Juvenile pre-sentence investigations in the criminal justice system

Juvenile Offending is widely believed to be on the increase judging by the growing number of convictions of young offenders in Gauteng Province. Policy and legislation has been renewed to uphold the rights of the child and to provide more humane intervention plans for children in conflict with the law. Appropriate sentencing of young people in conflict with the law remains a significant challenge in the South African Criminal Justice System. The Probation Services Act (Act 116 of 1991) provides for the appointment of probation officers who are responsible for screening, assessing and referring persons awaiting trial. After young offenders are convicted of a crime, a probation officer is required to conduct a pre-sentence investigation and write a pre-sentence report to assist the Magistrates and Judges in making appropriate sentencing decisions. This study aims to assess the usefulness of probation officers / pre-sentence reports in sentencing decisions concerning young offenders in the Criminal Justice System. Probation services are overloaded and understaffed and many social workers have not had adequate training in working in this field. These factors may compromise the quality of the pre-sentence investigation and the consideration of sentencing options. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of probation officers’ reports in sentencing young offenders in the Criminal Justice System. A representative sample of fifteen magistrates from Johannesburg Courts and the surrounding areas including a judge from the High Court was used for this study. The findings indicated that all the respondents were involved and experienced in sentencing young offenders. ii From the findings of the study, it can be concluded that most of the respondents found the probation officer’s reports useful in terms of the purpose of the pre-sentence investigations, understanding the young offender in his / her family, community and socio-economic and cultural context; the criminal history and profile of the young offender; the probation officer’s evaluation and assessment; and the consideration of appropriate sentencing options. With regard to suggestions to improve the probation officers’ reports the following was suggested by some of the respondents: - - Reports should be compiled and presented to court in time. - A workshop involving probation officers, prosecutors, magistrates and other service providers for young offenders needs to be done. - Probation officers should communicate with the prosecutors so that they get knowledge of the court proceedings regarding the trial. - Probation officers should look at the docket that carries the information regarding the young offender. - If a young offender is detained in a detention centre, probation officers should visit them frequently in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the programs they are exposed to, for sentencing purposes. The research design was qualitative in nature and an interview schedule was completed for the purpose of data collection. iii The results of this study indicated that the probation officer’s report is useful. The majority of the respondents stated that the probation officer’s report met their expectations. However, not all of them had suggestions regarding guidelines to improve pre-sentence reports, as the existing one covers all the necessary aspects.Prof. L. Pate

Representations of blackness in post-1994 black-centred films: an analysis of Conversations on a Sunday afternoon (2005), When we were black (2007) and State violence (2011)

A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in African Languages. Wits University, Johannesburg, 2015This report interrogates the representation of blackness in post-1994 black-centred films in South Africa. With a particular focus on Khalo Matabane’s films, I analyse Conversations on a Sunday Afternoon (2005), When We Were Black (2007) and State of Violence (2011) across a spectrum of themes. I also interrogate and introduce several critical concepts such as ‘blackness’, ‘the image of blackness’, ‘black identity’, ‘masculinity’, ‘femininity’, ‘the Gaze’ and ‘Otherness’. These concepts are interlinked in ways that bring about an understanding of the concept of black-centred films, which is central to the research report. Amidst the different interpretations of black-centred films, the vantage point from which the concept is used is interested in black-centred films as films that are made by a black filmmaker, whose content addresses issues of blackness and is targeted at a black audience. However, these three factors need not always resonate in a single film in order for it to be considered and analysed as a black-centred film. The lens through which Matabane holds the camera questions his representation of the black image and whether it is from an insider or outsider’s perspective. The view from which Matabane holds the camera is important in establishing whether he has purported to represent historically stereotypical images of blackness, or whether his endeavours in filmmaking are occupied by the relentless pursuit to present new images of blackness

To ascertain the prevalence of clostridium difficile infection in cohort of HIV positive patients with diarrhoea at Chris Hani Baragwanath academic hospital

