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Understanding barriers to housing delivery in informal settlements in Mariental, Namibia
No full textHousing is considered as one of the basic needs of a human being. In 1990, the government of the Republic of Namibia earmarked housing as a priority. Thus, the importance of effective and efficient housing delivery is crucial to the development of an urban area and the country at large. Apart from the value that formal housing adds to the lives of people through shelter and investment, housing is also an indicator of economic growth. Formal housing also creates sustainable communities and cities through poverty reduction. Despite the many initiatives employed by the Namibian government, housing the low-income groups remain a problem as in the case of Takarania Informal Settlement in Mariental, Namibia. Thus, policy makers need to understand the dynamics surrounding barriers which prevents low income groups in informal settlement from building formal houses. The support of both policy makers and implementers of housing delivery strategies is important for effective house delivery. This paper is intended to understand barriers to housing delivery in Takarania Informal Settlement in Mariental, Namibia. Triangulation of methods was used as semi-structured interviews, natural observation and structured questionnaires were used in gathering the needed information for the study. Interviews were planned to be conducted with at least 30 house owners, 3 staff members of the Mariental Municipality, 2 staff members of the Namibia Housing Action Group as well as one regional facilitator of the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia. Out of the targeted 30 house owners, 26 house owners participated in the research study. The findings suggest that there are multiple factors that serve as barriers to housing delivery in the Takarania Informal Settlement. Land tenure was found to be one of the main barriers to housing delivery. The lack of support for aided self-help as well as incremental housing options is another obstacle to housing delivery in Takarania. House owners in Takarania Informal Settlement finds it challenging to afford buying land and houses due to low monthly earnings and unemployment. Although the housing and town planning policy framework is articulated well, it does not seem to have been fully operationalised to address the housing needs of low-income groups such as Takarania residents. A major limitation of the study was the inability of the researcher to speak the native language of the region, which might have compromised the quality of the data collected.Hardap Regional Counci
A critical analysis of the violation of the rights to adequate housing, health care, food, and social security of people living in informal settlements in South Africa with specific reference to human development
No full textDissertation (LL.M.(FS Centre for Humans Rights Law))--University of the Free State, 2020This mini-dissertation is an investigation into the violation of human rights to adequate housing, health care, food, and social security of people who live in informal settlements in South Africa. It explores their quality of life in informal settlements. The rights to have access to adequate housing, health care, food, and social security are enshrined in sections 26 and 27 of the constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996.
In order to observe the entitlement of these human rights, the South African government has, since 1994, embarked on legislation, policies, and programmes to improve access to adequate housing, health care, food, and social services among vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in South Africa. However, these efforts have not effectively addressed the challenges faced by informal dwellers in South Africa. Currently, the rights to adequate housing, health care, food, and social security of informal dwellers are being violated in South Africa. The Constitution and several international human rights instruments call for their realisation. However, compared to other rights such as freedom of speech, less effort has been made by the government and non-governmental establishments to fulfil these rights for the betterment of informal dwellers’ living conditions, well-being, and human development. The research question for this study is therefore: How can a rights-based approach to development (RBAD) contribute to the fulfilment of the rights to adequate housing, health care, food, and social services for informal dwellers in South Africa?
In order to respond to this question, a desktop analysis and a socio-legal approach were employed to gather information. This study is largely theory-driven; it relies on various sources of evidence namely, on primary and secondary literature, on conducted-research, and on official government instruments that speak to the state of informal settlements in South Africa. This process was guided by four research aims: a) to examine the obligations of the South African government to fulfil human rights; b) to explore the problems experienced by people living in informal settlements that are unique to them, including the factors that have an impact on the realisation of their rights; c) to examine the impact of the non-realisation of human rights on human development and well-being, and; d) to recommend remedial measures to mitigate the violation of the human rights of people who live in informal settlements in South Africa.
Informal settlements seem to defy the realisation of socio-economic rights. In their reports, various United Nations Special Rapporteurs present informal dwellers mostly as the victims of human rights violations. This study reveals that there are many barriers to the enjoyment of the rights to adequate housing, health care, food, and social security in informal settlements in South Africa. These mainly have to do with the living conditions of those who are poor, vulnerable, and marginalised. The study observes that unemployment, poverty, bad governance, and corruption are the main contributors to the plight of people who live in informal settlements in South Africa. To address the challenge of informal settlements and, consequently, to ensure that the state respects, protects, promotes, and fulfils the human rights of the poor and the marginalised, this study has observed the need for an RBAD in South Africa. It recommends attaching human rights principles, norms and standards to development processes in South Africa. These principles will improve the living conditions of isolated and disadvantaged groups and will translate into the realisation of human rights. The outcome of this study relates to those who are working actively for the promotion and realisation of human rights, especially for socio-economic rights in South Africa
Women and mining decline in the Free State Goldfields
No full textStudies that look at mining decline and its accompanying economic consequences often focus on empiricism or economic theory. Among the leading economic theories that explain mine closure and economic decline is the resource curse theory. The gender aspects of resource curse are, however, muted. This study uncovered the lived experiences of women within a declining economy and its attendant institutional morass. The feminist critique methodology was adopted by using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to allow women to express their experience through their lenses. The analysis of the data was done through the use of Atlasti.8. The institutional responses have been captured through the use of structured interviews. These interviews were done at a local mine and the municipality. Thematic analysis was used to process the institutional responses. The study concluded that during mining decline, as the revenue of the municipality dwindles, mine shafts close, governance within the municipality and mine management is eroded. The empowerment of women in both institutions is deprioritised. As crime becomes normalised and pervasive, women take on a life of crime. Men determine the economic ascendancy and women are objectified in the process
Patient and tumour factors affecting the histology of sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer patients at Universitas Academic Hospital, Bloemfontein
No full textIntroduction: SLNB has become accepted standard staging tool in clinically node negative breast cancer patients. Aim(s): Primary aim was to determine factors (demographics and tumor factors) affecting histology of SLNB. Secondary aim was to determine the histological characteristics of the SLNB and final histological status of the axilla if SLNB was positive. Methods: Retrospective analytical study of patients who underwent mastectomy or lumpectomy with SLNB from 2007 to 2016 (n=60) at Universitas Academic Hospital. Results: Demographics : Age ranged from 36 to 90 years and its association with positive SLNB histology was close to statistically significant (p-value 0.0242). Tumour factors: Location of the tumour, type of tumour, size of tumour all with pvalue of 1.000, histological type (p-value 0.7464), grade (p-value 0.6244), lymphovascular infiltration (p-value 1.000) and hormonal receptors status (ER-positive p-value 0.6434, PR-positive p-value 0.7290, HER-positive p-value 0.2341 and ER/PR/HER-positive p-value 1.000) did not have statistically significant association with positive SLNB histology. There was a statistically significant association between positive SLNB histology and final histology of the axilla (p-value <0.001). Conclusion: The study did not prove our hypothesis that, tumour size, site, grade, lymphovascular infiltration and hormone receptors will affect histology of SLNB. Age nearly affected histology of SLNB. Small sample size and incomplete lymphovascular infiltration reporting might have affected results. There was statistically significant association between histology of SLNB and histology of the axilla
The ripening: an architectural celebration of craft beer in Herold, George
No full textThe haptic engagement of brewing and drinking beer poses many similarities to the phenomenology
of the landscape and architectural spaces. However, working with a vernacular architectural
language within an existing building adds another experiential layer that needs to be handled
carefully and thoughtfully by the architect. How can this multi-layered experience of landscape,
beer and vernacular building be sensitively reinterpreted and narrated through means of built form,
in order to contribute to the genius loci of Herold? The unique character of every site and its existing
structure demands individual attention and a critical investigation into the genius loci. Investigating
