Management and Preservation of Court Records: A Case Study of the Mthatha Magistrate Court, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

Mousaion ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Odwa Patricia Ngezana ◽  
Ndakasharwa Muchaonyerwa
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Management Policy ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Court Records ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Administration Of Justice ◽  
Records Access

The management and preservation of records is a crucial element in a records programme. This study investigated the management and preservation of court records, focusing particularly on the Mthatha Magistrate Court in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. A mixed methods approach, consisting of both qualitative and quantitative methods, was used, and data were obtained through interviews, observations and questionnaires. Using purposive sampling, 35 staff members were sampled from the Mthatha Magistrate Court. The quantitative data that were obtained from questionnaires distributed to these 35 respondents were analysed using the IBM SPSS software package and were presented in graphs and tables. Four participants were interviewed, and the qualitative data obtained from these interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis. The findings of the study revealed that the court officials depended entirely on records to fulfil their roles and that they acknowledged that records were vital for the administration of justice. In general, the results suggested that the management of records at the relevant court was ineffective, primarily in the creation phase. The study concluded that creators of court records should be responsible for their records so as to facilitate the smooth operation of the court. The study strongly recommended that the court should consider putting in place a general records management policy that should include the management of records only in an electronic form. The policy would give guidance for managing records and address issues such as records access, records security and preservation, as well as the management of electronic records.

The Role of Archives on the Incorporation of the Former Kangwane Homeland to Mpumalanga Province

2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nkholedzeni Sidney Netshakhuma
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Management Policy ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Record Keeping ◽  
Mpumalanga Province ◽  
Specific Objective ◽  
National Archives ◽  
And Control

This study was conceptualised in order to assess the strategies used to incorporate the homeland of KaNgwane into Mpumalanga province after the cessation of apartheid in 1994. The specific objective of the study was to investigate the compliance of records and archives with the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa Act (Act No 43 of 1996), during the incorporation of the homeland of KaNgwane into Mpumalanga. The study adopted a qualitative methodology through document analysis, interviews and observations. The key findings revealed that the archives of the former homeland of Kangwane were not aligned with the requirements of the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa Act (Act No.43 of 1996.) Institutions seem to lack experience when it comes to the challenges of storing records and implementing arrangement and control systems. The frequent lack of a records management policy and few to no staff with record-keeping and archival backgrounds was also a concern. A shortage of space to store records safely was also one of the major issues that the study uncovered. There appears to be no concerted effort to retain important historical records. Many records are stored in several different locations in government buildings.  I conclude that archives play an essential role to the nation as the institutional memory.

scholarly journals Improving TB infection control in a regional hospital in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. bmjoq-2018-000347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilsa Louisa Haeusler ◽  
Felicity Knights ◽  
Vishaal George ◽  
Andy Parrish
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Hospital Policy ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Root Cause ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Service Training ◽  
Education And Awareness ◽  
Awareness Raising

This quality improvement (QI) work was carried out in Cecilia Makiwane Hospital (CMH), a regional public hospital in the Eastern Cape, South Africa (SA). SA has among the highest incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in the world and this is a leading cause of death in SA. Nosocomial infection is an important source of TB transmission. Adherence to TB infection prevention control (IPC) measures in the medical inpatient department was suboptimal at CMH. The overall aim of this QI project was to make sustainable improvements in TB IPC. A multidisciplinary team was formed to undertake a root cause analysis and develop a strategy for change. The main barriers to adherence to IPC measures were limited knowledge of IPC methods and stigma associated with TB. Specifically, the project aimed to increase the number of: ‘airborne precaution’ signs placed above patients’ beds, patients correctly isolated and patients wearing surgical face masks. Four Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles were used. The strategy for change involved education and awareness-raising in different formats, including formal in-service training delivered to nurses and doctors, a hospital-wide TB awareness week with engaging activities and competitions, and a World TB Day provincial solidarity march. Data on adherence to the three IPC measures were collected over an 8-month period. Pre-intervention (October 2016), a mean of 2% of patients wore face masks, 22% were correctly isolated and 12% had an airborne precaution sign. Post-intervention (May 2017), the compliance improved to 17%, 50% and 25%, respectively. There was a large variation in compliance to each measure. Improvement was greatest in the number of patients correctly isolated. We learnt it is important to work with, not in parallel to, existing teams or structures during QI work. On-the-ground training of nurses and clinicians should be undertaken alongside engagement of senior staff members and managers. This improves the chance of change being adopted into hospital policy.

