Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Gert Sibande District Municipality'

>Magister Scientiae - MSc
Subsistence farmers may contribute significantly to food production, food security, and employment in South Africa. However poor storage practices and contamination with mycotoxins, particularly fumonisins and aflatoxins impacts adversely on production, food safety and food security. Mycotoxins are toxic natural food-borne compounds which frequently contaminate agricultural produce worldwide. They are hazardous to humans and animals and result in significant production losses for farmers. This study focused on former Bantustans in Northern South Africa, namely Vhembe District Municipality (Limpopo) and Gert Sibande District Municipality (Mpumalanga). The aim was to assess mycological and mycotoxin contamination of crops grown by subsistence farmers. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to randomly thirty-nine households. Data on demographics, storage practices and production during period of 2011 and 2012 cropping seasons were collected. One hundred and fifteen (115) crop samples (maize, beans and peanuts) were collected for analysis. Standard mycological methods and validated mycotoxin analysis methods (HPLC and LC- MS/MS) were used. It was found that maize was the staple food in both provinces, with a significant difference (p = 0.0184) in its production between the two districts; Vhembe produced 0.6 tonnes compared to 2.4 tonnes in Gert Sibande. The majority of the farmers for storage used traditional open wooden cribs (15/20) and steel tanks (5/20) while VDM farmers used sealed store houses 5/19 and 15/19 used polystyrene sacks. Aflatoxin occurrence was low with <1% of GSDM samples contaminated compared to 11% of VDM samples. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed in the aflatoxin contamination in VDM samples between the year 2011 and 2012. Samples from VDM households had higher Aspergillus fungal infection (maximum incidence 69%) compared to GSDM (27%) over both seasons. The most frequently isolated Fusarium species in VDM samples was F. verticillioides (92%; 93%), and F. subglutinans (97%; 80%) in GSDM samples over seasons 2011 and 2012, respectively. Highest levels of fumonisins (FB1+ FB2) ranged between 1010 μg/kg and 12168 μg/kg with less than 30% extremely contaminated above the regulated limit in 91% of samples from Limpopo over both seasons (2011 and 2012). Fumonisin levels between the two seasons in VDM showed no significant difference (p>0.05). Only three (less than 5%) from 68% GSDM contaminated maize samples were above the FB1 and FB2 limit. In 2011, there were two highly contaminated maize samples (1762 μg/kg and 4598 μg/kg) with the other samples less than 600 μg/kg, whereas in season two (2012) all samples were below 200 μg/kg, except one highly contaminated sample (26115 μg/kg). None of the beans and peanuts from Mpumalanga was contaminated with mycotoxins above the recommended limit, but from Limpopo 1/5 peanuts was found contaminated with aflatoxin G1 (41 μg/kg). Natural occurrence and contamination of both fumonisin and aflatoxin in stored home-grown maize from VDM was significantly (p < 0.0001) higher than GSDM over both seasons. In general, Limpopo farmers’ experience lower harvests and greater mycotoxin contamination of agricultural produce. This may be attributed in part to poor storage practices and environmental and climatic conditions in that agro-ecological zone.

The main aim of this study was to investigate how effective School Management Teams were in the management of healthy school environments in the Gert Sibande District. This was a qualitative study which employed two data collection strategies: face to face interviews and photographs. A literature review on this study revealed vital aspects, that a healthy school environment: can directly improve children’s health and effective learning; the school is strategically positioned to reach large numbers of the population to teach them to understand the importance of investing in health. Literature indicated collaboration and synergy as essential aspects, and policies as cornerstones that underpin the health promotion initiatives. Selection of sites was purposefully done as three of the four schools in this study were part of the Eco Schools programme. The study revealed that there was disconnect between the SMTs and committees that were involved in health promotion: in coordinating plans; and monitoring and evaluating the implementation of programmes. This therefore, means that there was no support for the committees from the SMT. It was also found that there were committees that: did not have plans; did not sit for meetings and the reluctance of the SMT to address these challenges compounded the situation and contributed to some committees being dysfunctional. The failure of the SMT to guide and provide leadership in their engagement with community members who provided assistance in terms of basic needs to learners indicated a need for the development of a cadre of leaders that are capable of working beyond the borders of schools. In all the committees that were interviewed, the Environmental Committee came up to be more effective and organized than others in three schools. The health committee was lacking in the area of training especially in the prevention of communicable diseases. The study provided recommendations to assist the SMT in their endeavors to promote healthy environments in their schools.
MEd, Education Management, North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2012

Thesis(MSc(Med)(Pharmacy))--University of Limpopo, 2012.
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 INTRODUCTION This chapter presents the background and rationale for the study followed by the problem statement. The aim and objectives of the study as well as the significance of the study will also be explained. 1.2 BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE FOR THE STUDY In the past decade, patient satisfaction has become an important performance and outcome measure of health care (Moret, Nguyen, Pillet, Faissard, Lombrail & Gasquet, 2007). Although high levels of patient satisfaction are important for a successful strategy against Human Immuno-deficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS), research into patient satisfaction with health care services in general, and with antiretroviral treatment (ART) services in particular, has been limited in South Africa (Myburgh, Solanki, Smith & Lalloo, 2005). In a weakened healthcare system, it is even more crucial to ensure a high quality of care and patient satisfaction to maximise the benefits of scarce resources. In addition, patient views on the quality of public sector antiretroviral (ARV) care are relatively unexplored (Igumbor, 2003; Myburgh et aI., 2005). The assessment of satisfaction among hospitalised patients is increasingly recognised as a major component of quality management in patient care. Continuous quality improvement, comparison of hospital performances and demands for accountability are some of the reasons that lead hospitals to measure patient satisfaction (Ross, Steward & Sinacore, 1995). As has been observed in many industrialised countries, the provision of ART via public health systems, can transform AIDS from a fast, insidious killer into a more manageable, though still incurable, chronic illness (Abdool Karim, 2005). However, in resource-limited settings, there are many challenges in successfully scaling-up ART and reorienting service delivery towards chronic disease care. Shortages in human resources for healthcare are often cited as the most important obstacle to a specific for all ART sites in the province should be developed and monitored. A long term strategy to address the critical shortage of healthcare professionals should be developed by provincial policy makers which will in the long run reduce long waiting times experienced by our clients.