A research report submitted to the faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfillment of requirement for degree of Master of Medicine in Internal MedicineClostridium difficile infection (CDI) affects the digestive system; the symptoms range from mild to severe. In healthy individuals CDI is asymptomatic; however certain antibiotics and other medication can disturb the normal gut flora predisposing to CDI. This may lead to unnecessary hospitalisation or a prolonged hospital stay, which can be more debilitating in immunocompromised patients. Thus, judicious antibiotic use is crucial; however certain conditions require treatment that may alter normal flora, which is a predisposing factor for CDI. Objective: To ascertain the prevalence of Clostridium difficile infection in a cohort of HIV positive patients with diarrhoea at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. (CHBAH) over a 12 month period. Design: This was a prospective study. Methods: Prospective study, at CHBAH 200 HIV positive patients with diarrhoea were evaluated. Clinical records of the selected patients were accessed. A questionnaire was used to identify risk factors for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in the selected patients. Stool analysis was used to diagnose CDI. Results: Fifty-three patients (26.5%) had CDI. The most significant factors associated with an increased risk for CDI were: Anti-tuberculous treatment; most likely Rifampicin Antibiotic use, especially penicillin based drugs; clindamycin and carbapenems. A very low CD4 count was not a strong predictor for CDI (p=0.62) after adjusting for confounders (Viral load, concurrent co-morbid disease, use of antibiotics and anti-tuberculosis drugs). Conclusions: In our cohort of 200 patients, fifty-three (26.5%) had CDI. The risk factors identified were use of anti- TB drugs, common antibiotics associated with C.difficile.MT201

An Analysis of Challenges obstructing Growth of SMEs in the South African Tourism Sector: A theoretical evaluation

The study empirically sought to analyse challenges inhibiting the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within the tourism sector in South Africa. The study employed qualitative research design following the in depth interviews in order to gather data form tourism SME owners and managers in South Africa, who formed the sample population for the study. A sample of 20 respondents was drawn using purposive sampling approach. The participants who were selected were tourism SME owners and managers of guesthouses, lodges and bed and breakfast houses, shuttle transport, art and craft curio shops and agricultural sector. The researchers has provided a perspective on the role of tourism SMEs in South Africa.  The study identified the hindering challenges for tourism SMEs development and growth as lack of access to funding, inadequate or unavailable government funding, lack of entrepreneurial and management skills to operate their businesses, lack of networking connections, poor location of SME operations and stiff competition for well-established SMEs. The recommendations were made that alternative funding strategies should be used, SME owners and managers should be trained, the SMEs should join network groups and share ideas, and they should also invest in marketing and communication technologies for their products to be known to the market. Keywords: Small and Medium Enterprises, tourism, economic growth, inclusive growth DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/12-22-06 Publication date:August 31st 2020

Implementing of cost and profit management systems: a case of small, medium and large construction firms in Swaziland.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville.The construction industry in Swaziland consists of small, medium and large construction firms both in building and civil construction works. The industry is guided by several management systems such as quality, health and safety, environmental, cost and profit management systems. The study focused on the implementation of cost and profit management systems, it sought to compare effectiveness of the use of these systems by large construction firms and challenges faced by small or medium contractors in adopting this system. Through this comparison the aim was to find ways in which small and medium contractors could be capacitated for them to be able to master the use of cost and profit management systems so as to track financial performance of the organization and execution of projects. The purpose of the study is to understand the extent to which construction companies employ cost and profit management systems to predict profitability. In previous research inadequate capacity, lack of financial capital, poor management systems have been identified as contributors to the failure of these companies thus this study will collate these contributors, analysing the cost and profit management systems between the small, medium and large construction firms. The interpretivist paradigm and inductive research was conducted in a case study methodology which was qualitative research design in nature as it needed to investigate and understand in depth the reasons for failure to implement cost and profit management systems by small and medium contractors. The research was conducted using semi- structured interviews with nine construction firms in the different categories from the Mbabane- Manzini corridor selected by purposive sampling. These were selected because they had projects at the time of the study. Data was analysed by thematic analysis. The findings were that the firms scarcely used cost and profit management systems and it they used them they were not fed properly with information because of the lack of expertise among staff. It is recommended that employers and employees are given training to understand the intricacies of the industry and the implications are that firms need capacity building

Stakeholders’ perception of the local government stakeholder engagement practices in the Bekkersdal township