precedents such as Mariendahl Brewery or Walden Studios allows insight to the approach of another
architect, from which design principles can be extracted. By introducing a craft brewery into the
existing fabric and onto the site, a strong narrative is created through the proposed scheme, leading
the dweller through moments of tension to the climatic ripening that is the celebration of the craft,
landscape and existing narrative. Addressing the site-specific sensitivities, abstract concepts are
distilled from the site and its elements, along with contextual analysis, which is implemented to
meaningfully reinterpret the topology, morphology and typology that is introduced to the site. This
investigation draws on meaningful place-making and the reimagining of craft breweries in the
landscape
Cost awareness of radiological studies amongst doctors at Universitas Academic Hospital, Bloemfontein
No full textBackground: South Africa has high healthcare expenses, implementing cost-consciousness would translate to a reduction in costs which will reduce government spending on healthcare. Objectives:
To determine cost awareness of radiological studies amongst doctors. To assess whether there are differences in cost estimation accuracy according to the level of training and speciality amongst doctors working at Universitas Hospital. To determine whether the participants have undergone any prior education or training related to cost awareness of radiological studies and if there is a desire to learn about the cost of radiological imaging. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey by means of an anonymous questionnaire. The study was conducted in six clinical departments at Universitas Academic Hospital. The questionnaire was aimed at determining cost awareness of five radiological studies amongst doctors. Doctors were given six different cost ranges to choose from for each imaging study with only one correct option. The costs were based on South Africans National Department of Health’s 2019 Uniform Patients Fee Schedule (UPFS). Questionnaires were distributed in person by principal investigator. Results: 195 questionnaires were distributed and 131 (67.2%) returned. There was an overall low cost estimation accuracy, with 45.2% of the participants getting none of the costs correctly. None of the participants estimated all five costs correctly. There was no significant difference in cost estimation accuracy according to the level of training or speciality. The majority of participants (88.6%) would like to learn about the cost of imaging. Only 2.3% of the participants have received prior education or training related to cost awareness of radiological studies. Conclusion: Doctors were consistently inaccurate in estimating the cost of the radiological studies. As doctors are largely responsible for health care expenditure, the result of this research suggest that educating doctors about the cost of radiological imaging can have a positive effect on healthcare expenditure
Knowledge, attitude, and practices on diabetic foot care among nursing staff at primary health care facilities in Sol Plaatje sub-district, Kimberley
No full textAs essential team members of the healthcare system, nurses have more contact with the patients and are indispensable in patients' education. They can ameliorate diabetic patients' quality of life by aiding in preparing and implementing educational programs that assist patients in growing self-care behaviours associated with diabetic foot care. Furthermore, they can stop or prevent diabetic foot problems by pointing out risk groups in the community. To reduce Diabetic Foot Disease's load sensibly, improve patient education and preventive and screening programmes on Diabetic Foot Care, healthcare providers need to be knowledgeably possessing the right attitude, which is crucial in offering any meaningful advice to their clients. Positive attitudes, combined with sound knowledge, prevent compromising health care standards. However, for nurses to efficiently offer education, they need organised training programs combining theory and practice. Nurses involved in the management of diabetes-related foot problems must be encouraged to take part in these programs. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of nursing staff regarding diabetic foot care in Sol Plaatje primary healthcare centres in the Northern Cape. Methodology: The researcher used a descriptive cross-sectional study with a self-administered questionnaire to assess the knowledge, practice, and nursing staff attitude on diabetic foot care. A total number of one hundred and twenty-eight nurses providing primary care to patients within the Sol-Plaatje sub-district were targeted to participate in the study from three groups: professional nurses, enrolled nurses, and auxiliary nurses. Results: Responses were received from 105 participants constituting 82% of the targeted population. Of the participants, 88% were professional nurses, and the majority, 95%, were female; the median age was 48 years and the median year of practice was 15 years. The results showed that 58% of this sample had a good knowledge of South African Diabetic foot guidelines even though compliance level was low, highlighting a lack of training on diabetic foot care with 86% needing diabetic foot care training whilst 94% knew the importance of foot assessment on diabetic patients. The majority, 59%, did not know the importance of diabetic foot prevention and 57% did not know of the 60-Second Screening Tool for high-risk diabetic foot, and 70% did not know about the 10g monofilament tool used for foot neurology check. 98% expressed that diabetic foot education is an essential part of their job, yet only 46% indicated that they record foot examination, whilst 82% do not do a 60-Second comprehensive assessment. The majority, 91% of Nurses displayed a positive attitude towards caring for diabetic foot patients despite 59% of poor screening attitude. Also, the knowledge of specialist referrals was insufficient among nurses. Conclusions: This study revealed that most frontline healthcare providers (nurses) in Sol Plaatje Sub-District are aware of the diabetic foot guideline for primary care in contrast to the majority not being aware of the 60-Second Screening Tool for high-risk diabetic foot and the 10g monofilament tool. It was also noted that respondents agree that diabetic foot education is an essential part of their jobs. Nurses do not regularly record patient diabetic foot examination findings. They also requested training in diabetic foot care. Poor screening attitude may be attributed to inadequate training and suboptimal update of knowledge. Recommendations: My recommendation is to promote the 60-Second Screening Tool for high-risk diabetic care and avail tool for foot neurology check whilst also improving training and development among healthcare providers (nurses) to equip them with the right knowledge on diabetic foot care and improve their attitude on diabetic foot prevention, which will increase their compliance to guidelines. There is also a need to make available material on diabetic foot care whilst also improving referral systems to avoid delay in specialist care and amputation complication
Cameroonian women’s empowerment through higher education: an African-feminist and capability approach
No full textThe concerted efforts of scholars, development agents and governments have established the idea that education is both intrinsically and instrumentally good, life changing, has direct returns, and is particularly empowering for women. The cumulation of these ideas has resulted in the development of societal assumptions that an educated woman is an empowered woman, and the more educated a woman is, the more empowered she will be. In Cameroon this assumption has bred some antagonism directed at ‘over-educated’ women on account of their presumed empowerment. The commonplace use of the Pidgin-English phrase ‘too much book’ or French-slang epithet ‘long crayon’ are often directed at higher-educated women to suggest their being educated is to their detriment. These expressions demonstrate the belief that a certain level of education is deemed sufficiently empowering for women in Cameroon and they risk becoming “too much” if they proceed further. In this way, education for women in Cameroon is seen as acceptable and adding value up to graduate level, at which point it succumbs to a law of diminishing returns. Thus the widespread assumption of higher education being sufficiently empowering for Cameroonian women generates two problems: 1) it promotes the limitation of young women’s aspirations and, 2) advances an incomplete informational basis for government (and public) judgement of higher education as a response to Cameroonian women’s oppressions. In response to this problematic assumption of women’s empowerment through higher education and the corresponding fear of higher-educated Cameroonian women, this study offers a two-pronged approach. It presents both a theoretical and empirical reconceptualization of empowerment for women in the Cameroonian context, from which assessments are made as to whether the women of whom empowered is assumed can consider themselves and be considered as empowered based on their higher education. The theoretical re-conceptualization of empowerment here is effected by an original Capabilitarian application- the African-feminist Capability Approach- developed in the course of the research to address inadequacies in existing frames for the conceptualization and investigation of empowerment in African contexts. The empirical re-conceptualization is the product of engaging the sample of 20 Cameroonian women graduate students in individual life-story interviews and a participatory analysis workshop befitting of a participatory narrative inquiry. The data - which is presented and analysed sequentially by way of narrative analysis and analysis-of-narratives - suggests that the assumption of Cameroonian women’s empowerment through higher education is a misconception as the higher education offered to these women lacks the capacity to adequately address the empowerment needs of these women in the face of their multivariate oppressions. The study’s findings point to: the conditionality of higher education’s potential for women’s empowerment; the need for examining intersections in evaluations of African women’s empowerment; and the ways that Cameroon’s higher education can be improved to better enable the plural aspects of empowerment which Cameroonian women have reason to value.National Research Foundation (NRF)Higher Education and Human Development (HEHD)University of the Free State Postgraduate Schoo