Introduction An estimated 11.4% of South Africans are infected with HIV. As of 2007, 1.7 million people required antiretroviral therapy (ART) and only 460 000 were reported to be on ART. ART can improve the quality of life and socio-economic status for HIV positive patients. This study aimed at evaluating the role played by the different factors in influencing treatment adherence among HIV patients on ART. Methods The study was conducted on patients receiving out-patient ART in two district hospitals (one urban and the other rural) of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. The study project was approved by the Research and Ethics Committee of the University of Pretoria as well as by the Mpumalanga Provincial Department of Health. This was an analytical, cross-sectional study. The sample size for the study was 490 (245 per site). Facility-based patient appointment registers for the period June-August 2008 were used as the sampling frame. The respondents were selected through systematic random sampling. An interviewer directed standardised questionnaire was administered to the respondents after securing voluntary informed consent. Data were also extracted from the attendance registers in the two facilities. Adherence was measured using the Patient Medication Treatment Adherence Questionnaire. The Pearson chi-square test of association and binary logistic regression analysis were used for identifying significant predictors of non-adherence variables. Results Four hundred and twenty nine questionnaires of the 488 returned questionnaires were analysed. Sixty one questionnaires were disqualified due to incompleteness of data. The response rate was 99.7% in both study areas and participants reported adherence was 92.54%. The median age of the respondents was 36 (IQR, 13), gender distribution was 21.13% males and 78.87% females. The median duration of treatment (in months) with ART was 15 months (IQR, 18). Treatment adherence was higher in the urban than in the rural hospital. The variables that were significantly associated with non-adherence were ‘urban residence’ (OR 0.39 [0.2-0.8]); ‘lack of social support’ (OR 2.74 [1.3-5.7]); Discussion There were also some qualitative variables that had a bearing on quality of healthcare services that could explain differences between the rural and urban sites. Social support and urban residence demonstrated association with treatment adherence. Copyright
Dissertation (MMed)--University of Pretoria, 2010.
School of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH)
Unrestricted

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD
The value of accountability as a key feature of strengthening health systems and reducing maternal, newborn and child mortality is increasingly emphasised globally, nationally and locally. Frontline health professionals and managers play a crucial role in promoting maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) services in an equitable and accountable manner. They are at the interface between higher-level health system management and communities, facing demands from both sides and often expected to perform beyond their available means. Although accountability is a central topic in the governance of MNCH literature, it has mostly been approached at global and national levels, with little understanding of how accountability is integrated into the routine functioning of local health systems. This PhD explores the forms and functioning of accountability at the district level focusing on MNCH as a programmatic area with long-established institutional mechanisms (structures and processes) in South Africa (SA). The thesis is presented in the form of four empirical papers (published or submitted), exploring different dimensions of accountability, which are embedded in a series of narrative chapters. In this thesis, accountability is understood as a set of relations between an accountholder and ‘accountor’ (or duty bearer), in which the latter provides information or justification for actions or decisions taken, and faces the resulting consequences of his/her actions (reward or sanction). Accountability mechanisms are the means to regulate accountability relationships and include broad strategies, interventions or instruments. These mechanisms can take various forms including performance, financial and public accountability, and operate both vertically (accountability inside bureaucratic hierarchies, or towards external stakeholders and/or the community), or horizontally (between peers, ‘neighbour’ units, departments or ministries in a national health system). Drawing conceptually on the field of governance and considering the complexity of the accountability phenomenon, I adopted a case study approach to the PhD research, using a combination of policy document review, interviews (with managers, providers, community representatives and members of labour unions) and field observations, conducted iteratively over 16 months. The study was conducted in Gert Sibande District, one of the three South African health districts in Mpumalanga Province, with an in-depth focus on two of the seven sub-districts in the District. The research found that frontline health professionals have a clear understanding and conceptualisation of accountability in the SA health policy context, despite the reported inability to define accountability by health professionals described in the literature. Respondents referred to accountability as responsibility, answerability and virtue, and also argued for strengthening accountability mechanisms as critical to addressing maternal and child mortality. While deeming accountability as important, frontline professionals experienced the existing accountability mechanisms as ‘too much’ and indicated the desire for the streamlining of existing mechanisms. In this regard, the study documented numerous mechanisms at district level, almost all related to performance accountability in MNCH. These included a performance management system, quality assessment and accreditation processes, quarterly reviews, and death surveillance and response processes. The existence of multiple and overlapping accountability mechanisms engenders operational confusion and ‘accountability overload’ for frontline providers, encouraging empty bureaucratic compliance, while critical gaps – notably in community accountability – remain. In practice, at their best, some mechanisms operate following a reciprocal1 pathway of capacity building with resource provision (from management) and expectation for better performance (from providers). There were, however, contextual variations in the implementation and practice of the mechanisms between sub-district settings. The fieldwork observations and interviews were also able to document how formal institutionalised mechanisms are embedded within a complex system of informal accountability relationships and social norms (‘accountability ecosystem’) that enables or constrains the ability of frontline professionals to fulfil their tasks. In addition, using a Social Network Analysis approach, the research identified key actors and their involved network, which form the relational backdrop to the functioning of accountability mechanisms for MNCH. By revealing complex relationships and collaboration patterns among frontline health professionals, the study was able to show the multi-level action and multiple actors required to achieve MNCH goals.

