A study of control measures for absenteeism of educators in Libode District
- Authors: Bungeni, Mzinto Cornelius
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Absenteeism (Labor) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Leaves of absence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8303 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019917
- Description: The study focussed on the effectiveness of control measures for dealing with absenteeism of educators with specific reference to selected schools at Libode District in the Province of the Eastern Cape. It identified the policy framework including rules and regulations relating to the absenteeism of educators. It assessed the effectiveness of control measures which are currently at the disposal of the selected schools and it also investigated the challenges faced by school principals in addressing the challenge of absenteeism of educators in the selected schools. A qualitative research methodology was used in undertaking the study. Purposive sampling was used to select the schools and participants for the study. Participants were comprised of school principals and Education Development Officers. Data was collected through structured and semi-structured interviews. Literature study showed that the management of educator absenteeism is an important aspect of Human Resource Management in schools. Furthermore, the study found that control measures for dealing with absenteeism are not properly applied in many schools and there is no consistency in the manner in which they are utilised by school principals. The study also found that school principals are struggling to manage absenteeism to the extent that some of them are not sure how to deal with educators who abuse leave. The study recommends that school principals should be empowered on leave management through various forms of training which include workshops.
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- Date Issued: 2015
An assessment of alignment of the intergrated development plan of Amathole District Municipality with those of its selected local municipalities, province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Magwangqana, Ntsokolo Chris
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: City planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7782 , vital:24284
- Description: The problem investigated by the researcher is that of alignment of the Integrated Development Plan of Amathole District Municipality with those of the selected local municipalities under its area of jurisdiction. The aim of the study was to investigate the extent to which there is or there is no alignment amongst these. The study articulated the background of municipal planning in terms of the provisions of enabling pieces of legislation. It further provided a conceptual and theoretical framework for integrated development planning within the local government sphere. The literature raised critical issues revolving around the importance of the district municipality in achieving congruence of development plans of the district and those of its local municipalities. The data was collected using a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches, to realize the objectives of the research study. The methods used to collect data included, document study, interviews, observation, and questionnaires. The study findings showed that, there is a lot of planning efforts put into achieving alignment of the IDPs of the District and local municipalities under it. The study concluded that, with this good planning by the district municipality a correlating hands on support and monitoring by the municipal unit needs to be firmed up. The recommendations are an evidence that there are processes deliberately put in place by the District municipality to ensure alignment between the IDP of the District and those of its Local Municipalities.
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- Date Issued: 2015
An assessment of community participation in strategic decision-making: the case of Amothole District Municipality
- Authors: Ned, Samora
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Political participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5742 , vital:20993
- Description: The South African Constitution of 1996, as amended, provides for three spheres of Government, namely National, Provincial and Local Government. The local sphere of government is mandated to provide developmental and accountable local government and to ensure the provision of basic services to communities in a sustainable manner. The Department of Provincial and Local Government Community-Based Workbook and Guide provided that local government legislation has been put in a place to enable South Africa to constructively work towards providing basic services and improving the social and economic lives of citizens. As local government is the sphere of government where delivery takes place at community level, it is important to ensure and secure the support and participation of communities. It is critical to mention that local government faces many challenges in providing services that will contribute to developing a peaceful, stable and healthy environment. In adherence to Local Government legislation, which includes, inter alia, the Municipal Systems Act and the Municipal Finance Management Act, the local authorities are required to provide systems and processes to enable public participation processes in the affairs of the municipalities. This requirement is mandatory to ensure that citizens contribute by making input in the planning of the municipality. Amathole District Municipality adopted a Public Participation and Petitions Policy to ensure that citizens participate in the activities of the municipality. The main purpose of this study was to establish whether those structures are effective and whether the municipality, in its planning processes, considered the views and input of the communities. The study investigated the extent of community participation in municipal planning and performance and also investigated the effectiveness of ADM community participation strategies. Quantitative research methods were used to collect data for the study. The research questionnaire covered a wide range of council related activities ranging from knowledge of local government legislation relating to public participation, understanding of public participation processes by councillors, compliance of the municipality with public participation processes and related legislation and feedback to communities on the input they make to the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and the Budget planning processes. The questionnaires were administered to all Councillors within the municipality to ensure that all municipal programmes were covered, and the Executive Mayor, Council Speaker who ensures that council resolutions are implemented and the Chief Whip of Council, who is responsible for the welfare of all political parties in Council. There was also the inclusion of the Chairperson of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee who is responsible for oversight and monitoring the performance of the Executive. The sample group was carefully chosen to represent a wide range of councillors who serve in the ADM Council. The positive response rate therefore provided an acceptable scientific basis for analysis and objectivity to the study.