The influence of the Oudekraal and Kirland decisions on the legal status of an invalid administrative action
No full textAn administrative action that does not comply with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (the Constitution) and/or the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA) is invalid. This position is in line with the rule of law. However, since administrative acts are performed by public functionaries who appear to have the necessary authority, it is usually in the domain of the courts to decide whether those acts are indeed invalid. The current legal position dealing with the legal nature and status of invalid administrative action is centred around two court decisions, namely Oudekraal Estates (Pty) Ltd v City of Cape (Oudekraal) and MEC for Health, Eastern Cape v Kirland Investments (Pty) Ltd (Kirland). The Courts in both decisions held that if an invalid administrative act is not set aside by a competent court, it will continue to be binding and give rise to legal consequences. The main objective of this study is to analyse the legal nature of invalid administrative action and how the Oudekraal and Kirland decisions influenced the status of invalid administrative decisions. This study will also investigate the anomaly that invalid administrative decisions can lead to legally binding consequences. In the Kirland decision, two different approaches to the treatment of invalid administrative action were proposed by the majority and minority judgments. Both these approaches were anchored in two different principles of the rule of law, one approach by Cameron J favouring the principle of legal certainty, and the other approach advanced by Jafta J favouring the principle legality. In the discussion of the Kirland decision, the merits and demerits of the two approaches were evaluated. The discussions of these two approaches by the majority and minority judgments reveal that more work still needs to be done to ensure that a balance is struck between the principles of legal certainty and legality. This study explored ways on how best to manage the collision between legality and legal certainty. In the analysis of the Oudekraal and Kirland decisions, it also became evident that the status and nature of invalid administrative action cannot be divorced from an enquiry on whether such decisions can be varied or revoked. For that reason, this study investigated whether the Oudekraal and Kirland decisions altered the common law position that enabled a public authority to vary or revoke its own invalid decisions, in certain instances, without approaching the courts. Furthermore, this study used the Life Esidimeni-matter to better understand some of the practical implications and influence of the Oudekraal and Kirland decisions on the treatment of invalid administrative action. Finally, the study explored the possible introduction of administrative tribunals into our law to enable more people to have access to an efficient forum that could ensure that injustice is limited.Open Society Foundatio
The affective affordances of frugal science using foldscopes during a Life Sciences water quality practical
No full textManu Prakash, the developer of the foldscope microscope reported on in this paper, stated that it is important to use tools that can support open-ended inquiry in the classroom, without dumbing down those tools. Scientific equipment in the school laboratory is often very expensive and only available to those who can afford it. “Frugal science” is a trend in education that researches, develops and introduces economical and quality scientific resources to developing countries. In South Africa, many underprivileged schools lack quality practical and laboratory resources to perform simple tasks, such as microscopy. Furthermore, the absence of
laboratory investigations could lead to learners not enjoying Life Sciences nor developing a more nuanced understanding of the nature (tenets) of science. As part of an indigenous knowledge intervention hosted by the North-West University, teachers were provided with $1 foldscopes (paper microscope) to use in their classrooms. This research reports on the views of Life Sciences learners and teachers on the use of foldscopes in the Life Sciences classroom during a practical lesson. The focus of the research is
to illuminate how such problem-based approaches could enhance affective outcomes. This generic qualitative research study has elements of design-based research (DBR) as well as classroom action research (CAR), carried out by participating teachers to investigate the affordances of foldscopes. Data was collected using observations, teacher reflections, learner reflections, photographs and personal interviews. From an affective stance, this qualitative study used Engeström’s third-generation Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) as a research lens in order to identify factors that promote or inhibit the use of foldscopes in the Life Sciences classroom during a practical lesson.Publisher's versio