School of Social Sciences

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Access to health care and its determinants: the case of older persons in Chivi South district, Zimbabwe.
(2024) Muzvidziwa, Evelyne.; Govender, Jayanathan Perumal.
This study investigates the accessibility of health care services by older persons living in rural areas of Chivi South district. Access to health care has remained invisible in the scholarship in third-world countries like Zimbabwe. In this respect, the study explores the lived experiences of rural older persons residing in Chivi South, a research site embedded in political uncertainty and economic quagmire bedeviling Zimbabwe. This qualitative study was anchored on the interpretivist approach. A sample of 10 key informants and 20 older persons participated in key informant and in-depth interviews. This study established four key findings that will contribute immensely to the sociology of ageing in poor-resourced settings such as Zimbabwe. The cultural meaning of illness among older persons is essential in creating acceptable healthcare services. The consequences of not making a more enabling and inclusive environment for older persons will have a dire impact on healthcare delivery. Changes in policies that support more preventative health and social care globally instead of a reactive approach, which is wholly unsustainable for today’s ever-growing population. In Zimbabwe, older persons are often treated as a homogenous group with similar needs, leading to blanket interventions that overlook individual differences. This has resulted in poorly conceptualized and targeted assistance programs, failing to address local needs. Socially constructed narratives of successful ageing could inform the design of appropriate geriatric policies and programs to transform the healthcare needs of older persons in Zimbabwe. The key findings of the study show that the older persons living in the rural areas of Chivi South district experience challenges such as limited access to economic resources, traveling long distances to access healthcare services, inequalities in the healthcare service delivery system, reduced health status, limited availability, acceptability, and accessibility of healthcare services and inter alia. These challenges limit older persons from accessing much-needed healthcare services. The preeminent aim of this study is informed by the theoretical accounts of Penchansky and Thomas (1981) and Giddens (1984). The structures that frame rural healthcare provision ultimately function as key determinants of the nature and scope of healthcare service utilization, which propounded the structuration theory. Based on the subjective narratives of the research participants, the uniqueness of this study is anchored on its ability to offer a sociological foundation for developing innovative interventions and workable public policy options that support the aging population in African rural spaces. The study showed evidence of how social determinants of health may help reduce disparities in healthcare access for older persons in rural settings. Older persons, especially those residing in poor communities, have unique needs when addressing social health needs. The ageing population in Zimbabwe faces socio-economic predicaments and various challenges in the healthcare sector. It is particularly challenging to manage social connectedness in rural areas because of the issues around accessibility of health care, i.e., physical, financial, and societal barriers, making these multifaceted but crucially critical social determinants of health. Any efforts to improve the health and well-being of older rural persons address rural-urban disparities in healthcare needs and include a focus on the social determinants of health.
An analysis of nonverbal communication between nurses and hospitalised older adults in selected hospitals in Cameroon=Ukuhlaziya ukuxhumana ngezimpawu phakathi kwabahlengikazi nabantu asebekhulile abalaliswe kwezinye zezibhedlela ezikhethiwe zaseCameroon.
(2023) Wanko Keutchafo, Esther Lydie.; Kerr, Jane.
Background: Nurse-patient communication has been recognised as one of the most important aspects of successful patient outcomes. In relation to older adults, whose numbers are growing worldwide, nurses’ communication with older adults is essential because older adults will seek medical assistance more than before. Since most rely on nonverbal communication because of hearing deficits, and changes in attention and coding of information – all restrictions in interaction and effective verbal communication – nurses’ nonverbal communication will be a vital skill to develop good nurse-older patient relationships. In a context where there are no long-term care settings, nurses will be required to achieve effective nonverbal communication when older adults are admitted to the wards. Aim: This study aimed at analysing nonverbal communication between nurses and hospitalised older adults in selected hospitals in Cameroon, to develop a model for effective nonverbal communication between nurses and older adults. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used in this study. A total of 372 participants were included through overt, theoretical, and convenience sampling. To collect the qualitative data through participant observations and individual interviews, twenty-seven (27) nurses were observed, of which 13 nurses were interviewed, and 29 older adults were observed, of which eight (8) were interviewed. In addition, 316 nursing students participated in the survey. Qualitative data analysis was composed of open coding, axial coding, and selective coding, which were intertwined as the researcher moved back and forth between data collection and data analysis. Additionally, comparative analysis, theoretical sensitivity, and memos were used during the process of analysing the qualitative data. Quantitative data were analysed using SPPS version 25, where descriptive and inferential analyses were run. Additionally, an explanatory factor analysis based on the principal component analysis method with varimax rotation was conducted, to determine the common factors that explain the order and structure among measured variables. Results: Firstly, the results showed that there was limited evidence of studies on nonverbal communication between nurses and cognitively intact hospitalised older adults in clinical settings. Secondly, the results showed that hospitalised older adults made both positive and negative interpretations of nurses’ nonverbal communication. They also had specific nonverbal communication needs. Thirdly, the results showed that nurses mainly used haptics, kinesics, and proxemics to communicate nonverbally with hospitalised older adults to build relationships with them, convey affection, reassure them, and support verbal communication. Further, the results showed that nursing students held slightly positive attitudes towards older adults; yet, the tool used to assess their attitudes showed moderate psychometric properties and two factor loadings. Finally, the results showed that the proposed model for effective nonverbal communication with hospitalised older adults, which emerged from the data, encompassed all six categories of Strauss and Corbin’s framework, which are: causal conditions, contextual conditions, core phenomenon, action/interaction strategies, intervening