225 leaves printed on single pages, preliminary pages i- xxiii and numbered pages 1-203. Includes bibliography, list of abbreviations, list of definitions, list of tables and figures and list of appendices.
Digitized at 330 dpi color PDF format (OCR), using KODAK i 1220 PLUS scanner.
Thesis (MNutr (Interdisciplinary Health Sciences))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: "A comprehensive package of care for the Prevention of Mother- To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV" states that all mothers participating in the PMTCT Programme should receive education that will enable them to make informed decisions about infant feeding options. Rapid, same-day HIV testing and results that are available immediately, enable health care workers to be responsible for providing pre- and post-test counselling (which includes infant feeding options) on the same day. This could place a tremendous workload and time pressure on the health care workers. The aim of this study was to determine how "informed" is the literate mother's decision regarding infant feeding options, who participated in the PMTCT Programme, in the Gert Sibande District, Mpumalanga, South Africa. Method: Data was collected from health care workers and mothers on the PMTCT Programme at 23 PMTCT sites in the Gert Sibande District, with the help of 6 field workers and the PMTCT site manager at each PMTCT site, by means of once-off, self-administered questionnaires, which had been previously tested and validated. Results: Health care workers' attitude towards the PMTCT Programme was positive, although some (14%) indicated that what was expected of them was not achievable in their working environment. The most prominent change relating to the personal preferences of health care workers regarding infant feeding options for HIV-infected mothers, after attending the 5-day PMTCT course, was from formula-feeding to breast-feeding. Most (65%) indicated it was possible to stay neutral in a counselling session regardless of personal preference for infant feeding and 60% of those who could not stay neutral, still thought it was in the mother's best interest to be counselled by them. Most (98%) agreed mothers had the right to make informed decisions and 80% agreed mothers were able to make such a decision. Most (67%) health care workers indicated that not enough staff was stationed at PMTCT sites, only 53% used the feeding option cards when counselling mothers and indicated that more educational material was needed. Sixty one percent of the health care workers demonstrated the preparation of the formula to the mothers and allowed the mothers to demonstrate back to them. Between 49-82% and 37-56% of the health care workers knew the correct answers to knowledge questions relating to breastfeeding and formula-feeding, respectively. Not one health care worker, nor mother, knew all the steps in preparing a formula feed. Most (80%) mothers made decisions based on information provided to them by health care workers and only a small (13%) percentage were influenced by the community to practise a different feeding option than what they had chosen. Conclusions: The attitude, personal preferences, knowledge of and resources available to health care workers, influenced the decision made by mothers regarding infant feeding options and seeing that most mothers made their decision, based on information provided by health care workers, it is concluded that mothers can only make an informed decision about infant feeding options if they are advised appropriately by well trained, equipped and informed health care workers.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: "A comprehensive package of care for the Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV", vermeld dat moeders, wat deelneem aan die Voorkoming van Moeder-Tot-Kind Oordrag (VMTKO) progam, voorligting behoort te ontvang ten opsigte van voedingsopsies vir hul babas, sodat hulle in staat sal wees om 'n ingeligte keuse te maak. Gesondheidswerkers is verantwoordelik om voorligting voor en na die HIV toets te gee, wat die voedingsopsies vir babas insluit, op dieselfde dag. Dit kan 'n ontsaglike werkslading op die gesondheidswerkers plaas. Die doel van die studie was om te bepaal hoe "ingelig" is die geletterde moeder se keuse ten opsigte van voedingsopsies, wat deelneem aan die VMTKO program, in die Gert Sibande distrik, Mpumalanga, Suid-Afrika. Metode: Die data is ingesamel by 23 VMTKO-klinieke en -hospitale in die Gert Sibande distrik onder gesondheidswerkers en moeders op die VMTKO-program, met behulp van 6 veldwerkers en VMTKO-bestuurders, deur middel van eenmalige, selfvoltooide vraelyste, wat van tevore getoets en gevalideer was. Resultate: Die gesondheidswerkers se houding teenoor die VMTKO-program was positief, alhoewel 14% aangedui het dat wat van hulle verwag word nie prakties of moontlik is in hul werksomgewing nie. Die prominentste verandering rakende die persoonlike voorkeure van die gesonheidswerkers teenoor voedingsopsies vir HIV -geinfekteerde moeders, na die 5-dag VMTKO kursus, was van formulevoeding na borsvoeding. Meeste (65%) het aangedui dit is moontlik om neutraal te bly gedurende 'n voorligtingssessie, ten spyte van persoonlike voorkeure vir voedingsopsies en 60% van die wat nie neutraal kon bly nie, het steeds gedink dit is in die beste belang van die moeder om deur hulle voorgelig te word. Meeste (98%) het saamgestem dat dit die moeder se reg is om 'n ingeligte keuse te maak en 80% het saamgestem dat die moeder wel in staat is om so 'n besluit te neem. Meeste (67%) gesondheidswerkers het aangedui dat personeel tekorte bestaan by die VMTKO klinieke en hospitale. Slegs 53% gebruik die voedingsopsie kaarte gedurende 'n voorligtingsessie met die moeder en het aangedui dat meer voorligtingsmateriaal benodig word. Een en sestig persent van die gesondheidswerkers het die voorbereiding van die formulevoeding aan die moeders gedemonstreer en het moeders toegelaat om ook die demonstrasie te doen. Nege en veertig tot twee en tagtig persent en 37-56% van die gesondheidswerkers kon die korrekte antwoorde verskaf vir vrae oor borsvoeding en formulevoeding, afsonderlik. Nie een gesondheidswerker of moeder kon al die stappe vir die voorbereiding van die formulevoeding noem nie. Meeste (80%) moeders maak keuses gebaseer op inligting wat aan hulle verskaf word deur die gesondheidswerkers en slegs 'n klein persentasie (13%) word beinvloed deur familielede om die teenoorgestelde voedingsopsie te praktiseer as wat hulle gekies het. Gevolgtrekking: Die houding, persoonlike voorkeure, kennis van en hulpbronne beskikbaar aan die gesongheidswerkers, beinvloed die besluit wat moeders neem ten op sigte van voedingsopsies en aangesien die moeders hulle besluit baseer op inligting wat deur die gesondheidswerkers aan hulle gegee word, word die gevolgtrekking gemaak dat moeders slegs 'n ingeligte keuse aangaande voedingsopsies kan maak indien hulle voorligting ontvang deur goed opgeleide en ingeligte gesondheidswerkers.

