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Evaluating the effectiveness of provincial legislative oversight in dominant party systems and its implications for democratic quality: insights from Kwazulu-Natal, 2004-2024
Full text linkCorruption and poor governance in the North West, Free State, and Mpumalanga provinces were exposed by the Zondo Commission, emphasizing the urgent need for improved oversight and accountability. Following their 2004 electoral win at the national and provincial levels, the ANC enjoyed 15 uninterrupted years of political control in KZN, becoming a dominant party system. That period, however, saw corruption scandals expose weaknesses in oversight and accountability, particularly concerning accusations of wrongdoing against senior ANC figures
in provincial departments. Studies on dominant party systems have predominantly been focused on the national sphere of government. This study is to investigates how the legislature’s oversight and accountability influence the democratic quality in a dominant party system. Qualitative research methods formed the basis of this study through a case study approach focusing on the standing committee on provincial oversight committee. Detailed one-on-one interviews were conducted with six knowledgeable individuals who have been actively involved
in political parties, such as the ANC, IFP and DA in KZN, and in the committee. The study reveals multiple weaknesses, including politicization, interference from political entities, and a blurred boundary between political parties and the state. Inadequate oversight accountability has had a detrimental impact on the democratic quality, as the ANC’s control has eroded essential democratic principles posing a major threat to democratic quality in the province of KZN.
Gender‑related factors affecting community malaria‑related perceptions and practices in Migori County, Kenya
Full text linkMalaria poses a significant global public health challenge yet there remains limited information on the influence of gender dynamics on malaria programmes despite the well-known gender-specific differentials
in the prevalence, transmission and exposure to malaria. The 2024 World Malaria Report indicates that the burden of malaria and the challenges in addressing it remain severe in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with eleven countries including Kenya bearing almost two-thirds of the global disease burden. Kenya remains heavily affected, with around 70% of the population at risk. The aim of this paper is to explore how gender-related factors influence malaria healthcare seeking perceptions and practices in Migori County, a malaria endemic area in Western Kenya. The study employed a qualitative research design to gain in-depth insights into local perceptions and practices regarding malaria. Thirty-one in-depth interviews, four gender-stratified focus group discussions, six key informant interviews, and five process mapping exercises. Participants were purposively selected to ensure diversity and data thematically with both inductive and deductive approaches applied to generate themes. Results The results of the study are in three main themes; gender-related similarities and differences in malaria healthcare-seeking perceptions; gender differentials in malaria prevention and treatment practices and the gendered dimensions of malaria healthcare-seeking information. Participants were generally aware of malaria, although there were noticeable gaps in their understanding regarding transmission and prevention. Gender related factors including gender dimensions (gender roles and relations); social stratifies (level of education, gender identity, occupation) and cultural dynamics (beliefs- religion and traditional superstitions) influenced the perceptions of risk and vulnerability. Decision-making was reported as shared in relation to type of treatment and access to care. Conclusion The study of community’s perceptions reveals that malaria healthcare-seeking, knowledge, attitudes and practices and the perceptions of risk and vulnerability are influenced by gender roles and relations and intersections among socio-demographic factors, beliefs including religion and traditional superstitions, and occupation. Gender disparities in knowledge and healthcare-seeking behaviors illuminated in this study underscore the need for gender-sensitive public health interventions, inclusive health policies and integration of pluralistic health care systems to improve public health outcomes.
Strengthening data governance in African science granting councils for robust STI policymaking
No full textScience granting councils are national agencies that coordinate research funding and set research priorities to support sustainable growth in countries. In Africa, these agencies support scientists, foster partnerships and work to ensure that robust evidence informs the design, implementation and monitoring of policies that harness and steer science, technology and innovation towards development priorities. The HSRC and its partners have been supporting councils to strengthen the use of data as evidence for policy and decision making.N/
A fair way to go: what do South Africans think of climate change and the transition to clean energy?