conditions and expected outcomes. Conclusions: This study revealed that nurses mainly use few nonverbal communication techniques to communicate with hospitalised older adults, which cannot achieve effective communication, vital in nurse-patient relationships. The proposed model provides a guide for effective nonverbal communication with older adults and acknowledges that older adults’ interpretations and needs of nonverbal communication, as well as attitudes towards them, all influence effective nonverbal communication with hospitalised older adults. It is hoped that nurses will consider these to improve their nonverbal communication with hospitalised older adults for better patient outcomes such as: patient satisfaction, shorter lengths of stay in hospitals and improved quality of care. Iqoqa Isendlalelo: Ukukhulumisana phakathi kwabahlengikazi neziguli kubalulekile ukuze isiguli silulame kahle. Ngokuphathelene nabantu asebekhulile ngeminyaka, indlela umhlengikazi akwazi ngayo ukuxhumana nabo ibalulekile ngoba abantu abaningi asebekhulile bathembele ekusebenziseni izimpawu lapho bekhuluma, okuyikhono okusemqoka ukuba umhlengikazi abe nalo ukuze kuthuthukiswe ubudlelwane obuhle phakathi kwabahlengikazi neziguli esezikhulile ezimweni lapho kungekho khona uhlelo lokunakekelwa isikhathi reside. Inhloso: Ukuhlaziya ukuxhumana ngokusebenzisa izimpawu phakathi kwabahlengikazi nabantu asebekhulile ngeminyaka abalaliswe ezibhedlela ezithile zaseCameroon, ukuze kusungulwe inqubo esebenza kahle yokuxhumana ngezimpawu. Izindlela zokwenza: Kulolu cwaningo kusetshenziswe izindlela ezixubile lapho kwabandakanywa khona ababambiqhaza abangama-372 kusetshenziswa uhlelo lokukhetha ngokusobala, ngokulandela indlela yezinjulalwazi nalolo oluvumelana nesimo. Kwabukwa abahlengikazi abangama-27, kwathi abayi-13 kubo kwaxoxwa nabo. Kwabukwa abantu asebekhulile abangama-29, kwase kuthi abayisishiyagalombili kubo kwaxoxwa nabo. Ngaphezu kwalokho, kunabahlengikazi abangamathwasa abangama-316 ababamba iqhaza kule nhlolovo. Ukuhlaziywa kwemininingo eyikhwalithethivu kwakunalezi zinyathelo ezintathu; ukuhluza ulwazi oluqoqiwe ukwenza ucwaningo lube yizingxenye ezincane bese zinikezwa amakhodi, ukuhlela amakhodi olwazi oluhluziwe bese ebekwa ngemikhakha kuye ngokuhlobana kwawo nokuhlobanisa yonke imikhakha ibe umkhakha owodwa owumgogodla kanye nokuhlaziya ngokuqhathanisa, kanye nerekhodi lomcwaningi eliqukethe umbono wakhe, neziphetho afinyelele kuzo nokuphawula. Imininingo eyikhwantithethivu yahlaziywa kusetshenziswa uhlelo lwekhompuyutha i-SPPS version 25, lapho kwenziwa khona ukuhlola okuchazayo nokucabangelayo. Imiphumela: Okokuqala, bube buncane ubufakazi bokuthi lukhona ucwaningo olwenziwe odabeni lokuxhumana ngokusebenzisa izimpawu phakathi kwabahlengikazi nabantu asebekhulile abalaliswe esibhedlela abanengqondo esebenza ngokugcwele endaweni yokwelapha. Okwesibili, abantu asebekhulile ngeminyaka abalaliswe esibhedlela, ababenezidingo ezithile zokuxhumana ngezimpawu, bakuqonda ngokunembile okwakushiwo abahlengikazi lapho bekhuluma nabo ngezimpawu, kanti kwezinye izimo abazange bakuqonde ngokunembile okwakushiwo. Okwesithathu, abahlengikazi basebenzisa ikakhulukazi ukuthinta, izimpawu zomzimba, nezinga lokuqhelelana noma ukusondelana nomuntu ukuze bakhe ubudlelwano nabantu asebekhulile abalaliswe esibhedlela, bababonise uthando, babanikeze ithemba futhi baxoxe nabo. Ngaphezu kwalokho, abahlengikazi abasengamathwasa babonisa isimo sengqondo esihle kakhudlwana kubantu asebekhulile; nokho, ithuluzi elisetshenzisiwe ukuze kuhlaziywe isimo sabo sengqondo libonise izimpawu zokusebenza kahle. Okokugcina, isibonelo sendlela ephumelelayo yokuxhumana ngezimpawu nabantu asebekhulile abalaliswe esibhedlela satholakala emininingweni futhi sididiyela yonke imikhakha eyisithupha yohlaka lukaStrauss noCorbin. Isiphetho: Ngokuvamile abahlengikazi basebenzisa izindlela zokuxhumana ngezimpawu ezimbalwa ukuze baxhumane nabantu asebekhulile abalaliswe esibhedlela, ezazingasizi ekudluliseleni umyalezo ngempumelelo. Indlela ehlongozwayo inikeza isiqondiso sokuxhumana ngezimpawu nabantu asebekhulile ngendlela ephumelelayo futhi iyavuma ukuthi indlela abantu asebekhulile abaqonda ngayo izinto nezidingo zabo zokuxhumana ngezimpawu, kuhlanganise nendlela umuntu ababheka ngayo, kunomthelela ekuxhumaneni nabo ngezimpawu ngempumelelo. Kuthenjwa ukuthi abahlengikazi bazokuhlola lokhu ukuze bathuthukise indlela abakhulumisana ngayo ngezimpawu neziguli esezikhulile ezilaliswe esibhedlela ukuze kuthuthukiswe izinga lokwaneliseka kweziguli, kuncishiswe ubude besikhathi ezisihlala esibhedlela futhi kuthuthukiswe izinga lokunakekelwa kwabantu abadala.
An analysis of the media as a key socialising agent for gender and gender stereotypes.
(2023) Zungu, Sindisiwe.; Lamula, Sihle Pretty.
This study examines how the media influences gender identities among university students by studying harmful gender stereotypes toxic masculinities and femininities. Qualitative data were gathered through detailed interviews with students aged 18–26 at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College campus, using snowball and purposive sampling. The thematic content analysis involved coding the interview transcripts, identifying recurring themes, and analysing patterns in the data. The study revealed that the media significantly influences how students view themselves and others. Men are frequently shown in powerful roles, while women are often portrayed in submissive roles. This reinforces harmful gender stereotypes and unequal power dynamics. Participants observed that societal norms restrict women from independence and limit men from self-expression. These observations reflect entrenched, harmful gender norms. Moreover, male power dynamics and societal structures frequently contribute to gender disparities and reinforce damaging gender stereotypes. Students encounter challenging stereotypes regarding women, which persist through the depiction of beauty norms and traditional gender roles. Furthermore, the media portrays hegemonic masculinity, which refers to the dominant form of masculinity that idealises traits like aggression and control. This perpetuates restrictive and harmful ideas of true masculinity. To promote gender equality, the media should prioritise equality in content, policy, and practice. To combat gender-based violence, address public health issues, and promote positive and constructive gender practices, it is critical to address gender stereotypes in the media. The media exerts a significant influence on societal norms and values. Therefore, it is essential to coordinate efforts to foster a deeper understanding of harmful forms of masculinity and femininity, while also promoting positive gender practices. Gender-based violence and problems with public health will only get worse if harmful gender stereotypes in the media are not addressed. Future research should explore the impact of the media on gender identities across different cultures and promote positive representations of gender. Gender socialisation significantly shapes an individual’s views on gender roles, beliefs, cultural norms, and societal expectations. This underscores the critical importance of implementing education programmes that integrate gender equality education into curricula and community initiatives that establish safe spaces for open dialogue, challenging traditional societal gender norms.
