Research Output Repository (HSRC)
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Dimensions of peacebuilding and development in Africa
No full textThe African continent, with its rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and histories, stands at a pivotal juncture in its pursuit of sustainable peace and development. Despite the remarkable progress made in recent decades, Africa grapples with many challenges that prevent it from reaching its full potential. These challenges are multifaceted, encompassing political instability, economic disparities, social inequalities, and environmental vulnerabilities. As such, a multidimensional approach to peacebuilding and development is required to address the continent’s
complex and interrelated issues.
Towards digital democracy: assessing e-voting options in South Africa: 2024 project report
No full textCommissioned by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), FebruaryThis project report presents a more detailed analysis of the potential implementation of electronic voting (e-voting) in South Africa. The primary goal of the study is to actively contribute to the discourse surrounding electronic voting, specifically to modernize the electoral process, promote voter participation, and fortify the integrity of elections. At the core of this debate is the need to outline the necessary structural approach to e-voting, along with addressing key considerations, legislative requirements, and public views towards the adoption of this technology. It is within this context that this project report informs a shorter E-voting Discussion Document that will be used by the IEC to engage with all stakeholders.N/
Assessing land-use regulations for petrol stations in South Africa’s major cities
No full textNoncompliance with locational guidelines for petrol station facilities in South Africa’s urban areas is widespread, posing significant disaster risks. Petrol stations store and handle flammable substances such as liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen and biodiesel, making adherence to environmental impact assessment (EIA) safety parameters critical. This study evaluates the spatial distribution and compliance of petrol stations in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban with the 2002 EIA guidelines. Using a mixed-methods approach, geospatial mapping via Google Earth and ArcGIS alongside secondary qualitative analysis, the study assessed petrol station distances from sensitive land uses (residential, public institutions and critical infrastructure) and the spacing between petrol stations. The results reveal a significant degree of noncompliance with the EIA’s 100-m setback from sensitive uses and the 3-km minimum distance between petrol stations. In all three cities, petrol stations are often clustered within high-density urban cores, overlapping safety buffer zones and situated near residential and institutional structures. These spatial patterns indicate a regulatory gap in land-use enforcement and raise serious concerns about disaster preparedness and risk exposure in urban areas. The findings emphasize the urgent need to integrate disaster risk reduction (DRR) into urban land-use planning. While the study acknowledges that existing noncompliant petrol stations cannot be retrofitted easily, it recommends embedding DRR into future siting policies and calls for emergency preparedness measures at high-risk sites. The study’s spatially grounded analysis of EIA compliance across multiple cities in South Africa offers an evidence-based framework to guide future policy on hazardous facility siting in disaster-prone urban contexts.
Decision-making and acceptability of subcutaneously administered broadly neutralising monoclonal antibodies for HIV prevention amongst CAPRISA 012A trial participants in Durban, South Africa
No full textDespite significant progress in global HIV prevention, adolescent girls and young women in sub- Saharan Africa remain disproportionately affected, with high rates of new infections persisting. This study explored the acceptability of subcutaneously administered broadly neutralizing antibodies, receiving either one or two doses of VRC07-523LS and/or PGT121, from the perspective of women living without HIV in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This qualitative sub-study explored the motivational, capability, and opportunity factors influencing product acceptability through in-depth interviews with 26 of the 45 participants aged 18–45 years who participated in the CAPRISA 012A Phase 1 trial. Thematic analysis guided by the COM-B Model and Theoretical Framework of Acceptability were used to explore the acceptability of products. Clear communication about potential side effects, study coherence and product attributes such as longer-acting, injectable delivery facilitate high acceptability. External factors including lack of social support and fear of stigma affected decision-making, with intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy beliefs about using the product emerging as critical determinants of product use. While most participants disclosed study participation to partners and family, partner influence varied; participants reported having the product administered based on personal health concerns regardless of partner support. Access to additional sexual and reproductive health services through study participation further enhanced acceptability of study product. The findings underscore the importance of integrating clear messaging on product efficacy, linking potential HIV prevention products to broader healthcare services, and supporting different users to make the decision to use this product. This study provides a novel contribution to understanding the complex dynamics of acceptability and behavior change, essential for successful implementation and uptake of HIV prevention strategies.