The aim of the study was to explore the accessibility of antiretroviral treatment amongst people living with HIV and AIDS at Public Health Care Facilities in Gert-Sibande Region in Mpumalanga. The study was conducted at a selected Public Health Care facility in Gert Sibande Region at Msukaligwa Municipality in Mpumalanga. The study focused primarily on people attending wellness programmes that are living with HIV and AIDS, receiving antiretroviral treatment in Public Health Care facilities. Research design of the study was exploratory which fundamentally used to explore a new topic or to learn more about issues where little is known. The research approach was purely qualitative methodology which allowed the researcher to explore deeply the perceptions of people living with HIV and AIDS and the capabilities in the provision of antiretroviral treatment at public health care facilities in Msukaligwa municipality of Gert-Sibande Region in Mpumalanga. Qualitative interview is the method that has been used to gather data from 23 participants who took part in the study. Questions of the interview were semi-structured in-depth one-on-one interviews and were used to explore understanding in relation to the accessibility of antiretroviral treatment amongst people living with HIV and AIDS at Public Health Care Facilities in Gert- Sibande Region in Mpumalanga. The findings of the study revealed that, there is good accessibility of antiretroviral treatment at public health care facilities in Msukaligwa Municipality of Gert-Sibande Region in Mpumalanga. There is also an existence of negative staff attitude towards patients and a probable poor service delivery at the referral local clinics. It can be concluded that there is a need to re-look into the current Hospital’s reception filing system and the turnaround time at certain areas of the Hospital and the capacitation of staff at the wellness centre. There is also a need to intensify the established programmes and the encouragement of people on treatment to take their antiretroviral treatment consistently.
Health Studies
M.A. (Social behaviour Studies in HIV & AIDS)

PhD (African Studies)
Department of Development Studies
Protests for basic services in South Africa are a relatively new phenomenon. Noticeably, they now happen almost on a daily basis. The manner in which they manifest is at times worrisome. Under the new political dispensation after 1994, South Africa has seen an unprecedented mushrooming of protests for services. Like other provinces across the country, Mpumalanga Province was also hit by the protests for services between 2004 and 2010. Since 2008, Gert Sibande District Municipality has experienced more intensified protests for service delivery, wherein communities were mobilized and marched to various local municipalities demanding improved services by these municipalities. The study aimed to establish some of the sources of these protests, their trends and their impact with the view to propose some solutions. To achieve this goal, the study used document analysis and empirical data obtained through interviews. Firstly, the study provides a historical background and overview of the three municipalities which fall under Gert Sibande District Municipality, namely: Msukaligwa, Mkhondo and Dr. Pixley Ka Isaka Seme. It further investigates the causes of violent protests for services in these municipalities. Attention is given to various pieces of legislation that establishes Local Government in South Africa. The socio-economic conditions of the three municipalities are also examined. The key findings from the interviews that were conducted pointed out factors that gave rise to the violent protests at the three municipalities. Amongst them was that the protests were politically motivated. Some were caused by lack of resource allocation and lack of human capacity to deliver services, lack of the political will by both the political and government representatives to deliver on their mandate, as well as the criminal elements that hijacked the protests. It is the mandate of government to deliver quality services to the people uninterrupted as prescribed by the Constitution. This will minimise the ongoing protest for services in the country.
NRF

This study explored the role of School Governing Bodies (SGBs) in public schools in the Gert Sibande district of the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. It focused on executive members of the SGB of three institutions and their school principals, who play a key role in school governance. The study was conducted using three case studies with the pseudo names as: Lepogo, Nkwe and Tau schools. The executive members of the SGBs comprised the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Secretary, Deputy Secretary and Treasurer. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of their roles on the implementation of educational policies, including the South African Schools Act of 1996. The study used qualitative methodology in the form of conducting focus group interviews (see Annexure A), doing document analysis (see section 3.7.3) and making observations (see Annexure B) during the meetings with SGBs. The findings indicated that the SGB members who were interviewed had minimal knowledge of how their roles impacted on the schools that they governed. It was also clear from the interviews that the training they received on an ad hoc basis was insufficient. Furthermore, this training was also conducted by individuals who seemed to be unsure about how to interpret the school policies in SASA policy documents. With regard to sub-committees, such as the recently introduced Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign (QLTC) comprising all stakeholders in education; it was disappointing to find, based on the three schools which participated in the study, that this was ineffective, and no meetings were held after its formation. The study revealed that the school policies embodied in SASA documents and the Constitution of South Africa were not used effectively, in order to give proper guidance on how SGBs should execute their roles. Moreover, the study revealed that retired officials were given the task of training the trainers, who were then expected to train the members of the SGB, and this was ineffective. Finally, the study revealed that the principals were expected to represent their schools and simultaneously represent the Department of Education in an ex officio position. This was not working, since no person can serve two masters at the same time. Therefore, the study emphasised the need to appoint neutral people to deal with school governance and report directly to the HoD (see Figure 5.1). All stakeholders are important, but they need to respect boundaries. In conclusion, the recommendations and the proposed model were deliberately designed and structured to offer practical solutions to the problems discussed in the research findings. It is also important that the training should be accompanied by some kind of assessment, in order to determine whether or not the SGB members have understood what they were taught. Furthermore, there should be follow-ups to ascertain to what extent the SGB members have implemented what they were taught in their schools, which is not happening at present.
Educational Leadership and Management
D. Ed. (Education Management)

M. Tech. Business Administration
Provision of grants by financial institutions, government units and state owned agencies is of paramount importance in the development of entrepreneurs to the level of self-sustainability. Grants should be given on merit and also according to the needs of entrepreneurs; this can be established by means of feasibility studies done by entrepreneurs and effective funding models. Gert Sibande District is a municipality within the Mpumalanga Province which can be categorised as one of the areas that has previously disadvantaged individuals and most of the areas are rural, semi-rural and declared poverty pocket areas by the Provincial Government. This study was undertaken to analyse the impact of grants on the effective development of entrepreneurs and their sustainability in Gert Sibande District of Mpumalanga Province. The capability of the entrepreneurs and the roles of the support structures in addressing this problem were explored.