An evaluation of the service delivery efficiency in uMkhanyakude District Municipality in South Africa between the periods of 1996 to 2011.
(2023) Gwala, Nontokozo Noxolo.; Cebekhulu, Elias.
This study is an evaluation of the delivery of services by South African municipalities, through a case study of uMkhanyakude District Municipality after nearly thirty years of democracy and taking into consideration all the inherent apartheid era challenges faced by rural and urban local municipalities. The literature review revealed that following the apartheid era, municipalities in South Africa experienced significant difficulties in providing top-notch services to residents from a variety of social, geographic, and economic backgrounds. In comparing these three municipalities in South Africa: uMkhanyakude (district), uMhlabuyalingana (rural), and uMtubatuba (urban), the data clearly shows that each had their difficulties, with the provision of water being the most serious problem due to the decision that municipal water services should be a competence of the district municipalities themselves. Jozini, False Bay, uMtubatuba, and uMhlabuyalingana are the municipalities that make up this district municipality. A thorough analysis of the literature from each of these municipalities shows that there is some form of service delivery taking place, with some services seeing slight improvement, while others are being severely impacted by service interruptions. The service delivery shortages or interruptions, corruption, political interference, and border crimes appeared to be major challenges in the area and this was evident from the literature, data, and the community responses during the data collection phase. Qualitative research methodologies were employed to collect data on the demographic profiles, and expert opinions garnered from the key informants. Municipal performance issues raised by the municipal officials confirmed that there was still a long way to go in resolving the audit findings, as well as the concerns and needs raised by the community members themselves. The inadequacies in the provision of services defeated the ‘A Better Life for All’ election slogan of the African National Congress and created unrealistic expectations following the elections, that the communities were going to receive adequate municipal services as promised. The findings revealed that the main problem with the South African service delivery model was with its top-down approach, where the national government alone determines the policy frameworks, mechanisms, and budgets, which hinders the voices of ordinary citizens from being heard. This is in direct opposition to the government’s stated goal of bringing government closer to the people through decentralization, which was designed to increase accountability and the responsiveness of government to its citizens by bringing decision-makers closer to the people.
An investigation of indigenous knowledge systems as a survival strategy for the displaced Tokwe Mukosi flood Victims in Chingwizi Camp, Zimbabwe.
(2023) Mverecha, Kainos.; Khan, Sultan.
Abstract available in PDF.
Developing an intervention to manage professional isolation among emergency nurses working in Lesotho: an action research approach.
(2023) Kutoane, Mahlomola.; Brysiewicz, Petra.; Tricia, Scott.
Introduction: Professional isolation is described as a deficiency in one’s network of social relations at work and is associated with compromised health service delivery and quality of life among health professionals, particularly those working in low-resource environments. Aim: to develop an intervention for managing professional isolation among emergency nurses working in Lesotho. Method: A mutually collaborative action research study, with an exploratory-descriptive qualitative design, was conducted in the emergency departments of five selected hospitals in Lesotho, with 25 purposively sampled registered nurses. A needs assessment was conducted through a scoping review and focus group discussions, followed by the establishment of a three-member research team (Cycle One). Thereafter, 13 individual interviews were conducted to explore the perceptions of professional isolation among emergency nurses (Cycle Two). The intervention, a Digital Community of Practice, was developed (Cycle Three) and facilitated through WhatsApp platform, then was implemented and evaluated in Cycle Four. Results: The scoping review highlighted there is limited literature on professional isolation among health professionals and the focus group discussions revealed that participants acknowledged that there was a need for such a study. Qualitative interviews exploring professional isolation resulted in an overarching theme of ‘feeling like an island’ and three categories; lack of interprofessional collaboration and consultation, skills mismatch, and enforced loneliness. Following consultation with the research team, a digital community of practice was developed for emergency nurses using the WhatsApp platform and then implemented. Conclusion This study revealed that emergency nurses in Lesotho do experience professional isolation and a digital community of practice developed using social media, such as WhatsApp, as a communication tool, could be considered as an intervention strategy for managing professional isolation among emergency nurses working in low-resource environments. However, it is recommended that a larger-scale study be undertaken to encourage the motivation for developing contextual interventions for addressing professional isolation in emergency care settings.
Exploring cultural norms, masculinities and sexual behaviours of black South African male students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal = Ukuhlola amasiko, ubudoda kanye nokuziphatha kocansi kwabafundi besilisa abamnyama baseNingizimu Afrika eNyuvesi yaKwaZulu-Natal.
(2021) Khumalo, Sinakekelwe Khanyisile.; Mabaso, Musawenkosi Lionel.; Taylor, Myra.
Background: Research evidence indicates that African male students are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviour than their female counterparts. Sexual behaviour among male students is to a large extent influenced by their individual decisions and the social environment including immediate family and surrounding communities. It is therefore important to understand the context under which sexual behaviours are constructed and shaped. For many young people, the university environment period provides a critical developmental transition from adolescence to adulthood, during which young people establish patterns of behaviours and make lifestyle choices that affect both their current and future health. It is within this setting that young men interrogate their masculinities and sexual behaviours. The explanation of male students’ sexual behaviours can be determined through understanding the meaning and influence that they attach to the cultural norms related to sexual behaviours. Using the social constructionist paradigm that examines the development of masculinities as a mutual construct of individual, social, cultural, and historical contexts, the study aimed to explore cultural norms, masculinities and sexual behaviour of Black male students. This understanding is essential in order to develop recommendations to promote positive sexual behaviour messaging for university male students. The specific objectives of this study were (1) to explore how Black African male university students construct their sexual behaviours, (2) to explore the cultural norms associated with Black South African male students’ sexual behaviours, and (3) to explore the influence of the university behavioural intervention programmes on the sexual behaviours of male students. Methods: The study population was selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using four focus group discussions with 36 participants and three key informant interviews. Focus group discussions consisted of 8-10 participants and were conducted according to the current year of study of the students. Thematic analysis was utilized to identify the key patterns and the themes that emerged from the data. Results: The results of the study reveal that versions of masculinities at institutions of higher learning are socially constructed, fluid over time and plural. An individual has multiple masculinities which are often exerted to suit their current discourse at any given point. The university setting appeared to be a space where a lot of toxic masculinities and sexual risk-taking occurred, which potentially exposed the young men in the study to sexually transmitted infections such as HIV. The results further reveal that the other influences on the sexual behaviours of the young men included family, peers and community. It was also discovered that poor knowledge and awareness, negative perceptions and attitudes, fear and lack of privacy, and negative experiences are the factors that lead to poor access and utilization of campus health services. Conclusion: The university space is an important space that allows young men from different cultural backgrounds to explore their masculinities, sexualities and sexual behaviours. The cultural norms of black male students studying at university which are associated with masculinities, sexualities and sexual behaviours are influenced by an array of factors such as family, peers, community, and individual decisions. These factors shape and ultimately inform the behaviours of young men regarding their masculinities and sexual behaviours. A number of male students continue to delay or avoid seeking health care even with the available sexual health programs at the university. It is therefore essential that the university’s HIV and AIDS programs infuse socio-cultural norms and notions of masculinity in their health communication strategy to create more effective HIV prevention programs for young men. Iqoqa Isendlalelo: Ukuziphatha ngokocansi kwabafundi besilisa ngokwezinga elikhulu kuthonywa izinqumo zabo ngabanye kanye nendawo yenhlalo kubandakanya umndeni oseduze kanye nemiphakathi ebazungezile. Ngakho-ke kubalulekile ukuqonda umongo lapho ukuziphatha kocansi kwakhiwe futhi akheke ngaphansi kwaso. Intsha eningi, isikhathi sendawo yasenyuvesi sihlinzeka ngoshintsho olubalulekile lwentuthuko ukusuka ebusheni kuya ekubeni abantu abadala, lapho abantu abasha besungula amaphethini okuziphatha futhi benze ukukhetha kwendlela yokuphila okuthinta impilo yabo yamanje neyesikhathi esizayo. Kukulesi simo lapho izinsizwa ziphenya khona ngobudoda nokuziphatha kwazo ngokocansi. Izindlela: Inani labantu bocwaningo likhethwe kusetshenziswa amasampula okuhlosiwe. Imininingo yaqoqwa kusetshenziswa izingxoxo zamaqembu amane okugxilwe kuwo nabahlanganyeli abangama-36 kanye nezingxoxo ezintathu ezibalulekile zabanolwazi. Izingxoxo zeqembu okugxilwe kuzo bezinabahlanganyeli abangu-8-10 futhi zaqhutshwa ngokonyaka wamanje wokufunda wabafundi. Ukuhlaziywa kwendikimba kusetshenziswe ukuze kutholakale amaphethini abalulekile nezindikimba ezivele emininingweni. Imiphumela: Imiphumela yocwaningo iveza ukuthi izinhlobo zabesilisa ezikhungweni zemfundo ephakeme zakhiwe ngokwenhlalo, zishintshashintsha ngokuhamba kwesikhathi kanye nobuningi. Umuntu unezinto eziningi zesilisa ezivame ukusetshenziswa ukuze zivumelane nenkulumo yakhe yamanje nganoma yisiphi isikhathi. Imiphumela iphinde iveze ukuthi amanye amathonya ekuziphatheni kocansi kwezinsizwa kwakuhlanganisa umndeni, ontanga kanye nomphakathi. Kuphinde kwatholakala ukuthi ulwazi olubi nokuqwashisa, imibono engemihle nezimo zengqondo, ukwesaba nokuntula imfihlo, kanye nolwazi olubi yizinto eziholela ekufinyeleleni okubi nasekusetshenzisweni kwezinsizakalo zezempilo zesikhungo. Isiphetho: Indawo yasenyuvesi iyindawo ebalulekile evumela izinsizwa eziqhamuka ezindaweni ezahlukene zamasiko ukuthi zihlole ubudoda bazo, ubulili kanye nokuziphatha kwazo ngokocansi. Idlanzana labafundi besilisa liyaqhubeka nokulibazisa noma ligweme ukufuna usizo lwezempilo ngisho nezinhlelo zezempilo zocansi ezikhona enyuvesi. Ngakho-ke kubalulekile ukuthi izinhlelo zenyuvesi ze-HIV ne-AIDS zifake imikhuba yezenhlalo namasiko kanye nemibono yobudoda esu labo lezempilo lokuxhumana ukuze bakhe izinhlelo ezisebenza ngempumelelo zokuvikela i-HIV ezinsizweni. Amagama asemqoka: amasiko, ukuziphatha kocansi, ubudoda, abafundi besilisa abasebasha, inyuvesi, eNingizimu Afrika
Exploring organisational bureaucracy on the effectiveness of the trade unions in South Africa: the case of the South African Democratic Teachers Union in the Mzi Mthembu Region, Durban in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2023) Mkhize, Khanyisile Immaculate.; Mahlangu, Mbalenhle Prosperity Ednah.
Abstract available in PDF.
Health care access and challenges: a case study of women migrant labourers in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal=Ukufinyelela kwezempilo nezinselelo: ucwaningonto ngabesifazane bokufika abasebenza eMadadeni, KwaZulu-Natali.
(2023) Ntshangase, Mlungisi Lungisile.; Muthuki, Janet Muthoni.
Extreme economic disparity, both within and between nations, as well as unequal national political settings, characterize Southern Africa. “In 2019, 272 million people worldwide were international migrants” (Jinnah, 2020). Different types of cross-border mobility take a pivotal role in the livelihoods of both individuals and households in these circumstances. Historically, formal male migrant labour had dominated intra-regional labour mobility, particularly in the mining industry in South Africa (SA). Even now, the major destination is still South Africa, but over the past 20 to 25 years, political and economic shifts have led to a greater diversity of intra-regional migrant flows by location, temporality, and demography, including gender. Additionally, migrants' jobs and means of support now cover a diverse range of formalities, industries, and security. Female migrants often work in feminized labour, such as domestic and care work, but they also engage in a variety of service sector jobs and informal cross-border trading. Their presence in the labour market puts them in confusing and contentious relationships with South African citizens, who also deal with high unemployment and insecure employment rates. As a result, immigrants face xenophobia, gender and employment vulnerability and are accused of "taking jobs" from South African citizens. There is a great heterogeneity and history to migration in Southern African Development Community (SADC), including but not limited to, forced migrants fleeing conflict; individuals moving in search of improved livelihood opportunities; asylum seekers and refugees; traders and seasonal workers displaced within their own countries or moving cross-border - some have legal documents while others are without (Crush et al., 2005). In cases of labour migrants each situation may create and respond to its own set of health concerns, dependent on part upon where migrants work and live, the duration and conditions of their stay, and whether and when they return home (Preston-Whyte, 2006:33). Various interrelated factors account for migrant health, including behaviour, health-seeking behaviour and care-seeking decisions. Some behaviours are born of vulnerability, such as risky sex to procure food security, and some vulnerabilities are born of discrimination. Furthermore, health is not solely a physical condition that should be attained or maintained, but one that also incorporates mental health, which can be damaged through trauma, torture or depression, and ultimately causes much detriment to the well-being and the ability to adapt to a new environment (IOM, 2013; UNAIDS, 2014). The behaviour of health professionals has similarly ix | P a g e been indicated as one of the two factors that most determine the use or non-use of health services by immigrant communities. Studies suggest that these professionals frequently present a limited knowledge of legislation and/or its applicability and act in accordance with social stereotypes (Wolffers & Fernandez, 2003 and Dias et al., 2010), not responding to the effective needs of the users. In addition, they tend to have no cultural competencies necessary to relate with users from other nationalities, and do not know their specific characteristics (Pusseti et al., 2009). The South African legislative framework advocates for the universal acquiring of health services and the basic determinants of health. The National department of health has committed to providing efficient, equitable and accessible health services to all people residing within the country regardless of their identity status. Inaccessibility of healthcare service not only violate women migrants’ rights, but also may results in increasing the prevalence rate of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV); Sexually-transmitted Infections; Prevention of Mother-toChild Transmission (PMTCT); Non-communicable diseases and Child mortality rate. This may also threaten the women labour migrants’ lives if they had not taken necessary precautions. Women labour migrants from Southern Africa, working in the Newcastle Municipality textile industry, are also not immune to the challenges of healthcare accessibility. This study examines the experience of women migrants labourers from Southern Africa to determine their accessibility to healthcare services given their working conditions, culture shock, language barrier and their socio-economic conditions. This is an empirical qualitative study that adopted in-depth interviews for the data collection of women labour migrants’ views and experiences regarding access to healthcare services within Newcastle Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal Province. The in-depth interviews were purposively conducted with 35 participants from Newcastle textile firms, and these comprised 7 key informants. The sample was only limited to women labour migrants from Southern Africa working in the textile industries within Newcastle Municipality. The analysis of the datum, which was intended to give meaning to the conundrum of women labour migrants’ access to healthcare services, adopted a thematic analysis that capitalized on structured themes throughout the analysis process. The study employed the theories of intersectionality feminism, the health capability approach thus including capabilities of gender inequality, access to health care, and the social exclusion theory. This study found out that within the transnational space, women experienced overt and x | P a g e covert issues regarding access to health-care services on transition and during their stay whilst working in the textile industry. However, there were some factors that influence their utilisation of healthcare facilities within the Newcastle Municipality area, these include culture, degree on basic education, the number of years stayed in the area and spoken language. IQOQA Umehluko omkhulu womnotho, ngaphakathi naphakathi kwezizwe, kanjalo ukungalingani kwezimo zombusazwe kuzwelonke, kuhlonza iNingizimu Afrika. “Ngowezi-2019, izigidi zabantu ezingama-272 emhlabeni wonke bayizihambi zamazwe ngamazwe” (Jinnah, 2020. Izindlela ezahlukene zokuwela umngcele zibambe elikhulu iqhaza empilweni yokubili kumuntu ngamunye nasemindenini kulezi zimo. Ngokomlando, ukuhamba kowesilisa okusemthethweni ngokomsebenzi bekudlangile nokuhamba ngomsebenzi kwangaphakathi, ikakhulu embonini yezimayini eNingizimu Afrika (SA). Ngisho namanje, ufuduko lusalokhu lubheke eNingizimu Afrika, kodwa eminyakeni eyedlule engaphezu kwama-20 kuya kwengama-25, izinguquko kwezombusazwe nakwezomnotho ziholele kokukhulu ukwehlukana ngokutheleka kwezihambi ngaphakathi kwesifunda ngokokuhlala, ukugoba amadlangala nezibalo zabantu, kubandakanya ubulili. Ukwengeza, imisebenzi yezihambi nezindlela zokwesekela manje zifaka izinhlobonhlobo zemigomo, izimboni nezokuphepha. Izihambi zesifazane zivame ukwenza imisebenzi yabesifazane, njengokuthi nje imisebenzi yasekhaya neyokunakekela, kodwa futhi bayazibandakanya emikhakheni yezinsiza yemisebenzi eyahlukahlukene nasekuhwebeni okungagunyaziwe emingceleni. Ubukhona babo emisebenzini yokuhweba kubabeka ebudlelwaneni obudidayo nobunezinxushunxushu nezakhamuzi zaseNingizimu Afrika, nazo ezibhekene nezinga eliphezulu lokungaqashwa namazinga aphakeme okungavikeleki kokuqashwa. Ngenxa yalokho, izihambi zibhekana nokucwaswa ngokobuzwe, ngokobulili nokuba sengozini ngokuqashwa kanye nokugxekwa “ngokuthatha imisebenzi” kwizakhamuzi zaseNingizimu Afrika. Kukhona okukhulu ukwehlukaniswa kanye nomlando wokufuduka komphakathi osathuthuka eNingizimu Afrika (SADC), kuhlanganisa kodwa okungenamkhawulo kukho, okuphoqa izihambi ukubalekela izinxushunxushu; ukuhamba kwabantu ngabanye ngabanye ukuyofuna amathuba angcono okuzithuthukisa empilweni; abafuna ukukhoseliswa nababaleki; abahwebi nabasebenza ngenkathi ethile abadingisiwe emazweni akubo noma behamba beqa umngcele – abanye banezimvume ezisemthethweni lapho abanye bengenazo (Crush nabanye, 2005). Ezindabeni zokusebenza kwezihambi isimo ngasinye singase sidale futhi siphendule esimeni saso sokukhathazeka ngempilo, kuncike engxenyeni yokuthi izihambi zisebenza futhi zihlala kuphi, ubude besikhathi nezimo zokuhlala kwazo, nesimo sezulu nokuthi zibuyela nini ekhaya ((Preston-Whyte, 2006:33). Izimo ezahlukahlukene ezihlobene ziyimbangela yempilo yezihambi, kubandakanya ukuziphatha, impilo yokufuna ukuziphatha nezinqumo zokufuna ukunakekelwa. Okunye ukuziphatha kubangelwa ukungavikeleki, njengokuba socansini olubucayi ukuba kutholakale ukuvikeleka kokudla, nezinye izingozi ezidalwa wukucwaswa. Ngaphezu kwalokhu, impilo akuyona kuphela eyesimo somzimba okufanele itholakale noma inakekelwe, kodwa enye futhi ifaka impilo ngokomqondo, engalimazeka ngokuhlukumezeka, ukuhlushwa noma ngengcindezi, bese umphumela udale omkhulu umonakalo kwinhlalakahle nangokukwazi ukwamukela indawo entsha (IOM, 1013; UNAIDS, 2014). Ukuziphatha kongoti bezempilo kuvezwe ngokufanayo njengezinto ezimbili ezinquma ukusetshenziswa noma ukungasetshenziswa kwezinsiza zezempilo wumphakathi wezihambi. Ucwaningo luphakamisa ukuthi labo ngoti bavamile ukwethula ulwazi olungenele lwesishayamthetho nokuthi noma ukusetshenziswa kwalo nokwenza ngokuhambisana nemibono yenhlalo (Wolffers & Fernandez, 2003 no-Dias nabanye, 2010), hhayi ukubhekana nezidingo ezisebenzayo zabazisebenzisayo. Okunye, babonakala bengenalwazi ngokwesiko oludingakalayo ukuhlobana nabasebenzisi abavela kwezinye izizwe, futhi abazazi izimpawu zabo ezikhethekile (Pusseti nabanye, 2009). Uhlakakusebenza lomthetho waseNingizimu Afrika luqhakambisa ukutholakala kwezinsiza zempilo emhlabeni nezinqumo eziyisisekelo sezempilo. UMnyango kazwelonke wezempilo uzibophezele ekuhlinzekeni ngempumelelo, izinsiza zezempilo ezingakhethi nezitholakalayo kubo bonke abantu abahlala ezweni ngaphandle kwesimo sokuhlonzwa kwabo. Ukungafinyeleli osizweni lwezempilo akuphuli nje kuphela amalungelo abesifazane abayizihambi, kodwa futhi kungase kuholele ekwandiseni izinga lokudlanga kwegciwane lesandulela ngculazi/Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV); ukuthelelana ngezifo zocansi ezithathelwanayo; ukuvikelwa kokudlulisela kukamama enganeni ukuthathelwana (PMTCT); izifo ezingathathelwani kanye nezinga lokufa kwezingane. Lokhu kungase futhi kubeke engcupheni impilo yabesifazane abayizihambi abangabasebenzi uma bengathathi izinyathelo ezidingekayo. Abesifazane abangabasenzi abayizihambi bevela eNingizimu Afrika, abasebenza kuMasipala eMadadeni embonini yendwangu, nabo futhi abagonyelwanga izinselelo zokufinyelela kwezempilo. Lolu cwaningo luhlola ulwazi lwabesifazane abayizihambi besebenza eNingizimu Afrika ukunquma ngokufinyelela ezinsizeni zezempilo abazithola ezimeni zabo zokusebenza, ukungajwayeli isikompilo, umgomo wolimi nezimo zomnotho womphakathi. Lokhu wucwaningo olwenziwe lwekhwalithethivu oluthathe inhlwayalwazi ejulile ukuqoqa imininingo yenhlolombono yabesifazane abangabasebenzi nolwazi lwabo mayelana nokufinyelela ezinsizeni zezempilo kuMasipala waseMadadeni esifundeni iKwaZulu-Natal. Inhlolovo ejulile yenziwe ngehloso kwabangama-35 ababambe iqhaza baseMadadeni ezimbonini zendwangu, futhi labo babandakanya abanolwazi abayisikhombisa abaqavile. Ilinge belinomkhawulo ophelela kuphela kwabesifazane bokufika babasebenzi bevela eNingizimu Afrika besebenza ezimbonini zendwangu kuMasipala eMadadeni. Uhlaziyo lomniningo, obeluhlose ukuveza incazelo ngenselelo yabesifazane abayizihambi ngokufinyelela ezinsizeni zezempilo, ukwamukela ukuhlaziywa kwendikimba okusebenzise izindikimba ezihleliwe kuyo yonke inqubo yokuhlaziya. Ucwaningo lusebenzise izinjulalwazi ezixubile ezaziwa ngabesifazane, indlela yekhono lezempilo ngakho kuhlanganisa ukukwazi ngokungalingani kobulili, ukufinyelela ekunakekelweni kwempilo, nenjulalwazi yokungabandakanywa emphakathini. Lolu cwaningo luthole ukuthi phakathi endaweni yamazwe ngamazwe, abesifazane babhekana nezindaba ezisobala nezifihlakele maqondana nokufinyelela ezinsizeni zokunakekelwa kwezempilo ekuguqukeni nangesikhathi sokuhlala kwabo lapho besebenza embonini yendwangu. Kodwa zikhona ezinye izinto ezinomthelela ekusebenziseni kwabo izikhungo zempilo kuMasipala wasendaweni yaseMadadeni, lezi zihlanganisa isikompilo, izinga lesisekelo semfundo, iminyaka esihlalwe endaweni nolimi olukhulunywayo.
Indigenous knowledge and participatory rural development in Mabheleni, Umzumbe Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
(2023) Mseleku, Zethembe.; Narsiah, Inbersagran.
This study aimed to explore the contribution of indigenous knowledge to participatory rural development in Mabheleni, a rural community in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Drawing from the lenses of deliberative democracy, the study explored the role of indigenous knowledge in participatory rural development in Mabheleni; identified the challenges impeding the use of indigenous knowledge to stimulate rural development in Mabheleni; identified the opportunities for effective use of indigenous knowledge to promote rural development in Mabheleni and, explored the strategies used by people living in Mabheleni to preserve their indigenous knowledge. Semi-structured interviews and a focus group discussion were conducted with 20 participants in Mabheleni. All participants were selected through a purposive sampling technique and data was analyzed through thematic analysis. The results indicate that although indigenous knowledge is deemed crucial for the development in Mabheleni, it is not effectively used in rural development initiatives. While local people in Mabheleni use their indigenous knowledge to sustain their livelihoods at a household level, their indigenous knowledge is overlooked in rural development initiatives. This problem is attributed to two main reasons: first, Western scientific knowledge is given priority in informing rural development in Mabheleni. Second, government officials often use a top-down approach in decision making about rural development initiatives in Mabheleni, a practice which excludes indigenous people in their development. Thus, the role of indigenous knowledge in rural development in Mabheleni remains unclear and minimal.
Intergovernmental relations and cooperative governance: a case study of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health.
(2023) Fynn, Akona.; Johnson, Belinda.
This study explored and evaluated the effectiveness of intergovernmental relations and cooperative governance in enhancing service delivery using the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health. The research used selected concepts from theories of intergovernmental relations and cooperative governance to construct a conceptual framework. The information derived from the literature review and case study was then analysed according to the concepts in the analytical framework. The research found that the KZN Department of Health has adopted measures to tackle resource constraints, such as establishing alliances with communities, NGOs, and sectoral collaborations. "Operation Sukuma Sakhe" is implemented to facilitate the coordination of service delivery among stakeholders. The revival of district health councils is underway, with the provincial department actively involving municipalities through COGTA. The primary objective of extra-IGR is to enhance societal well-being and foster optimal health. Nevertheless, inadequate synchronisation of policy implementation throughout government spheres results in substandard care and restricted devolution of authority. The 1996 Constitution advocates for equitable involvement, but the National Health Department frequently regards itself as the dominant authority, leading to fragmented planning, budgeting, implementation, and subpar performance. The IGR Framework Act 13 of 2005 delineates each government level's specific functions and obligations; however, resource constraints may hinder adherence. Inadequate collaboration among governmental entities can result in substandard service provision and the breakdown of social order. The purpose of a consultation is to synchronise efforts and prevent avoidable conflicts and unproductive expenses. The findings indicate that the existing procedures for intergovernmental relations are ineffective. The areas that require attention include the distribution of responsibilities between districts and provinces, the appropriate delegation of authority between these two spheres, and the assurance of proper allocation of resources.
Medical practitioners' perceptions and views of current continuing professional development programmes in the Kingdom of Eswatini: the design of an accessible model.
(2023) Magwenya, Rodney Hudson.; Ross, Andrew.
Background Eswatini currently has no formal continuing professional development (CPD) requirements for doctors to renew their licenses. The Medical Council of Eswatini has embarked on a process to introduce an accredited CPD system possibly through the adaption of existing models, but there is lack of published local data to inform such a process. Moreover, even where formal CPD is available it may not necessarily translate to adequate levels of participation by practitioners. Methods The setting for this study was Eswatini. Firstly, a scoping review was done to derive lessons for the country from established databases and grey literature describing models of CPD. This was followed by a focus group discussion (FGD) and interview-based study to determine factors affecting participation in CPD by local practitioners. Lastly, a participatory action research study on how CPD in Eswatini could be improved and formalised was conducted. Results The scoping review provided an overview of the CPD models available in various global settings and highlighted perceptions and views of medical practitioners towards these. The FGDs and interviews provided insights on motivating and demotivating factors for doctors to participate in CPD activities in Eswatini. Motivating factors included professional responsibility and learning needs, while demotivating factors included lack of recognition for efforts and CPD activities not being relevant to one’s practice. The PAR identified three ways to improve CPD in Eswatini; making it compulsory, recognising achievements and ensuring that it is relevant to doctors’ practice areas. Conclusion There are many models for CPD which Eswatini can adopt; each has its own advantages and disadvantages. A CPD model that is formalised, compulsory, considers the needs of practitioners and recognises their efforts is likely to be viewed favourably. There are ways to improve CPD which consider these identified issues and these form important considerations for Eswatini as it endeavours to develop its own model.
Perceptions of the relationship between poverty and educational attainment in South African Higher Education: a case study of the University of KwaZulu-Natal Howard College Campus.
(2023) Xulu, Noxolo.; Lamula, Sihle Pretty.
Abstract available in PDF.
Research data management challenges in Kenya: the case of private universities in Nairobi County.
(2019-09) Anduvare, Everlyn M'mbone.; Mutula, Stephen M.
This research paper is a spinoff from a Doctoral degree study that was carried out at the University of KwaZulu-Natal between 2017-2019. The aim of the study was to establish the role private university libraries in Nairobi, Kenya play in supporting eResearch and the challenges thereof that librarians and researchers face in the process of managing data. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative epistemological approaches with semi structured interviews and survey questionnaires to collect data from a population consisting of university librarians, faculty members and doctoral students respectively. The population was sampled purposively. The qualitative and quantitative data sets were analysed using SPSS and content analysis respectively. The findings revealed several challenges, which included among others the lack of strategies and policies to guide research data management support, the lack of integrated RDM policies, a research process that was fragmented, and limited ICT policies and infrastructures. The institutionalisation of RDM in the private universities in Kenya is therefore urgent and imperative. The findings have policy, practical and theoretical implications for the effective RDM in Kenyan private universities in order to enhance scientific and scholarly communications. While the focus of the study limits generalisation of the findings, other universities may gain insights on RDM challenges within university settings.
Suicide and agency in African communitarian societies: a philosophical inquiry into the Basotho culture.
(2023) Tebeli, Lemohang.; Maraganedzha, Mutshidzi.
This thesis delves into the nuanced interplay between individual agency and communal responsibilities in addressing suicide, with a particular focus on suicide prevention within African Communitarian Societies (ACS), notably examining the Basotho culture as a case study. The study aims to fill the gap in the existing literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of how cultural practices, social structures, and traditional healing modalities within ACS contribute to suicide resilience and suicide prevention. The significance of this study lies in its exploration of limited communitarianism as a guiding framework for understanding and addressing suicide issues within ACS. Drawing on a wide range of sources, the research illuminates the intricate dynamics between individual autonomy and communal well-being in the context of suicide. Key arguments in the study revolve around the communal practices of the Basotho people, which serve as a testament to their understanding of suicide and well-being as collective responsibilities. The study underscores the significance of integrating cultural sensitivity and community engagement into suicide prevention strategies, advocating for the respect of both individual autonomy and communal responsibilities. In this thesis, I seek to argue that Limited Communitarianism is a viable framework that helps understand the idea of suicide better; hence, suicide is not just an individual act or issue but goes beyond to being a communal one. With this theory, it can be seen that the individual’s rights and dignity are advocated for since limited communitarianism takes each person’s individuality seriously and accords the right to determine their own actions.
The role of civil society in responding to the coronavirus pandemic in South Africa: a case study of Gift of the Givers foundation.
(2023) Moloi, Nolwazi Bridget.; Rieker, Mark Ivan.
The study analyses the Role of Civil Society in responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Africa through a case study of the Gift of the Givers Foundation. This was to understand better the contribution of Civil Society during such crises. The findings demonstrate the journey of the Gift of the Givers Foundation in tackling social hardships during COVID-19 and their earlier anticipation of the extent of the virus and the allocation of resources to the neediest community. The case study of the Gift of the Givers Foundation is a symbolic of the often overlooked incorporation of the socio-cultural context in support of local communities around Pietermaritzburg, which was found to create additional support for households. This study had a total of eight (8) staff members from the organization who were purposively sampled. The findings were generated through telephone interviews and online survey questionnaires. The research questions were kept semi-structured to allow for a free reflection of day-to-day operations, challenges and limitations during the pandemic. The Gift of the Givers staff responded to sixteen (16) research questions, and four (4) themes were generated following a thorough qualitative thematic analysis. A conceptual framework was developed to analyse the data. This study seeks to assess the impact of the Gift of the Givers Foundation in solving the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic. It explores how the Gift of the Givers foundation responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study findings show that various factors impacted the strategic management at the Gift of the Givers Foundation during the coronavirus pandemic, issues that appeared to have been a major force that influenced push and pull factors in the way the management of this institution responded to the pandemic. This is because the use of planning in day-to-day operations was seen as part of the adaptation and a solution in continuing to operate during that period of coronavirus pandemic. The study recommendations aim at pointing out some of the gaps identified in the study, in relation to strategic planning and its impact on the operations of the Gift of the Givers Foundation, in relation to coronavirus dynamics. It also provides propositions on how such gaps need to be addressed.
Trichinella infections in wildlife in the Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa: unravelling epidemiological gaps with special emphasis on infectivity of Trichinella zimbabwensis in selected tropical fishes.
(2020) La Grange, Louis Jacobus.; Mukaratirwa, Samson.
Trichinella species are widely distributed on all continents with the exception of Antarctica, although the full spectrum of Trichinella species found in sub-Saharan African countries and their hosts has not been fully documented. This study was conducted to review reports on Trichinella infections in wildlife in the Kruger National Park and also to identify species and/or genotypes of Trichinella larvae isolated from muscle tissues of wildlife from Kruger National Park and adjacent areas of the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa referred to as the Greater Kruger National Park using molecular techniques. A review of Trichinella spp. isolates and their wildlife hosts from the Greater Kruger National Park covering the period 1964–2011 was conducted and the results were compared with recent findings where isolates collected between 2012 and 2016 were identified to genotype/species level using molecular techniques. In the first 15 years the prevalence of infection was only reported twice in scientific publications and the reports included only four carnivorous mammal species and one rodent species. However, since the last report of Trichinella in an African civet (Civettictis civetta) other wildlife species were tested in the KNP and one new host was identified. Advances in molecular techniques allowed scientists to identify two isolates, collected in 1966 and 1988 respectively as Trichinella T8. Another isolate collected in 1991 was described as T. nelsoni. All of the other isolates found before 1991 were erroneously identified as T. spiralis. Ninety samples collected during the 2012–2016 period representing 15 mammalian, two avian- and three reptilian species were screened for Trichinella infection using artificial digestion. Isolates detected were identified using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction amplification of the ITS1, ITS2 and ESV regions of ribosomal DNA followed by molecular analysis of the sequences. Twenty (20) samples from seven wildlife species were positive for Trichinella spp. larvae with an overall prevalence of 21.1% (20/90). The prevalence was higher in carnivores (18.9%, 18/90) than in omnivores (2.2%, 2/90). Analysis of sequences showed that eight of the isolates; two from spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta) (2/8), three from lion (Panthera leo) (3/13), one from leopard (Panthera pardus) (1/6), one from small spotted genet (Genetta genetta) (1/2) and one Nile monitor lizard (Varanus niloticus) (1/2) conformed to Trichinella zimbabwensis. One isolate from a hyaena was grouped under the encapsulated species clade comprising T. nelsoni and genotype Trichinella T8 reported to be present in South Africa. This is the first report confirming natural infection of T. zimbabwensis in hyaena, leopard, genet and Nile monitor lizard, adding to the body of knowledge on the epidemiology of Trichinella infections in the Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa. Ten Trichinella-like larvae recovered after digestion from four wildlife species in this study (2012–2016) revealed inconclusive results due to DNA degradation from poor storage or too few larvae for analysis in comparison to 20 isolates from five wildlife species not identified to species during the 1964–2011 period. Knowledge on factors influencing the infectivity, epidemiology and survival of Trichinella spp. in different climatological environments is scanty. Availability of this knowledge will allow for the elucidation of epidemiology of Trichinella infections and the prediction of probable host-parasite cycles within specific ecological niches. The recent identification of new host species infected with three Trichinella taxa within the Greater Kruger National Park prompted a revision of previously published hypothetical transmission cycles for these species. Using data gathered from surveillance studies spanning the period 1964– 2016, and the recently obtained data from molecular identification of isolates from the Greater Kruger National Park, the previously hypothesized transmission cycles were revised. The new hypothesized transmission cycles were established in consideration of epidemiological factors and prevalence data gathered from both the Greater Kruger National Park and similar wildlife protected areas in Africa where the same host- and parasite species are known to occur. The anecdotal nature of some of the presented data in the hypothesized transmission cycles confirms the need for more intense epidemiological surveillance in the rest of South Africa and continued efforts to unravel the epidemiology of Trichinella infections in this unique and diverse protected landscape. Furthermore, to determine the role of fish in the epidemiology of T. zimbabwensis in the Greater Kruger National Park, experimental infections were conducted to assess the infectivity of this species to catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus). Twenty-four catfish (581.7 ± 249.7 g) were randomly divided into 5 groups and experimentally infected with 1.0 ± 0.34 T. zimbabwensis larvae per gram (lpg) of fish. Results showed no adult worms or larvae in the gastrointestinal tract and body cavities of catfish euthanized at day 1, 2 and 7 post-infection (p.i.). These results suggest that African sharp tooth catfish does not play a role in the epidemiology of the parasite irrespective of the fact that the fish cohabit with crocodiles and Nile monitor lizards in the Greater Kruger National Park. Forty-one tigerfish (298.6 ± 99.3 g) were randomly divided into three separate trials (T). Each trial (T) was divided into groups (G) as follows; Trial 1 (T1G1); Trial 2 (T2G1, T2G2) and Trial 3 (T3G1, T3G2, T3G3) infected with 2.12 ± 1.12 lpg of fish. An additional 7 tigerfish were assessed for the presence of natural infection. Two tigerfish from T1G1 yielded T. zimbabwensis larvae in muscle tissues on day 26 p.i. (0.1 lpg) and 28 p.i. (0.02 lpg), respectively. No adult worms or larvae were detected in the fish from trials 2 or 3 on days 7, 21, 28, 33 or 35 p.i. or from the control group. Results from this study suggest tigerfish to be generally unsuitable hosts for T. zimbabwensis. However, results from this study suggest that some individuals could, under very specific, and as yet to be elucidated circumstances, maintain the larvae of T. zimbabwensis but it could not be confirmed whether the parasite can fully develop and reproduce in this host. These results preclude any definitive conclusion in respect of the potential of African sharp tooth catfish and tiger fish to serve as potential hosts for T. zimbabwensis. The influence of temperature on T. zimbabwensis larval development and survival in fish remains inconclusive. It is possible that these fish could only become infected during warmer seasons and in warmer climates. It is also not clear whether potentially infected fish would retain the infection in subsequent colder seasons. Variability of temperatures between different geographic regions may additionally influence the susceptibility of these fish to T. zimbabwensis infection. However, the plethora of biological-, geographical- and climatic factors that could potentially influence the infectivity of T. zimbabwensis to certain fish host species precludes any definitive conclusion on the role of fish in the parasite’s natural ecosystem. Results from this study do suggest that tigerfish could, under very specific and as yet unknown circumstances, sustain the development and establishment of T. zimbabwensis.
Understanding illness in a local community: an exploration of the socio-cultural impacts of hypertension in patients and their families in Swayimana Location, KwaZulu- Natal.
(2024) Sishi, Nqobile Princess.; Jagganath, Gerelene.
No abstract available.

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