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- Date Issued: 2015
An assessment of employee perceptions towards performance appraisal with special reference to statistics South Africa, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mniki, Sicelo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Performance standards
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9935 , vital:26634
- Description: The aim of this study was to assess the perceptions of employees towards performance appraisal (PA) with special reference to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) in the Eastern Cape Province. The research objectives included, inter alia; assessing employee perceptions towards effective administration of PAs, assessing perceptions of employees towards the fairness of the PA process, identifying the motivating factors for the improvement of employee performance and identifying the challenges facing the PA process. To achieve these objectives, a mixed methods research approach was used. The mixed methods approach utilised a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods. The sample was selected using a purposive sampling technique whereby employees with tenure of at least one year and above in the organisation were targeted. Employees who met this criterion were considered to have reasonable understanding of the PA process and practice of Stats SA. The literature review for this study revealed that employee perceptions towards the PA process are crucial in determining the long-term effectiveness of the PA system. It also emerged that the appraisal process can become a source of extreme dissatisfaction when employees believe the system is biased, political or irrelevant. The findings revealed that 65% of employees perceive the administration of PAs as ineffective whilst 35% of employees consider PA administration at Stats SA to be effective. Ineffective administration of PA was further confirmed by 81% of managers who stated that the evaluation process is not integrated effectively with other human resource (HR) processes at Stats SA. Furthermore, 58% of employees are not satisfied with the fairness of the appraisal process. These negative perceptions towards the PA process were reaffirmed by 88% of managers who also indicated that they are not satisfied with the fairness of the PA process. The research showed that the motivating factors for improving job performance include allocation of adequate resources, training, recognition and appreciation, improved communication along with a good working relationship as well as a performance bonus. According to the research findings, 45% of employees consider the current Performance Management System (PMS) at Stats SA as having a motivational effect on staff to improve their performance whilst 42% held a contrary view and 13% were unsure. The respondents identified the challenges facing the PA process at Stats SA, namely; favouritism and bias, dropping of scores by the provincial moderating committee without clarifying the criteria followed, supervisors scoring themselves high whilst scoring those who are doing the work on the ground low, failure by HR to provide guidance and training on performance management (PM), failure by supervisors to provide performance feedback after the appraisal process, failure to comply with PM policies and procedures, the ambiguous role of the provincial moderating committee, and a narrow focus on monetary reward. The findings suggest that the effectiveness of a Performance Management System (PMS) such as the Performance Appraisal System depends on the achievement of various purposes and objectives for which the PMS is designed and implemented in an organisation. This requires managers and supervisors to be fully involved and committed in the day to day management of employee performance in order to ensure that the strategic goals of the organisation are fully achieved.
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- Date Issued: 2015
An assessment of the implementation of employment equity: Department of Transport in the province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mqingwana, Phelo Zolisa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Discrimination in employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11335 , vital:26912
- Description: During the apartheid era black people were systematically excluded from all positions of influence in the state and civil society. The majority of senior posts in government were held by whites, in particular, white males. Women and people with disabilities were similarly disadvantaged and marginalised, particularly those from black communities. With the new post-apartheid dispensation, the democratic government took a conscious decision to change that situation. It is against this background that that the Employment Equity Act (EEA) was introduced in 1998. The two main aims of the Act are: to achieve employment equity by promoting equal opportunity and fair treatment in employment through the elimination of unfair discrimination; and to implement the affirmative action measures, to redress the disadvantages in employment experienced by designated groups in order to ensure their equitable representation in all occupational categories and levels in the workforce. The implement of EEA in the Eastern Cape Department of Transport (ECDOT) has so far not been very successful as the Department still has not managed to meet the set targets. According to their Employment Equity Plan (EEP), the senior management level (SMS) is still dominated by males. Although the situation is slightly better at the middle management level, it is still far from being ideal. The lower ranks are dominated by females. With regard to people with disabilities (PWDs) the Department is still far from meeting their 2% target. The purpose of this research was to determine if the ECDOT has been able to implement the dictates of the EEA. It aims to look at ways in which the EEA can best be implemented in order to ensure that the desired results are achieved. This study was prompted by the fact that the ECDOT has not managed to reach the EEA targets in hiring people with disabilities (PDWs) and elevating women to senior positions. The study explored the views of the employees of the Department regarding the implementation of EE. It was conducted using the quantitative approach. 90 employees were asked to respond to a structured questionnaire designed by the researcher. The findings of the study indicate that although in some areas the Department has been able to successfully implement EE, issues of racial equity, diversity, infrastructure conducive for people with disabilities, recruitment practices, and management commitment still need to be improved on. The study recommends, amongst others, that managers should provide leadership in the implementation process, more recruitment sources should be explored, suitable infrastructure must be provided, diversity issues must be addressed through workshops and training sessions, employee participation needs to be ensured, and that feedback must always be provided to EE beneficiaries in order to keep make sure they remain within the organisation and continue to improve.
