer nie. Keywords: Emigration of South African nurses, Migration of nurses, Nursing shortage in the RSA (Health SA Gesondheid: interdisciplinary research journal: 2003 8(4): 38-55

Nursing staff dynamics and implications for maternal health provision in public health facilities in the context of HIV/AIDS

This study, carried out in Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga provinces in South Africa, aimed to document nursing staff dynamics in maternal health services, and to explore the factors associated with these dynamics. The study found that a high percentage of nursing staff working in public facilities were demotivated, burnt out, and were considering leaving the facility where they were working. A range of factors, both financial and nonfinancial, were associated with nurses considering going overseas: inadequate pay, poor promotion, feeling unsupported by management, and having bad relationships at work were all associated with lack of organizational commitment. As a result of high numbers of nurses feeling demoralized, there is not a conducive environment for policy interventions. Policymakers need to pay more attention to how policies are implemented and the impact of policies on the relationships between nurses, and nurses and managers in facilities

Performance assessment of signalised intersection using uav videography : a case study of the jorissen-bertha street intersection in Johannesburg

Papers presented virtually at the 41st International Southern African Transport Conference on 10-13 July 2023.Intersections are critical sections of a road network as they are designed to accommodate various conflicting movements. For signalised intersections with pre-timed controls in urban areas, it is essential to assess the performance of the signal timing plans at regular intervals. The objective of this study is to develop a method that could be employed to assess the performance of any signalised intersection using a typical intersection in Johannesburg as the case study. The method relies on video data gathering using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, from which various traffic parameters such as the approach flow rate, saturation flow rate, headways and delays are measured. The performance of the intersection is assessed by comparing observed delays with theoretical delays computed using HCM delay models. The study showed that UAV video data can be processed relatively easily to measure various traffic flow parameters required to assess the performance of signalised intersections

A quantitative study on factors influencing enrolment of dairy farmers in a community health insurance scheme

Background Access to affordable and effective health care is a challenge in low- and middle- income countries. Out-of-pocket expenditure for health care is a major cause of impoverishment. One way to facilitate access and overcome catastrophic expenditure is through a health insurance mechanism, whereby risks are shared and financial inputs pooled by way of contributions. This study examined factors that influenced the enrolment status of dairy farmers in Western Kenya to a community health insurance (CHI) scheme. Methods Quantitative, cross-sectional research was used to describe factors influencing the enrolment in the CHI scheme. Quota and convenience sampling was used, recruiting a sample of 135 farmers who supply milk to a dairy cooperation. Data were collected using a structured interview schedule and analysed using Stata SE, Data Analysis and Statistical Software, Version 12. Results Factors influencing non-enrolment were identified as affordability (40%; n = 47), unfamiliarity with the management of the scheme (37%; n = 44) and a lack of understanding about the scheme (41%; n = 48). An exploratory factor analysis was used to reduce the variables to two factors: information provision and understanding community health insurance (CHI). Logistic regression identified factors associated with enrolment in the Tanykina Community Healthcare Plan (TCHP). Supplies of less than six litres of milk per day (OR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.06–0.84) and information provision (OR: 8.77; 95% CI: 2.25–34.16) were significantly associated with enrolment in the TCHP. Nearly 30% (29.6%; n = 40) of the respondents remarked that TCHP is expensive and 17% (n = 23) asked for more education on CHI and TCHP in an open-ended question. Conclusion Recommendations related to marketing strategies, financial approach, information provision and further research were outlined to be made to the management of the TCHP as well as to those involved in public health.Health Studie

I don't know what I am doing because I am doing everything : perceptions and experiences of nurses about HIV counselling and testing among children in Free State Province, South Africa

Although HIV/AIDS constitute a significant health burden among children in South Africa, testing and counselling of exposed children are inadequate. It is therefore imperative that factors relating to paediatric HCT services offered by health workers are examined. This study was conducted to explore and describe the perceptions and experiences of trained professional nurses regarding HIV counselling and testing among children. We conducted six focus group discussions among trained professional nurses in health facilities in a district in Free State Province, South Africa. All verbatim transcripts were analysed with a thematic approach and emergent codes were applied. Forty-seven trained professional nurses participated in the study and two of them were males. The age of the participants ranges from 38 to 60 years while the median age was 50 years. Most participants in the focus groups explained how HCT occurs during regular health talks and that lay counsellors are doing most of the counselling. While a few participants thought that children should not be bothered with HCT, most of them seek consent from caregivers for HIV test for children. While children whose parents are negative are usually not tested, most children are tested only when they become ill. Identified barriers to HCT among children include refusal of consent, work overload, lack of encouragement, and poor record keeping. Participants recommended improvement of issues relating to community mobilization and increasing trained staff strength for optimal paediatric HCT service delivery. Developing guidance and policies with respect to obtaining consent, recruiting more health providers, and addressing structural issues in the society to reduce stigma and discrimination were identified as key priority issues by majority of the participants. The perspectives of these participants who provide paediatric HCT services offer vital insight which may be useful to inform policy interventions.Clinton Health Access Initiative, South Africahttp://www.tandfonline.com/loi/caic20am2017School of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH

Challenges of antiretroviral therapy among children in Free State Province, South Africa

BACKGROUND/AIM : Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is an important intervention for survival among children in Sub Saharan Africa where HIV infection rates are comparatively high. Only few studies have explored issues relating to paediatric ART initiation and maintenance. This study was conducted to explore the perceptions and experiences of trained professional nurses regarding paediatric ART. METHODS : Six focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted among trained professional nurses in selected health facilities in Free State Province, South Africa. Verbatim transcripts were analysed with a thematic approach. RESULTS : The participants of this study reported counselling as an important component of paediatric ART in health facilities. The problem of non-disclosure, migration, incomplete records from referral health facilities, inadequate health workforce and difficulty in record keeping were cited as barriers against paediatric ART. CONCLUSION : This study showed that initiation and adherence to antiretroviral therapy among eligible children faces a significant challenge.https://scindeks.ceon.rs/journaldetails.aspx?issn=2490-3329&lang=enam2023School of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH