scholarly journals NATURE-BASED TOURISM ENTERPRISE ADAPTIVE RESPONSES TO COVID-19 IN SOUTH AFRICA

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (2spl) ◽  
pp. 698-707
Author(s):  
Julia K. GIDDY ◽  
◽  
Jayne M. ROGERSON ◽  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Domestic Market ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Adaptive Responses ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mpumalanga Province ◽  
Tourism Product ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Direct Government ◽  
Wage Cuts

COVID-19 is forcing a re-orientation of tourism research agendas. Emerging themes relate to ramification, transformation and adaptation. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the research cluster on adaptation by examining tourism business adaptive responses to COVID-19 through the lens of a case study destination in the global South, namely Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. The methods implemented were qualitative, using semi-structured interviews. Data was analysed from 20 interviews conducted with enterprise owners or managers in a nature tourism destination which is one of South Africa’s tourism-dependent areas and thus most exposed to the negative impacts of COVID-19. The results show that adaptation to the crisis has been challenging because of the financial impacts experienced by these enterprises in the wake of minimal government support. The enterprise adaptive responses included staff reductions and wage cuts, adjustments towards the domestic market through price cutting and changes in marketing as well as adjusted tourism product offerings towards an emerging Black middle class domestic market. Of critical importance is the finding that these adaptive measures cannot replace the revenues formerly generated from the international tourism market. Accordingly, without a change in government policy and the availability of direct government financial support, there is a danger that in the short term the tourism product base will be diminished as many lodges and other tourism businesses are in danger of permanent closure.

scholarly journals The Effect of Government Support on the Success of Small and Medium Enterprises: A Comparative Study between South Africa and China

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 166-173
Author(s):  
Rankhumise E M ◽  
Masilo K H
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Small Enterprise ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Support Mechanism ◽  
One Stop ◽  
Medium Enterprises

 The purpose of this article is to present evidence of a study conducted in two provinces of South Africa and one in China. The study investigated the effectiveness of the support mechanism for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and how government support agencies are making strides in providing this support. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with branch managers, a project director and business advisors. It emerged from the findings that efforts are being made to provide valuable support to small businesses. It further emerged that small businesses still face challenges such as lack of access to funding, market to serve, lack of a one-stop office and the unwillingness of service providers to enter into contract with the Small Enterprise Development Agency (more relevant to the South African situation).It is recommended that financial service providers partner with SME support agencies.

scholarly journals Psychological ailments and their treatment protocols: a case study of Swati traditional healers in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 884-895
Author(s):  
Anastasia Ngobe ◽  
Sebua Semenya ◽  
Tholene Sodi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
South African ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Treatment Protocol ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Integrated Treatment ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Treatment Protocols ◽  
Mpumalanga Province

Background: Evidence suggests that South African traditional healers (THs) treat various mental complaints. However, there is little literature on Swati THs’ accounts on this subject. The current study therefore, sought to address this gap. Methods: Data was gathered using qualitative research methods, namely semi-structured interviews with 10 purposely sampled Swati THs practicing in the Kanyamazane peri-urban township (Mpumalanga Province, South Africa). Data was thematically analysed. Results: Results showed that THs treat seven psychological aliments, viz. adjustment disorders, depression, mental illness due to ancestral calling, mental illness due to bewitchment, mental illness due to breaking of taboos, psychotic disturbance and substance induced mental illness. Generally, an integrated treatment protocol was utilised by THs to treat and manage these disorders. Most of these procedures are acceptable from either folkloric or scientific viewpoint, and have demonstrat- ed certain level of efficacy in treating mental illness. Conclusion: Taken together, the evidence presented indicates that Swati THs use different traditional methods to manage various mental complaints. In doing so, they carry a large share of the community caseload for mental health, whilst admit- ting patients in their homes for extended periods of time, and also referring some (patients) for additional care within the Western health sector. Keywords: Mental illness; Mpumalanga; Swati; traditional healers; treatment methods; psychological ailments.

scholarly journals The Impact of Xenophobic Attacks on the Livelihoods of Migrants in Selected Provinces of South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 254-259
Author(s):  
Enoch Rabotata ◽  
◽  
Jabulani Makhubele ◽  
Themba Baloyi ◽  
Prudence Mafa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Undocumented Migrants ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
North West ◽  
Mpumalanga Province ◽  
The Impact