Abstract: This research investigates community stakeholder perceptions of the local government stakeholder engagement practices in the Bekkersdal Township, south of Johannesburg. Bekkersdal Township has experienced a number of violent service delivery protests in recent years, and has been labelled, by a specialised local government data and intelligence organisation called Municipal IQ, a service delivery protest hotspot in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. It is therefore essential to obtain a better and clearer picture of stakeholders’ perceptions of the local government stakeholder engagement practices because the community’s perceptions influence behaviour and consequently shape the relationships between stakeholders and the municipality. The research used focus groups to establish stakeholders’ perceptions of the local government’s stakeholder engagement practices. The findings reveal that the overall perception of the stakeholders of the municipality’s stakeholder engagement practices is not favourable and that stakeholders feel that they have been left out of and are not involved in local government activities as a result of the prevailing communication practices of local government

In vitro susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus to porphyrin-silver mediated photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy

This work reports on the syntheses and characterization of symmetrical and unsymmetrical porphyrin complexes namely, 5,10,15,20-tetra(4-pyridyl)-porphyrinato zinc(II) (1), 5,10,15,20-tetrathienyl porphyrinato zinc(II) (2), 5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-10, 15, 20-tris(2-thienyl) porphyrinato zinc(II) (3), 5-(4-carboxyphenyl)-10,15,20-tris(pentafluorophenyl)- porphyrinato zinc(II) (4), 5-(4-carboxyphenyl)-10,15,20-triphenyl-porphyrinato zinc(II) (5) and 5-(4-carboxyphenyl)-10, 15, 20-tris(2-thienyl)-porphyrinato zinc(II) (6). The synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was also undertaken in this research work. Complexes 1, 2, 3 and 6 were linked to oleic acid/oleylamine functionalized nanoparticles via self-assembly and 4-6 were linked via covalent interaction through an amide bond to glutathione capped AgNPs. The effect of nature of bond along with symmetry were investigated, of interest were the five membered thienyl substituents. The photophysical and photochemical behaviour of the complexes and their conjugates with AgNPs were investigated in dimethylformamide. The porphyrin and AgNPs conjugates afforded an increase in singlet oxygen quantum yield. Complexes 1-6 and their conjugates were used for photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy of Staphylococcus aureus. The antimicrobial studies were done in two different concentrations of 0.36 and 2.0 μg/mL. The thienyl substituted porphyrin complexes and their conjugates gave better photodynamic activity as compared to phenyl analogue

The gospel embodied in African traditional religion and culture with specific reference to the cult of ancestor veneration and the concept of salvation : an inculturation hermeneutic

In Africa, as everywhere else in the world, the interpretation of the gospel message takes place in a particular and unique context. This means that in doing theology one should take into account the spirit and the gospel message, but also the culture of the people the message is communicated. During the Graeco-Roman period (First century Mediterranean world) the proclamation of the gospel message could not ignore the culture of the Romans, Greek and Jews. It is therefore argued in this study that the reading and interpretation of the gospel message in Africa should seriously take into consideration the African religio-cultural cues. Therefore, the current researcher calls this hermeneutical paradigm, inculturation hermeneutic. In the first chapter of this thesis, the problem posed is that while many Africans today are exposed to modern education, traditional thought is still the source of the basic world-view. Even though a greater majority of Africans are Christianized, they still adhere to their traditional religious customs and practices such as the veneration of ancestors and visiting traditional doctors. These questions are investigated using the inculturation hermeneutic approach. The gospel features embedded in the traditional African culture are examined. Some of the features are the aspect of birth, marriage, attributes of God, the role of traditional healers and sacrifice. These features show that African traditional culture respected the birth of a child. This was considered to be a gift from God. Therefore all necessary rituals were performed to ensure that the child learns all what is expected of it. The child becomes a member of society and is able to live harmoniously with other people and with God. Marriage became an institution respected as basis of procreation, another gift from God. The attributes of God in African culture show that African traditional people knew God as Creator and sustainer of life. The researcher manages to demonstrate that these aspects of African traditional life have embedded or enshrined features that are in the gospel message and which could be made explicit and highlighted in proclaiming the Gospel in an African context. The cult of ancestor veneration has been investigated. Evidence from a variety of scholars indicates that Africans never worship ancestors. The cultural practices that Africans perform aim at demonstrating their faith in God. They are symbolic in nature. However, uninformed readers may interpret these rituals as secular and of no religious value. The different rituals are therefore explained and discussed in detail. The attempt in discussing the cult of ancestor veneration is not to validate this practice. The researcher endevours to show that the cult embodies an important element of the Gospel mediatorship. Salvation is another concept that has also been investigated. When analyzed and interpreted within the African cultural context, this aspect also demonstrates the embodiment of gospel features. Salvation is approached holistically, that is, the health of the human body as well as the spirit are taken as a whole. Some case studies of African communities are examined to establish how these communities understand salvation. Some biblical texts are cited to illustrate points of contact or similar lines of thinking, where both biblical and African communities express their faith in God. These texts are in no way intended to compare the two religions or put them on equal footing. This would result in one being used as a yardstick for the other. I think scholars should interpret each religion in its own context and evaluate its embodiment of gospel features. This means that each religion has its own unique way whereby it embodies the gospel message. And in this thesis, the submission is that African traditional culture and religion embodies gospel features.Thesis (DPhil (Biblical and Religious Studies))--University of Pretoria, 2006.Biblical and Religious Studiesunrestricte

