Research Output Repository (HSRC)
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Applying the nominal group technique to determine emerging stressors related to youth mental health: findings from a multi-country stakeholder consensus-building exercise
No full textYouth represents a distinct phase of neurodevelopment encapsulating a unique mix of personal, social, and environmental stressors that can impact mental health and increase vulnerability to mental illness. To gain a cross-national understanding of the stressors that may impact young people’s mental wellbeing, we conducted a consensus-building exercise focused on ranking a list of stressors that emerged through stakeholder deliberation. We adopted the nominal group technique (NGT) as an exercise to reach a consensus among representatives from 11 low- and middle-income countries (spanning Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America) in terms of stressors linked to young people’s mental wellbeing. A single session of NGT was applied to probe what country representatives felt were the most pressing stressors associated with youth mental health in the context of the relational wellbeing model (at the personal, social, and environmental levels). Results: Representatives identified 18 stressors—that included mental health awareness, media, stigma, climate change and policy, among others—as here was a high level of consensus in terms of the stressors that were identified in relation to youth mental health, suggesting that use of NGT provides an effective tool to generate pertinent data from a single session with important research and policy implications. These findings underscore the need for more empirical research focused on knowledge gaps associated with the identified stressors—in terms of youth mental health—which can then better inform funding agendas as well as mental health policy and practice. In high priority for developing research geared towards youth mental health.
Reframing the global knowledge economy: an Afropolitan approach
No full textGrowing geopolitical rivalry over Africa’s technological infrastructure and digital networks fuels concerns about African agency and autonomy in the global knowledge economy. This chapter questions what constitutes “global” and “challenges” in the field of technological transformation in Africa. It advances an Afropolitan framework that shifts analysis away from Global North perspectives, revealing how African nations strategically manage their digital sovereignty and technological development. African states are frequently characterized as mere recipients of competing global technological initiatives from China, the United States, and Europe. This oversimplified narrative obscures the complex ways African nations actively shape their technological futures. Building on Taiye Selasi and Achille Mbembe’s concept of Afropolitanism, this chapter demonstrates how Africa’s fluid identities and contemporary culture can contribute to reshaping our understanding of technological governance and innovation. This framework transcends simplistic binary choices between Global North and Chinese developmental models now dominating the debate, recognizing and leveraging Africa’s multiple modernities in technological development. African countries are strategically balancing technological independence with complex global interdependencies. Their experiences demonstrate how Afropolitanism offers nuanced insights for addressing global challenges beyond conventional Western paradigms.
Examining cognitive factors in higher education quality: working memory, academic reading, and achievement in South African ODeL students
No full textPaper presented at the Higher Education Conference, Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre, Johannesburg, 26-28 FebruaryN/
Across the divide: how South Africans differ in their views on science and technology
No full textSouth Africans’ attitudes toward science and technology are influenced by their backgrounds and life circumstances. Drawing on data from the 2022 South African Public Relationship with Science Survey, this article examines how attitudes vary according to age, education, income level, and place of residence. Understanding
these differences is important for ensuring that science and technology policies, education, and communication are inclusive and respond to the needs and concerns of all South Africans.N/
How cooperatives can build the economic muscle of smallholder farmers: a case study of maize farmers in the Eastern Cape
No full textEcon 3x3 Policy Brief, JulySouth Africa's agricultural sector is characterized by a dualistic structure, with smallholder farmers struggling to integrate into the global value chain. Despite policies aimed at supporting smallholder farmers, implementation challenges and inadequate targeting of interventions hinder their effectiveness. This article examines the role of cooperatives in supporting smallholder maize farmers in South Africa, using the Eastern Cape as a case study. We recommend strengthening cooperative support programs, improving infrastructure and logistics, and enhancing access to finance and capacity-building initiatives, to improve the economic resilience of smallholder farmers and contribute to the broader growth of the agricultural sector.N/
Spotlight on vulnerability: risk factors associated with bullying among primary school learners
No full textBullying remains a serious issue in South African schools, affecting learners from all backgrounds. Research shows that being bullied can have lasting impacts on a child’s well-being and academic success—but what factors are associated with risk? To put the right support in place, schools and policymakers need to understand the key risk factors. A recent HSRC study explores the different forms of bullying and reveals which learners are at risk of exposure to specific forms of bullying.
Highlights of the Public Relationship with Science 2022 Survey results: square kilometre array area in the Northern Cape Province
Get PDFCommissioned by the Department of Science, Technology and InnovationThis report presents the descriptive statistics for the 36 measures fielded in the survey, benchmarking the statistics for the SKA area against the NC province. These measures provide the baseline information for the levels of S&T knowledge, attitudes and engagements.N/
Highlights of the Public Relationship with Science 2022 Survey results: Cofimvaba town in the Eastern Cape Province
Get PDFCommissioned by the Department of Science, Technology and InnovationThis report presents the descriptive statistics for the 33 measures fielded in the survey, benchmarking the statistics for the Cofimvaba area against the EC province. These measures provide the baseline information for the levels of S&T knowledge, attitudes and engagements in the Cofimvaba area and the province.N/
'n Gehooranalise met betrekking tot gesondheidsvoorligtingsdienste :nie-stedelike Zoeloes en Suid-Sotho's se kennis van en houdings teenoor enkele gesondheidsaspekte
No full textAttributes of community leaders for sustainable development
No full textOverall, ward committees serve as essential participatory structures within local government, ensuring direct community participation and representation in decision-making processes. Their roles encompass Communication, consultation, advocacy and mobilisation, which are all aimed at promoting community
engagement and fostering effective governance. By actively involving the community in the planning and decision-making processes, ward committees contribute to the sustainable development and well-being of their respective wards.