Migration and xenophobia are realities that cannot be ignored globally. Recently, there has been a plethora of xenophobic attacks as a result of structural and socio-economic conditions in South Africa. This paper aimed to establish the impact of xenophobic attacks on the livelihoods of migrants in selected provinces of South Africa. Researchers opted for a qualitative study using a case study design. Participants were drawn from the population in Limpopo, North-West and Mpumalanga Province. A snowball sampling technique was used to sample seven migrants from Zimbabwe, India, and Ethiopia using semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed thematically. The study revealed that most migrants who reside in the rural areas of South Africa seldom experience xenophobic attacks, and therefore their livelihoods are not always negatively affected. The study concluded that displacement, deportation, and loss of income due to xenophobic attacks are experiences of undocumented migrants in the cities and not in the rural areas. This study also makes recommendations that migration management policies be implemented fully in the rural areas because this is where undocumented migrants find comfort.

scholarly journals Women entrepreneurship in South Africa: Understanding the role of competencies in business success

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bridget N.O. Irene
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Business Success ◽  
Quantitative Aspect ◽  
Racial Groups ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Female Entrepreneurs ◽  
Internal Factors ◽  
Cultural Variations ◽  
Entrepreneurial Competencies

Background and aim: Environmental factors alone cannot determine the success of small, medium and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs) and female entrepreneurs; there is a need to closely examine the internal factors that also contribute to business success. This is necessary because, despite the considerable government support and support of bodies interested in promoting gender equality in all areas (business included), 20% of female-owned businesses still fail annually. Consequently, even though, according to a report from the Department of Trade and Industry in South Africa, millions of Rands have been allocated to support female-owned SMMEs by way of government funding, training, grants and consultative support services, the failure rates of these female-owned businesses remain high. The main reason for this can be that over-dependence on these incentives often weakens rather than strengthens female entrepreneurs’ ability to manage their businesses and reduces their competitiveness by laying emphasis on external, contextual factors rather than internal, competence variables for success. Researchers in the past have suggested that focusing on the internal factors, especially the ‘people issues’ facing the entrepreneurs (in this case female entrepreneurs), may give the business a better chance of success.Design/methodology/approach: A ‘mixed-method’ approach, conducted in two parts, was adopted for this study and appropriate tools and techniques were used to collect and analyse the data drawn from a sample of female entrepreneurs in South Africa. The study applies culturally instantiated facets of the debate on gender entrepreneurship as part of a detailed and empirically sophisticated consideration of the status of female entrepreneurship within South Africa. The qualitative aspect utilised semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The quantitative aspect utilised survey questionnaires developed from the findings of the qualitative study.Results: All participants agreed that entrepreneurial competencies are vital for business success. The study also makes a clear distinction between the traits approach and competencies approach in understanding business success. Arguably, the competency variable is viewed and appreciated differently by female entrepreneurs in South Africa. The findings also showed some cultural variations in the application of entrepreneurial competencies among the four dominant racial groups in South Africa.Conclusion: This study offers a comprehensive analysis of the competency variable in understanding the factors that influence business success in the context of South African female entrepreneurs. It provides a basis for an agenda for focus on training and development of the entrepreneurial competencies of female entrepreneurs in South Africa.

scholarly journals Experiences Leading to the Choice of Termination of Pregnancy Amongst Teenagers at a Regional Hospital in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 489-496
Author(s):  
Tebogo M. Mothiba ◽  
Livhuwani Muthelo ◽  
Khatazile Mabaso
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Unplanned Pregnancy ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Termination Of Pregnancy ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mpumalanga Province ◽  
Supportive Environment ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
Unwanted Pregnancies ◽  
Post Abortion

Background: In order to promote women’s rights relating to their sexual and reproductive health, termination of pregnancy in South Africa was introduced. Health professionals are expected to assist women in realizing their wishes if they want to terminate unwanted pregnancies. Unfortunately, women still experience challenges relating to the Termination of Pregnancy, more specifically, pregnant teenagers. Aim: The purpose of this study was to describe and explore the occurrences leading to the termination of pregnancy amongst teenagers. Methods: The qualitative research method was adopted to determine occurrences related to the Choice of Termination of Pregnancy amongst teenagers in Mpumalanga Province. Data were collected by conducting semi-structured interviews with teenagers to gain insight into the phenomenon studied. Permission to conduct the study at the hospital was obtained from the Department of Health Mpumalanga Province and written informed consent was obtained from participants prior to the sessions. Teenagers between the ages of 13-19 years who opted for, or had already, terminated their pregnancy participated in the study. Results The study revealed that the termination of unplanned pregnancy amongst teenagers was influenced by different life experiences. Those experiences are 1) the concern of being rejected by parents and other family members, 2) fear of being ridiculed by peers and the entire community, 3) feelings of embarrassment and shame, and 4) how the teen’s parents are likely to react when they are made aware of the pregnancy. Conclusions and Recommendations: The study revealed different circumstances, which contributed to the decision of some pregnant teenagers to opt for the termination of their pregnancy. It is of vital importance that support services be available continuously for the teenagers who opted for termination of pregnancy. More importantly, the supportive environment created by family members and close friends is of the utmost importance, because they are better placed to see the changes or see how the teens are coping pre- and post-abortion. This will enable teenagers to feel that they are not alone and enable them to cope in both pre-and-post phases.

scholarly journals FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO POOR LEARNER PERFORMANCE IN MATHEMATICS: A CASE OF SELECTED SCHOOLS IN MPUMALANGA PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA

2021 ◽  
Vol 79 (3) ◽  
pp. 451-466
Author(s):  
Nomsa Mabena ◽  
Patricia Namayammu Mokgosi ◽  
Selina Serole Ramapela
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Study Design ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
School Management ◽  
Mathematics Performance ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mpumalanga Province ◽  
Learner Performance ◽  
Case Study Design

Learners’ mathematics performance globally and locally has been a major concern. Learners are generally not performing well in mathematics. This is also true of learners in Kwagga West Circuit, Nkangala district in Mpumalanga province of South Africa. Performing badly in the subject negatively affects them, preventing them from progressing to the next grades. This research employed a qualitative case study design with observation and semi-structured interviews with a sample of three school management team (SMT) members, six teachers, nine learners, and three parent component members of the school governing body (SGB) to determine factors affecting learner performance in mathematics in the senior phase. The results showed that numerous factors influenced learners’ confidence and performance. The factors found to have an impact on mathematics performance were learner related, such as ill-discipline, language barriers and learner attitudes. Teachers’ factors included lack of pedagogical content knowledge and skill, and lack of appropriate professional training. Finally, the study offers suggestions for further research and recommendations regarding learners, teachers, schools, school management teams, the parents, as well as for the national education ministry. Keywords: poor performance, senior phase, qualitative research, case study design

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 Drivers of Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic Overuse across Diverse Hospital Contexts—A Qualitative Study of Prescribers in the UK, Sri Lanka and South Africa

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 94
Author(s):  
Carolyn Tarrant ◽  
Andrew M. Colman ◽  
David R. Jenkins ◽  
Edmund Chattoe-Brown ◽  
Nelun Perera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Antimicrobial Stewardship ◽  
Broad Spectrum ◽  
Low Income ◽  
System Level ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
The Uk

Antimicrobial stewardship programs focus on reducing overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics (BSAs), primarily through interventions to change prescribing behavior. This study aims to identify multi-level influences on BSA overuse across diverse high and low income, and public and private, healthcare contexts. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 46 prescribers from hospitals in the UK, Sri Lanka, and South Africa, including public and private providers. Interviews explored decision making about prescribing BSAs, drivers of the use of BSAs, and benefits of BSAs to various stakeholders, and were analyzed using a constant comparative approach. Analysis identified drivers of BSA overuse at the individual, social and structural levels. Structural drivers of overuse varied significantly across contexts and included: system-level factors generating tensions with stewardship goals; limited material resources within hospitals; and patient poverty, lack of infrastructure and resources in local communities. Antimicrobial stewardship needs to encompass efforts to reduce the reliance on BSAs as a solution to context-specific structural conditions.

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