scholarly journals The role of universities in promoting social entrepreneurship in South Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 67-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawrence Mpele Lekhanya
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Social Entrepreneurship ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Development Programs ◽  
Gauteng Province ◽  
Comprehensive Universities ◽  
Kwazulu Natal

Social entrepreneurship can help to reduce socio-economic problems facing many countries including South Africa. Also it can be used as a strategic tool in building social cohesion in country. This paper aimed to examine the role of Universities in promoting social entrepreneurship in South Africa. The study also look assess the support that universities are providing to social entrepreneurship and to evaluate the extend of the support. The paper also analyses most strategies used by South African universities to help the development of social entrepreneurship. Mix approaches of qualitative and quantitative techniques were employed for data collection. The primary data was collected from six universities in South Africa where two comprehensive universities, two universities of Technologies from KwaZulu -Natal province and two comprehensive universities in Gauteng province were chosen for sample for this study. The sample consisted of 40 respondents made up of deans of faculties, heads of departments, and director of social entrepreneurship and head of social entrepreneurship department respectively according to structure of each university. Combination of structured qualitative and five –point Likert scale questionnaire were emailed to the respondents to complete. The results reveal that most of respondents are not involved in social entrepreneurship activities, or any entrepreneurship development programs. The findings also indicate that some respondents they had no clue about social entrepreneurship that their universities are involved in. the study was limited by exploratory nature. Therefore, generalization must be done with care. Further research should aim to target large sample and include other academic staff rather than focusing only on the deans and heads of departments.

Exploring Distributive Leadership in South African Public Primary Schools in the Soweto Region

2015 ◽  
pp. 283-304
Author(s):  
Raj Mestry ◽  
Suraiya R Naicker
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Distributive Leadership ◽  
Leadership Positions ◽  
Gauteng Province ◽  
Leadership Framework ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Formal Leadership

The increasing expectations of the principalship and the intensification of the challenges facing schools today have resulted in the emergence of distributive forms of leadership in schools worldwide. These developments prompted research in schools in South Africa, more specifically in the Soweto region, to inquire if distributed leadership had manifested. Soweto is a township in the Gauteng province of South Africa that is associated with the historic struggle against the apartheid government (pre-1994). A qualitative approach executed by means of focus group interviews was employed at three schools to explore the views of teachers who did not hold formal leadership positions. It was found that distributive leadership had not transpired in the schools that are largely rooted in classical leadership practices. This chapter provides an account of the study while elucidating the concept of distributive leadership and examines the role of formal leaders within a distributive leadership framework.

Exploring Distributive Leadership in South African Public Primary Schools in the Soweto Region

2016 ◽  
pp. 1041-1064
Author(s):  
Raj Mestry ◽  
Suraiya R Naicker
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Distributive Leadership ◽  
Leadership Positions ◽  
Gauteng Province ◽  
Leadership Framework ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Formal Leadership

The increasing expectations of the principalship and the intensification of the challenges facing schools today have resulted in the emergence of distributive forms of leadership in schools worldwide. These developments prompted research in schools in South Africa, more specifically in the Soweto region, to inquire if distributed leadership had manifested. Soweto is a township in the Gauteng province of South Africa that is associated with the historic struggle against the apartheid government (pre-1994). A qualitative approach executed by means of focus group interviews was employed at three schools to explore the views of teachers who did not hold formal leadership positions. It was found that distributive leadership had not transpired in the schools that are largely rooted in classical leadership practices. This chapter provides an account of the study while elucidating the concept of distributive leadership and examines the role of formal leaders within a distributive leadership framework.

scholarly journals Listeriosis outbreak in South Africa: Are we winning the battle?

2018 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 3
Author(s):  
Gboyega A Ogunbanjo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Core Genome ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Gauteng Province ◽  
Single Nucleotide ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Current Outbreak

South Africa’s listeriosis outbreak has topped the charts as the largest outbreak in history. The first reported case of the current outbreak of listeriosis was in January 2017. On 27 Feb 2018, the South African National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) reported 945 confirmed cases, of which 176 had died (case fatality rate of 19%). Most reported cases were from Gauteng Province (59%, 555/945), followed by the Western Cape (12%, 116/945) and KwaZulu-Natal (7%, 66/945) provinces.1 South Africa is not the only country experiencing outbreaks of listeriosis. Europe has been experiencing a multi-country outbreak since 2015, with a combined number of only 26 cases from Austria, Denmark, Finland, Sweden and the United Kingdom classified as a confirmed microbiological cluster on the basis of whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis, including core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) based analysis, depending on the country. Four cases have died (case fatality 15.4%).2

NATURE, PATTERNS AND TRENDS OF RESEARCH COLLABORATION AMONG ACADEMICS IN SELECTED UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA AND SOUTH AFRICA