Research Dissertation submitted and meets the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Public Policy
The assessment of factors that affect the implementation of Local Economic Development (LED) policy at local government level remains critical. Factors such as institutional arrangements and institutional capacity contribute largely to the outcomes of policy in the public sector. The purpose of this research was to establish the functional role of the institutional arrangements and institutional capacity that are in place for enhancing LED policy outcomes in Gert Sibande District Municipality in Mpumalanga. In South Africa, similar to other democratic societies, the outcome level of performance of LED demonstrates government’s commitment to and ability in ensuring better living standards, including the education and health of the people. The objectives of the study were to investigate the effectiveness of the institutional arrangements and institutional capacity for implementation of LED policy outcomes. Secondly, the study aimed at establishing the nature of institutional and operational structures for LED. Lastly, the study examined the institutional capacity for LED implementation. The research involved undertaking a comprehensive literature review, and developing an appropriate theoretical framework. A desktop study was conducted to identify factors that affect the implementation of LED policy in the GSDM. They are two major theories, namely the reformist paradigm and the new institutionalism theory that underpin this research. A case study design was more ideal for this study because the it seeks to establish a holistic and in-depth investigation of the institutional arrangements and associated institutional capacity of the lead institution for LED in GSDM. The case study research design has provided an opportunity to establish a detailed understanding of the institutional arrangements which relate to institutional capability to implement and achieve the outcomes of LED policy. Data was collected using a semi structured interview guide amongst employees and political members of GSDM, and provincial and national representatives who are responsible for supporting municipalities on LED. A desktop analysis on documented performance reports was also undertaken as a secondary data source to triangulate primary data. Theories of local economic development such as the reformist paradigm or alternative developmental approaches to local economic development and new institutionalism were used to analyse the findings and map the analytical conclusions. One of the major findings of this study is that the current institutional arrangements for GSDM are weak; as a result, they do not fully support the implementation of the LED policy. The new institutionalism theory argues that public institutions should produce a conducive environment through creating policies and legislation that eliminate the barriers to growth Secondly, the research finds that the institutional capacity and capability to implement efficient and effective LED policy remains a challenge due to a number of factors, namely (a) a low skills base in the LED unit; (b) the high vacancy rate such that critical positions remain unfilled in the planning and economic development department; (c) inability and lack of capacity to manage LED structures and enhance involvement of partnerships in LED; (d) the majority of LED policy outputs since 2007 to 2012 were not achieved due to institutional capacity challenges, and (e) the funding model for municipalities remains a challenge. Thus, GSDM is characterised as a rural municipality with limited resources for economic growth and development as well as having serious capacity and development challenges. 6 These institutional capacity challenges have contributed to the high unemployment rate, widening inequalities, low levels of economic development, poor policy implementation, low performance at an institutional level and lack of compliance with legislation due to weak business systems. On the other hand, LED emphasizes strong reliance on local resources, leadership, and institutions to respond to local economic crises and opportunities. It has been argued that rural economies require more attention as the economic and social challenges tend to be more complicated compared to urban economies due to the low skills of the labour force. In addition, rural economies tend to rely more on primary economic sectors such as agriculture, and mining social transfers from government. One of the key recommendations made in this study is that the GSDM needs to ensure that the district LED development agency is established to facilitate, coordinate and implement LED policy initiatives. In addition, the LED development agency needs to be adequately capacitated with requisite skills in order to deal with institutional capacity challenges and also to ensure that the partnership between stakeholders and civil society is strengthened in the implementation of LED. This will enhance local economic growth and development, create more job opportunities and result in efficient public involvement in the LED process. Secondly, the GSDM in partnership with stakeholders in the public sector, needs to develop short, medium and long-term strategies to address the low skills base, and the scarce and critical skills shortages in the district. Lastly, the research also recommends that GSDM needs to review the current organisational structure in order to improve the implementation of organisational policies, enhance service delivery and realise the developmental mandate of local municipalities as articulated in the constitution of the country. This research should be expanded to include the other district municipalities in the Mpumalanga province in order to get a broader picture of local government capability to implement public policy and assess factors that impede the implementation of LED policy. It is imperative to note that due to the short duration of this study and the unavailability of the employees of GSDM, national and provincial departments, and members of the LED forums, limited information was collected in this regard. Thus the findings of this study cannot be generalised due to its limited scope yet it hopefully provides a meaningful understanding of the capability of public institutions at the local level to implement public policies within the South African context.
GR2019

The aim of this study was to capture nurses’ experiences and reality of practice in order to understand their views on National Health Insurance (NHI) policy. A hermeneutic phenomenological research design was used to collect data from professional nurses working at Embuleni Hospital in the Gert Sibande District of Mpumalanga province. A sample of 10 professional nurses was included in the study and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data which was analysed following van Manen’s (1990) approach. The results revealed that professional nurses are of the view that the policy on management of hospitals is the source of health system problems which have caused inequalities and insufficient management of rural hospitals, thus affecting their efficiency in service delivery. However, the study revealed that professional nurses viewed the same policy in the light of national core-standards which they use as an objective tool for the purpose of monitoring their practice. The findings present an opportunity for policy makers to use evidence-based knowledge in realigning policy for relevance, bringing nurses on board in the policy process and understanding the key constituents of policy content.
Health Studies
M.A. (Public Health)

The study attempted to determine the causes of poor performance among Grade 12 learners in tasks involving calculus, especially in cubic graphs and the application of differential calculus. The study was conducted in three schools of the Msukaligwa 1 Circuit in the Gert Sibande District, Mpumalanga Province in South Africa. Differential calculus is a branch of mathematics that is concerned mainly with the study of the rate of change of functions with respect to their variables especially through the use derivatives and differentials. Students have difficulties in learning and mastering this section of calculus as is revealed by examiners’ and moderators’ reports year after year. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible reasons for the poor performance by Grade 12 learners in calculus-based tasks, especially in cubic graphs and the application in optimisation. The study sought to investigate the causes of the poor performance by Grade 12 learners in tasks based on these two subtopics of calculus. Three schools were selected by means of purposive sampling: one former model C, one Mathematics, Science and Technology Academy (MSTA) and one other school that does not fall in either of these two categories. This enabled the study to have participants from diverse backgrounds. A qualitative research design was used. Data was collected using learners’ scripts for the three formal tasks: May common test, June (midyear) and Trial (preparatory) examinations. Only the questions involving cubic graphs and the application of calculus were part of the study. Analysis was done in order to determine learners’ challenges, common mistakes, and misconceptions, but also of good responses given by learners.
Mathematics Education
M. Ed. (Mathematics Education)

Background: Literature has shown that negative attitudes and unwillingness to care for HIV-infected patients are prevailing among healthcare workers. This study aimed to assess the attitudes and willingness of student nurses towards caring for HIV-infected patients in some public hospitals in Gert Sibande district, Mpumalanga. Method: A contextual exploratory quantitative descriptive survey was conducted among student nurses enrolled for a four-year nursing qualification in a nursing college at Mpumalanga province. Self-administered questionnaires were completed after obtaining an informed consent. Results: A total of 122 (70.9%) students participated in this survey. Findings showed that most participants had positive attitudes 66 (52.7%) and were willing 121 (99.1%) to care for HIV-infected patients. Significant associations were revealed between participants’ previous HIV testing (p=0.012), age group (p=0.009), and their willingness to provide care to HIV-infected patients. Conclusion: Results showed a generally positive attitude and willingness by participants to care for HIV-infected patients.
Health Studies
M.A. (Health Studies)

The decentralisation of governance in South African schools as embodied in the South African Schools Act 84 of 1996 has placed considerable responsibility in the hands of parents for the governance of schools through the School Governing Bodies. In the light thereof, research was conducted in 5 secondary schools in the Breyten Circuit, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. A phenomenological qualitative approach was used to gather data from a purposeful sample of members of School Governing Bodies from selected secondary schools in the Breyten Circuit. The purpose was to explore the impact of parental involvement on effective secondary school governance in the Breyten Circuit. The findings revealed that many parents did not take their role seriously due to poor educational levels and the lack of training and familiarity with the legislation embodied in the Act. This compromised their ability to govern schools. Based on the findings, recommendations are made for improvement of practice.
Educational Leadership and Management
M. Ed. (Education Management)

Text in Afrikaans
Die studie poog om die doeltreffendheid van beginneronderwysers se aanpassing en ervaring van werksbevrediging in werksomstandighede te hersien. Enige organisasie kan nuwe mense aanstel maar kan nie verwag dat hierdie "aanstelling" hul beste werk lewer en doelwitte bereik voordat die persoon aangepas is in sy werk, omgewing en by sy kollegas nie (Steyn & Van Niekerk 2008:205, Steyn 2004:82, Whitaker 2001:7, Arends & Phurutse 2009:7). Beginneronderwysers moet leiding en ondersteuning ontvang om so gou as moontlik effektief by die skool in te skakel sodat hulle 'n produktiewe bydrae kan lewer ten opsigte van opvoeding en onderrig vir leerders en die onderwys in Suid-Afrika. Met hierdie navorsing wil die navorser dus ondersoek in stel om te bepaal of beginneronderwysers goed genoeg toegerus word om aan te pas en in te skakel by werksomstandighede en of hulle werksbevrediging ervaar. Die navorsingstudie is gedoen deur agt beginneronderwysers in vier laerskole in die Gert Sibande-streek van Mpumalanga te betrek. In hierdie studie maak die navorser gebruik van die kwalitatiewe navorsingsbenadering. Die kwalitatiewe navorsingsmetode is die geskikste metode om die ervarings van beginneronderwysers te beskryf. Individuele onderhoudvoering is dat data insamelingstegnieke gebruik om vas te stel wat die aard, omvang en moontlike oplossings is vir die navorsingsprobleem. Die navorsingstudie het bevind dat die beginneronderwyser begeleiding en ondersteuning benodig tydens inskakeling. Positiewe strategieë sluit in inskakelingsprogramme, handleidings asook ervare toegewysde mentors. Uit die bevindinge van die navorsing is daar ongetwyfel 'n sterk behoefte aan leiding en ondersteuning vir beginneronderwysers om effektief in te skakel by die skool. Beginneronderwysers moet bemagtig word om optimaal te kan ontwikkel, hulself te bevorder en te kan handhaaf in die onderwys in Suid-Afrika.
The study aims to review the effectiveness of novice teachers' adaptation and experience of job satisfaction in working conditions. Any organisation can appoint new people but cannot expect that this "appointment" to do their best work and reach goals before the person has been adapted in his work environment and to his colleagues (Steyn & Van Niekerk 2008: 205, Steyn 2004: 82, Whitaker 2001: 7 Arends & Phurutse 2009: 7). Beginner teachers should receive guidance and support quickly and effectively as soon as possible at school so they have a productive contribution to education and training for students and education in South Africa. This research would therefore examine to determine whether novice teachers are well equipped enough to adapt and to participate in working conditions and whether they experience job satisfaction. The research study was conducted by involving eight novice teachers in four primary schools in the Gert Sibande region of Mpumalanga. In this study, the researcher used a qualitative approach. The qualitative research method is the most appropriate way to describe the experiences of novice teachers. The data collection techniques that were used included individual interviews to determine the nature, extent and possible solutions to the research problem. The research study found that the new teacher needed guidance and support during integration. Positive strategies for guidance include induction programs, manuals and experienced dedicated mentors. From the findings of the research, there is a strong need for guidance and support for beginning teachers to be involved in the school. Beginner teachers should be empowered to develop their potential, to promote themselves and to maintain in education in South Africa.
Educational Leadership and Management
M. Ed. (Education Management)

This study investigated the interactive use of computer simulations (CS) and videos on magnetism in Grade 10 at four high schools in the Mpumalanga province. Magnetism is one of the sections of the Physical Sciences CAPS curriculum. Four MST high schools in the Badplaas/Mashishila circuits of the Gert Sibande district in Mpumalanga were used as a case study. Three schools were used as experimental groups while the fourth school was used as control group. The first group was taught using computer simulations. The second group was taught using videos. The third group was taught using both computer simulations and videos, and the fourth group was taught using normal traditional methods. Using the pre-post test non-equivalent control group design, it was found that learners in all the experimental groups, who were taught using either computer simulations or videos or both, achieved significantly higher scores after being subjected to the post-test than learners in the control group, who were taught only by the normal traditional method. Furthermore, learners who were taught using a combination of CS and videos achieved significantly higher scores than learners who were exposed to only CS or only videos. Class observations conducted during the study reported that the use of information communication technology (ICT) tools with learners in the experimental groups proved to be informative, motivational and inspirational. This was evidenced by active learner participation, the learners being able to make predictions after observations and provide scientific explanations of concepts through discussions. The use of ICT tools in the form of CS and videos proved to be an effective instrument which can enhance learning.
Physics
M. Sc. (Physics Education)

The phenomenon of educational inequality on access to physical resources in the Highveld Ridge East Circuit of Mpumalanga was investigated in the study. Since the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic had affected education on a global scale, South Africa included, it became necessary to incorporate this new development into the emerging design that unfolded. The study explored the impact of access to physical resources in three public schools. The aim of the investigation was to ascertain how educational disparities on access to physical resources manifested at the chosen research sites, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative research approach was utilised comprising of a multiple case study design. The study reported how the principal and deputy principals viewed educational inequality on access to physical resources from a management perspective, while educators provided insight on the effect of this phenomenon on the teaching and learning process. Observations, individual interviews involving the principal and deputy principals as participants, and focus group interviews involving the teachers, as well as the scrutiny of relevant official documents provided the empirical data for this investigation. All research participants were purposively selected, as a full staff complement was unavailable at the research sites during the pandemic. The results that emerged from the study indicated that educational inequality was prevalent in these public schools. The dearth of resources, and in some instances basic essential resources, had a marked impact on the management as well as the teachers and students at these schools. A significant point to consider was how ill-equipped the public schools in this area were to deal with education during a global pandemic. The backlog of the inequities on access to physical resources needed to be addressed as a matter of dire urgency if the country had any hope of salvaging the education process even at the most basic level. The recommendations in the conclusion of the study are desperate pleas for help in assisting the country, especially the previously marginalised, to move forward in the worst of times.
Educational Management and Leadership
M. Ed. (Education Management)

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Nursing Johannesburg 2018.
Background Client satisfaction is an increasingly important concept in service delivery, especially in the health sector. Knowing whether clients are satisfied has a multi-faceted effect. Besides being a determinant of quality service and care, satisfaction encourages happy clients to return to the service/company, so that the company retains their clientele, and may attract more. Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the employees’ level of satisfaction with the occupational health practitioners (OHPs) at one of the occupational health services (OHSs) in the Gert Sibande District in the Mpumalanga Province. Objectives The purpose of this study was to: 1. ascertain the specific demographics of employees presenting at the occupational health service (OHS) 2. ascertain and describe employees’ overall satisfaction with the occupational health practitioner’s (OHP’s) consultation on their visit 3. describe employees’ levels of satisfaction with how they were managed on their visit 4. explore and describe employees’ perceptions regarding the OHS environment 5. describe the level of trust in the relationship between the employee and the OHP. Research design and method This study made use of a quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study design to measure satisfaction experienced by clients entering and using a specific occupational health service. The survey method used was based on the Patient Satisfaction with Occupational Health Physicians tool developed by Verbeek, de Boer, van der Weide et al. (2005). Data analysis Data was captured using the guidelines provided by Verbeek et al. (2005) and was analysed using the Data Analysis and Statistical Software Version 14.1 software (STATA) computer package. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Statistical assistance was provided by a biostatistician at the Health Sciences Faculty of the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. Data were presented in tables and figures. Categorical data was presented using frequencies (number of occurrences) and percentages. Main findings Participants surveyed had a mean age of 33.87, with the majority being male, while the highest education attained was at the secondary level. Although 43.4% of participants had never used the service before, the arithmetic mean of the overall satisfaction rating with the OHP service was found to be 9.06 out of 10, implying that both new and returning participants experienced a high level of satisfaction. Most subscales showed an overall mean rating of more than 4, again implying that participants were satisfied with the services rendered. Conclusion Literature reveals that limited research has been done on South African employees’ levels of satisfaction with occupational health practitioners (OHPs). For this reason the researcher decided to ascertain and describe employees’ overall level of satisfaction with OHPs, finding a high level of satisfaction amongst the participants in this study. Ultimately, employees’ satisfaction is a strong indicator of quality of care, and employees should be able to voice their opinions on the quality of care received. Recommendations The occupational health nurse practitioner (OHNP) should be encouraged to participate in research- and evidence-based practice, as well as to formulate satisfaction surveys related to the specific workplace based on the workers’ needs, in order to identify strengths and weaknesses in the service provided. Further studies should be conducted on OHP services in South Africa. These studies can take place in different industries and provinces to ascertain if the results obtained herein are generally prevalent or will be contradicted. Furthermore, alternate methods of data collection such as qualitative one-on-one interviews should be used to yield more in-depth information on the satisfaction of employees with OHSs. Keywords Employee, Occupational Health Practitioner, Satisfaction, Occupational Health Service, Survey
LG2018