scholarly journals Harnessing a records management programme for justice delivery at the Alice magistrate court in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
pp. 12-23
Author(s):  
Khunjulwa Ntengenyane ◽  
Festus Khayundi
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Management Programme ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Eastern Cape Province ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Microsoft Excel ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
Court Records ◽  
Emerging Themes ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Methods

This article focuses on harnessing a records management programme for justice delivery at the Alice Magistrates’ court. The objectives of the study were to find the extent to which court records are managed for justice delivery, the influence of court records in court processes, and the challenges, if any, of managing court records for justice delivery. The population of the study comprised all those who created and used court records at the Alice Magistrates’ court. The study used both quantitative and qualitative methods for data collection. Quantitative data were coded and analysed using Microsoft Excel 2010 while qualitative data were analysed using emerging themes based on the objectives of the study. The findings revealed that although records were important for justice delivery by the court, there were challenges posed by inadequate infrastructure, the lack of necessary knowledge and skills, ineffective control of records for justice delivery, and inadequate facilities for preservation and security of records. The study recommended improvement of the existing records management programme as a strategy. This is necessary for effective and efficient records management programme for justice delivery by the Alice Magistrates’ court.

scholarly journals Detection of sexually transmitted pathogens and co-infection with human papillomavirus in women residing in rural Eastern Cape, South Africa

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e10793
Author(s):  
Ongeziwe Taku ◽  
Adrian Brink ◽  
Tracy L. Meiring ◽  
Keletso Phohlo ◽  
Charles B. Businge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Human Papillomavirus ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Hpv Infection ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Management Policy ◽  
Screening Tests ◽  
Eastern Cape Province ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Sexually Transmitted

Background South African women of reproductive age have a high burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. However, there is limited information on the prevalence of sexually transmitted pathogens in women from rural Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The study aims at determining the prevalence of sexually transmitted pathogens and co-infection with high-risk (HR) HPV among women from rural Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Methods A total of 205 cervical specimens were collected from women aged ≥ 30 years from a rural community-based clinic. The samples were tested for a panel of pathogenic STIs [Chlamydia trachomatis (serovars A-K & L1-L3), Haemophilus ducreyi, Herpes Simplex Virus (Types 1 & 2), Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Treponema pallidum, Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), and pathobionts [Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), Mycoplasma hominis (MH) and Ureaplasma spp. (UP)] using a multiplex PCR STD direct flow chip assay through a manual Hybrispot platform (Master Diagnostica, Granada, Spain). HR-HPV detection was performed by Hybrid Capture-2 assay. Results High-risk HPV prevalence was 32.2% (66/205) and HIV-1 prevalence was 38.5% (79/205). The overall prevalence of six pathogenic STIs was 22.9% (47/205), with TV having the highest prevalence (15.6%; 32/205). UP (70.2%, 144/205) and MH (36.6%, 75/205) were the most frequently detected pathobionts. Co-infection with ≥ 2 pathogens pathobionts was observed among 52.7% (108/205) participants. Of the six pathogenic STIs, three participants had more than one STI (1.46%) with the presence of MH and UP. HSV-2 (OR: 4.17, CI [1.184–14.690]) and HIV infection (OR: 2.11, CI [1.145–3.873]) were independent STIs associated with HR-HPV infection. Conclusions The high prevalence of pathogenic STIs underscores the need to improve syndromic management policy by implementing effective strategies of prevention, screening tests, and management. HSV-2 and HIV positive remain strongly associated with HR-HPV infection.

“The Heaven’s True Figure” or an “Introit to All Kind of Lewdness”?

2019 ◽  
pp. 20-48
Author(s):  
Emily Winerock
Keyword(s):  
Early Modern ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Primary Sources ◽  
Conduct Manuals ◽  
Court Records ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Stage Directions ◽  
Mixed Messages ◽  
Customary Practices

There are no extant English dancing manuals from the Shakespearean period, but there are abundant printed and manuscript sources that mention dancing. However, these sources convey mixed messages. The theoretical conceptions articulated by dance’s opponents and proponents in the “debate on dance” do not always correspond well with the evidence of customary practices. While early modern religious treatises decry dancing for encouraging illicit sexual liaisons, court records reveal a greater concern with irreverence and disorder than with wantonness. This chapter utilizes both qualitative and quantitative methods to examine a variety of primary sources—from conduct manuals and anti-dance treatises to consistory court depositions. Aggregating archival evidence elucidates general trends that can help scholars assess and contextualize isolated dance references, specific moments of dancing, and the dance scenes and stage directions of Shakespeare’s plays and those of his contemporaries.

Assessment of the management of student affairs records

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-42
Author(s):  
Nkholedzeni Sidney Netshakhuma
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Student Affairs ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Management Training ◽  
Management Policy ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Access To Information ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess records management components, such as record scheduled, records appraisal, destroyed/disposed, retained, training of staff on the management of the student affairs records (SARs), provided access, the challenges associated with efficient management of SARs and strategies for effective management of SARs, to determine the extent the Student Affairs Department (SAD) complies with the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) records management policy. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses qualitative methodology of a triangulation of data collection and this included interviews, document analysis and observation. Findings The literature review, as well as the interview, revealed that findings on the UMP records management policy are multi-layered. A number of participants mentioned lack of records centre, records retention and appraisal of records, records management training and managing access to information as a challenge to the management of SARs. Research limitations/implications The research was only limited to the UMP, Student Affairs Division, with a population of 15 staff members even though the findings can be applied to all the universities in South Africa. Practical implications SAD has a unique contribution to make to ensure that records created within their division are managed in terms of the UMP records management policy by ensuring that components such as records storage retention and appraisal of records management training and managing access to information are adhered to. Social implications Failure to comply with the UMP records management policy by the Student Affairs Division will contribute to the loss of institutional memories, non-compliance with legislations such as Promotion of Access to Information Act 2000, National Archives and Records Services Act 46 of 1996 and the Protection of Personal Information Act No 4. Of 2013. Originality/value The research appears to be the first of its kind, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to assess SARs at the UMP, South Africa.

The Effect of Gender on the Commercialisation of Goat Production in the Semi-arid Area of Msinga, South Africa

2020 ◽  
pp. 002190962097242
Author(s):  
Susan Tsvuura ◽  
Maxwell Mudhara ◽  
Michael Chimonyo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Market Access ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Investment Opportunities ◽  
The Government ◽  
Female Headed Households ◽  
Semi Arid

Factors affecting households’ choices to participate in markets are often not disaggregated by gender, leading to policies that are insensitive to women’s needs. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, the study analysed challenges faced by male and female-headed households in goat commercialisation in the semi-arid Msinga area of South Africa. The main constraints were poor condition of goats and mortality, high illiteracy rates of women, shortage of transport to take goats to the market and limited access to information. The study recommends that women be provided with greater market access and information and for the government to avail more attractive investment opportunities to reduce the use of goats as a store of wealth.

scholarly journals The Use and Ease of Access of EBooks in Public Libraries

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Nichola Ross
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Research Problem ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Print Books ◽  
Ease Of Access

<p>Research Problem: The purpose of this research project is to examine how patrons are using the eBook collection at a New Zealand public library. Specifically the research examines the relationship between print and eBooks and how this relationship affects borrowing habits. It also explores how the eBook borrowing process for affects usage of the collection. There is little information on this topic from a library patron perspective, and even less research conducted in a New Zealand context. Methodology: Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in this research. Self-completion questionnaires with a combination of quantitative and qualitative questions were offered to members of Christchurch City Libraries. A semi-structured interview was also conducted with two library staff members. Results: It can be observed that print is still the most borrowed and the favoured format. There are a number of reasons for this but the most prominent was that eBooks cannot offer the same sensations and reading experience that a print book gives. Most users were happy with using only print books though the ones that were open to trying eBooks were unable to do so as they did not own eReaders. The incompatibility of Amazon Kindles was also a reason some patrons were borrowing print books as they were unable to get the titles they wanted for their eReaders. The small size of the eBook collection was a deterrent for some users but the library is aware of this and is working towards building a larger collection with a wider selection.</p>

scholarly journals Action-Oriented Study Circles Facilitate Efforts in Nursing Homes to “Go from Feeding to Serving”: Conceptual Perspectives on Knowledge Translation and Workplace Learning

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert Westergren
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Knowledge Translation ◽  
Workplace Learning ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Learning Organisation ◽  
Study Circles ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Use Of Knowledge

Background. Action-oriented study circles (AOSC) have been found to improve nutrition in 24 nursing homes in Sweden. Little, however, is known about the conceptual use of knowledge (changes in staffs’ knowledge and behaviours).Methods. Qualitative and quantitative methods, structured questionnaires for evaluating participants’ (working in nursing homes) experiences from study circles (n=592, 71 AOSC) and for comparisons between AOSC participants (n=74) and nonparticipants (n=115). Finally, a focus group interview was conducted with AOSC participants (in totaln=12). Statistical, conventional, and directed content analyses were used.Results. Participants experienced a statistically significant increase in their knowledge about eating and nutrition, when retrospectively comparing before participating and after, as well as in comparison to non-participants, and they felt that the management was engaged in and took care of ideas regarding food and mealtimes to a significantly greater extent than non-participants. The use of AOSC was successful judging from how staff members had changed their attitudes and behaviours toward feeding residents.Conclusions. AOSC facilitates professional development, better system performance, and, as shown in previous studies, better patient outcome. Based on a collaborative learning perspective, AOSC manages to integrate evidence, context, and facilitation in the efforts to achieve knowledge translation in a learning organisation. This study has implications also for other care settings implementing AOSC.

The assessment of the appraisal of records: case of the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of Venda

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nkholedzeni Sidney Netshakhuma
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Capacity Building ◽  
South African ◽  
The State ◽  
Management Policy ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
South African Universities ◽  
Institutional Memory ◽  
The University

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the state of appraisal with regard to compliance with archives and records management legislations (ARML), the archives and records management policy (ARMP), reappraisal of records, capacity building, archives building and electronic records management (ERM) and to make a recommendation based on the research findings.Design/methodology/approachThis study was based on the qualitative research technique. The research approach was a multiple case study comparing the previously advantaged and disadvantaged universities in South Africa.FindingsThe study found that ARML, ARMP, reappraisal of records and capacity building are essential for the appraisal of university records. The lack of appropriate appraisal theory/strategy led to a loss of institutional memory.Research limitations/implicationsThis research was limited to the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) and the University of Venda (UNIVEN). These two institutions are representatives of the state of archiving in South Africa.Practical implicationsThis research will serve a benchmark for other South African universities, intending to implement systematic disposal of records in compliance with legislations and policies.Social implicationsFailure by universities to appraise records will lead to the loss of institutional memory. This implies that history of institution will be lost if necessary measures are not taken.Originality/valueThere is very little, if any, research on the appraisal of South African universities’ records. The outcome of this research will benefit universities that are seeking to develop and implement appraisal strategies.

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