Bridging the readiness gap: Zimbabwe’s AI capacity for economic development
No full textThe exploratory study evaluates Zimbabwe’s readiness and capacity to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) for economic development. Guided by the Developmental State Theory (DST) and Critical Technological Constructivism (CTC), the study employed thematic analysis of semi structured interviews with forty five purposively selected stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. It examined five dimensions: digital infrastructure, policy coherence, institutional capacity, sectoral preparedness, and skills availability. Findings
reveal a growing awareness of AI’s potential, with emerging applications in banking and agriculture, as well as some university based innovation hubs. However, persistent challenges include weak infrastructure, limited research funding, and a shortage of professionals skilled in AI. Low digital literacy, particularly in rural areas, exacerbates the gap. Government initiatives such as Smart Zimbabwe 2030 demonstrate intent towards policy alignment, yet meaningful progress will depend on strengthening three interconnected pillars: infrastructure readiness, institutional coordination, and human capital development.
Public health nutrition in the context of global public health: capacity development for health education and public health through virtual exchange between Sweden and South Africa
No full textPoster presented virtually between March 2023 and October 2024This SASUF-funded collaboration built on previous research collaborations in public health nutrition and life course epidemiology and further expanded our networks and activities through teaching collaborations. Between March 2023 and October 2024, the project connected universities in South Africa (UFS, UWC) and Sweden (SU, KI, UmU) through virtual teaching, mentoring, and research exchange - enhancing capacity in public health nutrition, public health ethics and global health across all levels of higher education.N/
The ‘silent witness’: understanding the reluctance to report corruption in South Africa
No full textHSRC Policy Brief, AugustSeveral reports from anti-corruption organisations, widespread media coverage on the struggles faced by whistleblowers and evidence from the Zondo Commission suggest that there is broad reluctance among South African citizens to report corruption. This phenomenon of the ‘silent witness’ is examined in relation to the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2020–2030, which aims to foster transparency and public accountability in the country. A strategic objective of the NACS is to “cultivate and foster a culture of reporting in which citizens understand the negative impact of corruption and where individuals are empowered to report any devious or corrupt activities they become aware of.”1 Data from the 2023 round of the Human Sciences Research Council’s (HSRC) South African Social Attitudes Survey (SASAS) was used to analyze public willingness to report corruption. It shows that only about half the adult population expressed an intention to alert
authorities if they encountered corrupt practices. What accounts for this reluctance? The aim of this policy brief is to examine the barriers to corruption reporting, and to provide actionable suggestions that can help encourage people to report corruption.N/
ThiPhiSA new pathways to TB prevention from community screening a household randomized controlled trial in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
No full textTuberculosis (TB) remains the leading cause of infectious disease deaths, particularly among people living with HIV (PWH). Despite being preventable, TB preventive therapy (TPT) uptake is low in high-burden regions like South Africa, where new guidelines have expanded TPT eligibility and introduced shorter, more effective regimens like 3 months of weekly rifapentine and isoniazid (3HP). As differentiated service delivery models for HIV care have proven effective, there is increasing recognition that decentralizing TPT delivery may improve coverage and completion. This study explores whether a community-based TPT delivery strategy can enhance uptake and completion of TPT compared with traditional clinic-based services. We will conduct a household-randomized, non-blinded, controlled trial. Persons eligible for TPT will be recruited from the TB TRIAGE+Trial study, a community-based household TB screening study. Households containing at least one person eligible for TPT will be randomized 1:1 to either community-based TPT or standard-of-care clinic referral for TPT. At enrolment, all participants will be provided with a 2-week supply of TPT in the community. Participants randomized to the community arm will receive the entire course of TPT in a single dispense (12 weeks of 3HP or 6 months of isoniazid, if 3HP is contraindicated). Clinic-arm participants will be referred to their local clinic for the remainder of their course of TPT and will collect TPT refills on the clinic-determined schedule. Our primary outcome is the proportion of participants who complete a course of TPT. Secondary outcomes include overall adherence to TPT, predictors of adherence with TPT, participant satisfaction with the assigned TPT delivery method and adverse events.
Graduated, now what? survey of young Africans shows degrees don’t always land them a job
No full textStudy hard, get your degree, and then step confidently into a stable, well-paid job. That’s long been the assumption about how to secure a livelihood: in neat, predictable stages. But it is increasingly out of touch with reality. Secure jobs are no longer guaranteed after obtaining a tertiary qualification. Up-to-date and reliable data on graduate unemployment in Africa is hard to come by. A 2014 British Council study estimated that nearly one in four Nigerian graduates (23.1%) were unemployed. In Kenya, the study said, it took graduates an average of five years to secure their first job. In South Africa, graduate unemployment stood at just 5.8% in 2008. By 2023, this had more than doubled to 11.8% . When looking specifically at young graduates aged 20–29 – a useful proxy for those newly entering the job market – the figure is even starker: nearly one in three ( 30.3% ) were unemployed in2023