Mousaion ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Sani A. Fari ◽  
Dennis Ocholla
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
South African ◽  
Research Collaboration ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Depth Of Knowledge ◽  
University Of Technology ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Common Goals ◽  
The University

In this article, we argue that research collaboration, as an activity embarked upon by two or more individual researchers to attain common goals, is crucial in determining the breadth and depth of knowledge sharing among academics. The aim of the study was to investigate the nature, patterns and trends of research collaboration among academics in six universities in Nigeria and South Africa between 2003 and 2013. The study determined the level and extent of knowledge sharing among the actors by exploring several aspects of research collaboration. We targeted all the academic staff at the six universities whose publications appeared in the SCOPUS database for the research period. The data was first extracted from SCOPUS by using affiliation search by university for the study period. Through descriptive and evaluative bibliometrics or publication count, domestically and internationally co-authored papers and major collaborating institutions between 2003 and 2013 were determined with the hope of finding co-authorship links for the six universities. The study revealed that research collaboration does occur among academics/researchers in the universities. The South African universities, namely, the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Durban University of Technology (DUT) and University of Zululand (UZ) collaborated with each other. However, in Nigeria, there was only one collaborative tie between Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) and the Federal University of Technology (FUT), and no collaboration with Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU). South Africa also had a higher number of universities among the top 20 universities collaborating between the two countries within the study period.

scholarly journals An Investigation Into the Knowledge of South African Pharmacists on the Identification and Management of Drug-Drug Interactions

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 146
Author(s):  
Mohammed A. Baksh ◽  
Velisha A. Perumal-Pillay ◽  
Frasia Oosthuizen
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Drug Interactions ◽  
South African ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Rate Data ◽  
Microsoft Excel ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Standard Operating ◽  
Response Rate Data

BACKGROUND: Detecting and reporting drug-drug interactions (DDIs) is an important role of pharmacists. Standard operating procedures (SOPs), that can be used to manage DDIs is not a requirement at pharmacies in South Africa. SOPs create standardized methods of identifying and reporting DDIs. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge of South African pharmacists on the identification and management of DDIs as well as the availability and use of SOPs in the detection and management of DDIs. METHODS: A quantitative approach was used targeting registered pharmacists from two provinces in South Africa, namely Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. 153 responses were received after mailing the questionnaire to 200 pharmacists (76.5% response rate). Data was analysed by using Microsoft Excel® and SPSS® (version 23.0). RESULTS: The majority (93.5%) of respondents were able to correctly define. Forty-four percent of respondents were aware of the existence of SOPs in their respective pharmacies. The majority of the respondents (80.4%) were of the opinion that having SOPs in place for the management of DDIs benefit the identification of these in the pharmacy environment. The findings indicated that availability and access of SOPs are the same across all sectors of pharmacy. CONCLUSION: The results show that the majority of participants have a sound knowledge regarding DDIs as well as the importance of reporting them should such events occur. While most pharmacists were not aware of SOPs in their pharmacies, they regarded this as beneficial.

ROLE OF LIBRARIANS IN TEACHING INFORMATION LITERACY IN ZIMBABWEAN AND SOUTH AFRICAN UNIVERSITIES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Mousaion ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tinashe Mugwisi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Information And Communications Technologies ◽  
Communications Technologies ◽  
Information Skills ◽  
The University

Information and communications technologies (ICTs) and the Internet have to a large extent influenced the way information is made available, published and accessed. More information is being produced too frequently and information users now require certain skills to sift through this multitude in order to identify what is appropriate for their purposes. Computer and information skills have become a necessity for all academic programmes. As libraries subscribe to databases and other peer-reviewed content (print and electronic), it is important that users are also made aware of such sources and their importance. The purpose of this study was to examine the teaching of information literacy (IL) in universities in Zimbabwe and South Africa, and the role played by librarians in creating information literate graduates. This was done by examining whether such IL programmes were prioritised, their content and how frequently they were reviewed. An electronic questionnaire was distributed to 12 university libraries in Zimbabwe and 21 in South Africa. A total of 25 questionnaires were returned. The findings revealed that IL was being taught in universities library and non-library staff, was compulsory and contributed to the term mark in some institutions. The study also revealed that 44 per cent of the total respondents indicated that the libraries were collaborating with departments and faculty in implementing IL programmes in universities. The study recommends that IL should be an integral part of the university programmes in order to promote the use of databases and to guide students on ethical issues of information use.