Challenges facing Ghanaian subsistence maize farmers in scaling up production and transition to agri-business

Undergraduate thesis submitted to the Department of Business Administration, Ashesi University, in partial fulfillment of Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, May 2020Agricultural productivity in Ghana has been declining for a while (Adombila, 2018). As a result, imports to the country have been increasing (Ghana Commercial Guide, 2019). The Daily Graphic news mentioned that food imports in Ghana averaged to $2.4 billion every year and that includes maize, sugar, meat, rice imports and many other items (Adombila, 2018). Secondary information gathered from different literature review explains why productivity in the Ghanaian agricultural sector has been decreasing. Most of the information gathered is situated around the case of smallholder farmers. Smallholder farmers are farmers practicing subsistence farming (A framework for the development of smallholder farmers through cooperatives development, 2012). Smallholder farming is one of the dominant sector in the in African agricultural sector (Zuma, 2013). This study, therefore focuses on the Ghanaian subsistence maize farmers and the challenges they face, that prevent them from transitioning and scaling up production to agribusiness. Agribusiness is a business that produces, sell and distribute farm products on a large scale ("Agribusiness definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary", n.d.). The main focus area is in Berekuso in the Eastern region of Ghana. The study will answer the following questions: what are the main challenges that compel Berekuso subsistence corn farmers to still practice subsistence farming in the 21 century instead of transitioning to agri- business? and what can be done differently to help subsistence corn farmers to transition to agribusiness? Primary data for this study was collected using in-depth interviews with structured questions for the subsistence corn farmers to answer.Ashesi Universit

Investigating medicines availability for selected non-communicable diseases at Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital, Manzini, Swaziland and the impact on patient out-of-pocket payments.

M. Pharm. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2014.Background: The burden of non- communicable diseases (NCDs) in low and middle -income countries is greatly increasing and posing both financial and public health concerns. Increased morbidity has significantly reduced quality of life in these populations and Swaziland is no exception. Patients with NCD’s often have to pay for their medicines out-of-pocket. The extent of this practice is not known. Methods: The study was conducted at a regional hospital in Manzini that serves majority of NCD patients in the central part of the country. Exit interviews were conducted with 300 patients diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension and asthma. Patients were asked how often they experienced stock-outs of essential medicines at the facility and how much they paid at private pharmacies to access the medicines. Responses were triangulated with Central Medical Stores’ (CMS) 2012 annual stock records to ascertain availability of the selected medicines and their turnaround time which was the time taken for medicines to be issued to the facility on receipt after they had been out of stock at CMS. Results were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: Majority of patients (n=213; 71%) confirmed not receiving the complete package of their prescribed medicines at each visit to the hospital in the past six months. On average patients spent 10-50 times more for their medicines in private pharmacies than they would when accessing them from the health facility. Stock-outs at CMS ranged from minimum of 30 days to over 217 days in the course of the assessment period (12 months) were recorded and found to be the cause of stock-outs in the health facility. The turnaround time of medicines from CMS to the facility was not found to have influence on shortages recorded in facility. Conclusion: Out-of-pocket expenditure is very common for patients with NCDs using this health facility which increases of the possibility of default on treatment because they cannot afford the commercial fees charged at private pharmacies. Patients were paying 10 to 50 times more to access medicines for their conditions in private pharmacies than when accessing them from the health facility in the event they were out-of-stock