No full textAs the country shifts away from coal towards cleaner energy sources, HSRC data reveals that while an increasing proportion of South Africans are aware of climate change, deep divides remain in understanding, trust and support. The findings offer a rare window into public opinion during a time of growing climate threats and persistent inequality.N/
Retention of clients in HIV oral pre-exposure prophylaxis care in Engela, Namibia
Full text linkNamibia has made tremendous progress in controlling the HIV epidemic. The progress has resulted in significant incidence and AIDS-related mortality reductions. However, new infections continue to persist. Aim: The study aimed to measure the clients’ retention rate in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) care and associated factors. Engela District, in Namibia’s Ohangwena region. We chose an analytical cross-sectional study design for this study. We selected 275 participants using a proportional stratified random sampling method. We used a self-administered questionnaire to collect data. We employed Chi-square tests and logistic regression for data analysis. Results: Participants’ retention rate in PrEP care at 3 months was 35.6%, 95% CI (35.2% – 36.0%). Binomial logistic regression showed that men and the unemployed were less likely to be retained in PrEP, crude odds ratio (OR) = 0.52, 95% CI (0.30–0.91), and OR = 0.27, 95% CI (0.15–0.49), respectively. Participants who were divorced or in a relationship were also less likely to be retained in PrEP care, OR = 0.41, 95% CI (0.18–0.96), and OR = 0.43 95% CI (0.23 – 0.80), respectively. Furthermore, participants at Engela District Hospital were less likely to be retained in PrEP care, OR = 0.52, 95% CI (0.29 -0.93). Addressing the specific challenges unemployed individuals face in continuing on PrEP is crucial. Strategies should include decentralizing PrEP services in the district and employing community-based models. Contribution: In addition, comprehensive PrEP education targeting men should be provided in diverse settings to improve their PrEP knowledge.
Influences on exclusive breastfeeding among rural HIV-infected South African women: a cluster randomized control trial
No full textSouth African guidelines for prevention-of-mother-to-child-transmission (PMTCT) of HIV emphasize exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). This study examined the impact of a PMTCT intervention and male involvement on EBF. In a two-phase cluster randomized trial, rural South African community health centers were randomized to offer HIV-infected pregnant women PMTCT standard of care plus either: a behavioral PMTCT intervention, or a time-equivalent attention-control condition. Phase 1 women had non-participating male partners; Phase 2 women had participating partners. Pregnant women (n = 1398) were assessed on HIV stigma, disclosure of HIV status to partner, male involvement, and family planning knowledge. Feeding practices were assessed 6 weeks postpartum (56% retained). Reduced depressive symptomatology predicted EBF 6 weeks postpartum, adjusting for attrition (AOR = 0.954, p = 0.001). Neither male involvement in antenatal care, phase, HIV stigma,
disclosure, nor family planning knowledge predicted EBF. Future studies and perinatal care should address depression, which has important implications for infant health
Supporting teachers to improve learner performance: the use assessment in the classroom
Full text linkPaper presented to DoE Early Reading Workshop, 5-9 Februar
N ondersoek na milieu- en agtergrondfaktore wat verband hou met skoolstaking van sekonde?re skool-leerlinge in die Witwatersrand-vaaldriehoekgebied
No full textVarsprodukte in Suid-Afrika: inkomste-en kostestrukture van die nasionale varsproduktemarke in die Republiek van Suid-Afrika: 'n RGN bemarkingsondersoek
No full textEditorial: Nutrient density: evidence of multisectoral approaches for improved nutrition
No full textAdequate nutrition is critical throughout the life course, to ensure survival, support growth and development, promote health and wellbeing, and prevent diseases, both infectious and non-communicable. While substantial evidence suggests that the public health burden of micronutrient deficiencies and inadequacies is highest in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), a growing body of literature also highlights the widespread prevalence of micronutrient-related malnutrition in high-income countries (HICs), especially among population groups with increased nutritional requirements, such as infants and young children, adolescent girls, women of reproductive age, pregnant and lactating women, and older people.