Transforming the Rural Agricultural Landscape Through Groundwater Optimisation: Exploring A Chinese-South African Partnership

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nirmala Dorasamy ◽  
Olayemi Bakre
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Agricultural Landscape ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Subsistence Farming ◽  
Water Shortages ◽  
Subsistence Farmers ◽  
Farming Communities ◽  
Standards Of Living ◽  
Kwazulu Natal

The majority of the South African rural populace is directly or indirectly engaged in agricultural practices to earn a livelihood. However, impediments such as climate change, water shortages, and inadequacy of institutional support have undermined these once thriving subsistence farming communities. Furthermore, poor leadership in hydrology, coupled with a lack of depth in skills at all government levels to facilitate the understanding of the importance of groundwater, has made it near impossible for subsistence farmers to benefit optimally from groundwater. The 2012 drought experienced in South Africa paralysed several subsistence farming communities in KwaZulu-Natal. To revamp subsistence farming and assist these farmers across South Africa, the Department of Water and Sanitation launched interventions, but despite the enormous resources expended, indicators (e.g. unsustainable farming practices, poor crop yield, pitiable living conditions, and poor standards of living) provide evidence that these interventions have not yielded the desired results. This paper seeks to suggest practicable interventions aimed at reducing the vulnerability of subsistence farmers in KwaZulu-Natal. The study pursued a qualitative approach in that it solicited the views of experts on groundwater and in related fields to gain an in-depth perspective. Some of the core challenges undermining the sustainability and growth of subsistence farming in the study area were found to be the inadequacy of experts on groundwater, water shortages, institutional deficiencies, lack of political will, and lack of coordination among stakeholders. Pragmatic recommendations are made to address these challenges, among other things to encourage a South African-Chinese partnership in the hydrology sector.

scholarly journals Investigating competencies needed by European-trained doctors in rural South African hospitals

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
James R. Barnacle ◽  
Oliver Johnson ◽  
Ian Couper
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Rural District ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Rural Medicine ◽  
Rural South ◽  
District Hospitals ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Postgraduate Diploma

Background: Many European-trained doctors (ETDs) recruited to work in rural district hospitals in South Africa have insufficient generalist competencies for the range of practice required. Africa Health Placements recruits ETDs to work in rural hospitals in Africa. Many of these doctors feel inadequately prepared. The Stellenbosch University Ukwanda Centre for Rural Health is launching a Postgraduate Diploma in Rural Medicine to help prepare doctors for such work.Aim: To determine the competencies gap for ETDs working in rural district hospitals in South Africa to inform the curriculum of the PG Dip (Rural Medicine).Setting: Rural district hospitals in South Africa.Methods: Nine hospitals in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga were purposefully selected by Africa Health Placements as receiving ETDs. An online survey was developed asking about the most important competencies and weaknesses for ETDs when working rurally. The clinical manager and any ETDs currently working in each hospital were invited to complete the survey.Results: Surveys were completed by 19 ETDs and five clinical managers. The top clinical competencies in relation to 10 specific domains were identified. The results also indicate broader competencies required, specific skills gaps, the strengths that ETDs bring to South Africa and how ETDs prepare themselves for working in this context.Conclusion: This study identifies the important competency gaps among ETDs and provides useful direction for the diploma and other future training initiatives. The diploma faculty must reflect on these findings and ensure the curriculum is aligned with these gaps.

scholarly journals Truth and reconciliation in South Africa: Hindu experiences and concerns

2004 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
P.G.J. Meiring
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Truth And Reconciliation Commission ◽  
Faith Communities ◽  
The South ◽  
Reconciliation Commission ◽  
Truth And Reconciliation ◽  
Hindu Community ◽  
The Way

The author who served on the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), focuses on the Hindu experience in South Africa during the apartheid years. At a special TRC Hearing for Faith Communities (East London, 17-19 November 1997) two submissions by local Hindu leaders were tabled. Taking his cues from those submissions, the author discusses four issues: the way the Hindu community suffered during these years, the way in which some members of the Hindu community supported the system of apartheid, the role of Hindus in the struggle against apartheid, and finally the contribution of the Hindu community towards reconciliation in South Africa. In conclusion some notes on how Hindus and Christians may work together in th

Ethnicity and Voting Patterns in South Africa

1979 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 458-468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry Lever
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Categorical Data ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Party Choice ◽  
Political Choices ◽  
Electoral Behaviour ◽  
Log Linear ◽  
Published Research

There is some controversy concerning the role of ethnicity in South African electoral behaviour. Since the society is segmented on ethnic lines it is to be expected that ethnicity would play a crucial role in affecting political choices. Some writers have gone so far as to suggest that ethnicity is the only significant factor affecting voting preferences. The controversy arose at a time when Goodman's method of log-linear analysis for hierarchical models had not yet been developed. This method provides the most powerful tool available for the multivariate analysis of categorical data. A re-analysis of previously published research using Goodman's method shows that ethnicity is not the only significant factor having a bearing on voting preferences. The first four-way table of voting preferences in South Africa is presented. The order of importance of the variables affecting party choice is: (1) ethnicity (2) socio-economic status (3) age of the voter. The recursive model suggested by the analysis explains approximately 98 per cent of the data.

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