Background Gert Sibande District has the highest HIV prevalence among women attending public antenatal health clinics. Multiple sexual partnerships (MSP) enhance heterosexual HIV transmission, which is the main form of transmission in South Africa. There is need, therefore, to identify important factors associated with MSP for the development of strategic intervention policies and programmes. Objectives To determine the prevalence and associated factors of multiple sexual partnerships (MSP) in men and women in Gert Sibande District (GSD) in 2010. Methods This is a secondary data analysis of data collected through a cross-sectional multi-stage study using cluster probability sampling technique in GSD in 2010. The study collected data on 750 adult men and women aged 16 to 55 years through an interviewer-administered standardised questionnaire. Simple descriptive statistics and chi square analysis were used to determine the prevalence and patterns of the MSP in the study population. Multiple logistic regression models were built to determine factors that were independently associated with MSP. Results The analysis included 592 sexually active respondents: 200 men and 392 women. A fifth of the respondents had had their first sexual encounter before the age of 16 years. Condom use was higher among men than women. Condom use was lowest with most recent partners (56.6%) than in second (74.6%) and third sexual partners (78.6%). Alcohol use was high, with more men (72.0%) than women (33.2%) having ever consumed alcohol (p<0.001) and among these alcohol users, more men (44.5%) than women (8.7%) were involved in risky drinking. The overall reported MSP prevalence was 22.0%, 95% CI: 19 - 25%. Men (44.0%, 95% CI: 37 - 51%) reported significantly higher levels of MSP than women (10.7%, 95% CI: 8 - 12%). Levels of MSP decreased with age and were highest among young adults, men (20 to 24 years) and women (15 to 19 years), those who were never married, and among men in the intermediate socio-economic group. There were significant associations between MSP and underlying socio-demographic factors (age, socio-economic status and marital status), and with intermediate sexual behavioural factors (age at first sex, condom use at last sex), sex under the influence of alcohol and transactional sex in the past 12 months). Among men, young age (AOR 3.0, 95% CI: 1.0 - 9.3) socio-economic status (AOR 3.1, 95% CI: 1.7 - 5.6) predicted having MSP. The strongest positive correlation of MSP among men occurred with the sexual behavioural factors, particularly age at first sex (AOR 9.7, 95% CI: 2.3 - 41.4) and having sex under the influence of alcohol (AOR 4.5, 95% CI: 1.9 - 9.7). There was a 4.5 times likelihood of MSP with transactional sex in the past 12 months. Among women, being never married (AOR 10.9, 95% CI: 1.3 – 90.3), condom use at last sex (AOR 2.4, 95% CI: 1.1 – 5.6), transactional sex in the past 12 months (AOR 12.0, 95% CI: 3.9 – 37.1) and having sex under the influence of alcohol (AOR 9.3, 95% CI: 4.4 – 19.6) were significantly associated with increased odds of MSP. Conclusion The findings of this study showed a high prevalence of MSP compared to the reported prevalence of MSP in the South African national and sub-national surveys (SABSSM, NCS and DHS). The prevalence was ever higher across some sub-groups of the population. The findings highlight the need for interventions that will address socio-economic factors influence MSP in GSD, especially among young adults and unmarried adults of GSD. Among this largely black population, the occurrence of several sexual risk factors, including early age at first sex, transactional sex, and high alcohol use, indicate the need for group-specific interventions. This study also provides a basis for future research to allow for the comparison of changes in MSP levels among adults of GSD and for prevention interventions targeting partner reduction.

Contraceptives are available free of charge throughout South Africa. Nevertheless the number of requests for termination of pregnancy (TOP) services continues to increase. This research investigated challenges preventing women from using contraceptives effectively. Structured interviews were conducted with 47 women who requested TOP services. Gender and financial issues posed challenges for some women to access contraceptives as well as their reported inability to access contraceptives. Most (85,5%) of the respondents used contraceptives. They discontinued using contraceptives because they experienced side-effects, necessitating them to request TOPs. Knowledge about, access to, nor the actual use of contraceptive enabled these women to prevent unwanted pregnancies. More effective counselling about the side-effects of contraceptives and enhanced accessibility of contraceptives during weekends and lunch breaks could enable more women to prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce the number of requests for TOPs in the Gert Sibande District (Mpumalanga).
Health Studies
M.A. (Health Studies)

M.Ed.
This research provides an analysis on provisioning of information and communication technology (ICT) resources at public further education and training (FET) at Gert Sibande region in Mpumalanga province. In particular the research focuses on the readiness of public FET schools in Gert Sibande region to implement e-Education policy. The main purpose of this inquiry is to conduct baseline surveys focused on the factors that may influence the provisioning of ICT resources in the Gert Sibande region in the MDE. The literature study revealed that computers can deliver and promote high quality education (Kuperstein and Gentile, 1998: 87). Information and Communication Technology (ICT) adds more value to education systems (Forcier, 1996). Since the use of ICT in schools has been shown to be effective, many educators, parents and students already believe that ICT should be the integral part of the South African Education System (Department of Education, 1996). In this study I have collected quantitative data from the participants through survey questionnaires from both the school management teams (SMT) and ICT officials at Gert Sibande region. From the findings on analysis of data, I clustered survey questions (See Annexure A & B) with similar focus into four categories each of which will be explained in greater detail in chapter 4 and 5, namely: • White paper 7 (Interaction), derived from question 4 and 7, • Capacity development of ICT literacy of educators, resultant of question 2 • Policies on distribution/provisioning of ICT resources, derived from question 5, 6, 7 and 8, and • Feasibility of White paper 7 on e-education derived from question 9 and 10.
Prof. D. van der Westhuizen