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- Date Issued: 2015
An assessment of the records management system with reference to the Amathole District Municipality
- Authors: Ncamani, Nomsa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Records -- Management Information resources management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Filing systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11353 , vital:26914
- Description: Section 13 of the Eastern Cape Provincial Archives and Records Act, 2003 requires the Amathole District Municipality to manage its records in a well-structured record-keeping system, and to put the necessary policies and procedures in place to ensure that record- keeping and records management practices comply with the requirements of the Act. The study investigated the interventions that can be made to improve and promote the best system (centralised versus a decentralised records system) in terms of space resources through greater co-ordination of information management and storage systems with reference to the Amathole District Municipality. A quantitative research methodology was employed to collect data. The empirical component of the treatise utilised self-administered questionnaires. Purposive sampling was used to identify the target population at the ADM. The researcher specifically selected the users of records, namely; senior manager, mid-managers, supervisors and administration assistants. The need for training, workshops and awareness were identified as the main challenges to records management and to the employees’ understanding of the system in place at the ADM. The findings recommended that the municipality should select the records management system that best supports the conduct of business in an orderly, efficient, and accountable manner. The system should ensure that documents provide evidence of business and contribute to the cultural identity and collective memory of the ADM. Further research on the existing records management system is recommended for the Amathole District Municipality.
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- Date Issued: 2015
An evaluation of the implementation of education training and development policy in the Eastern Cape: the case of Cacadu health district
- Authors: Feni, Monde Ludick
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Employees -- Training of -- Evaluation , Manpower policy -- South Africa , Personnel management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8261 , vital:26317
- Description: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation of the Education, Training and Development Policy of the Eastern Cape Department of Health: A Case Study of Cacadu District. The Cacadu Health District as with all Districts is the Eastern Cape Department of Health experiences a few challenges with the implementation of the Education, Training and Development Policy. Through observation these problems seem to be stalling progress in the implementation of this policy. The study seeks to investigate whether there can be an improvement in the implementation of the Education, Training and Development Policy. The focus of the study will be the Cacadu Health District. Provision of Education, Training and Development is key to any organisation especially if performance of employees needs to be of high standard. If the performance of employees is of high standard service delivery will improve. Chapter one provided an introduction which gave a brief overview of the study, problem statement, research objectives and questions, preliminary literature review and research methodology to be employed by the study. Chapter two provided a literature review of education, training and development framework and legislative framework for guiding the development and provision of education, training and development in an organisation. The chapter also looked into mentoring and mentoring strategies. Chapter three looked into detail on the training evaluation strategies and what training evaluation entails. It looked at the different approaches that can be used in evaluating training in an organisation. Chapter four provides proposals for the approaches and strategies to improve the implementation of the Education, Training and Development Policy of the Eastern Cape Department of Health in the Cacadu District. The chapter will also provide an analysis of participants’ responses from the questionnaire. Chapter five will give a summary with concluding remarks and recommendations. This chapter came up with conclusions about the study and gave recommendations and way forward on how best to improve the implementation of the education, training and development policy in the Eastern Cape Department of Health: Cacadu District.
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- Date Issued: 2015
An evaluation of the Integrated Quality Management System at selected schools within the Lukhanji Circuit, Queenstown District
- Authors: Gongqa, Mxolanisi Michael
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Total quality management in education -- South Africa -- Queenstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3285 , vital:20420
- Description: The study focused on the evaluation of the integrated management system (IQMS) at selected schools within the Queenstown Education District. A quantitative research method was used for the study and questionnaires were used as a research tool to collect data. The respondents were members of the school management teams (SMT) which comprised the principals, deputy principals, heads of departments, senior educators and educators. These are key role-players in the management and implementation of IQMS. The rationale was to obtain pertinent information which would address the research questions and objectives of the study. The primary objective of the study as outlined above was to evaluate the impact of IQMS implementation in the Queenstown district with specific reference to the Lukhanji Circuit, on the performance of the high schools selected. It was envisaged that the results of the study would contribute towards developing measures to ensure that IQMS implementation achieves the desired objectives. The research questions were: To what extent can IQMS implementation be used as a tool to measure and improve teaching and learning? What measures have been put in place by the district to support and build capacity of the educators to perform? What factors hinder the effective IQMS implementation? The key findings of the study reveal that IQMS as a tool to improve teaching and learning had the overwhelming support of the majority of the respondents. However, a reasonable percentage of the respondents were of the view that IQMS constituted an administrative burden to educators. There are educators who displayed a negative attitude towards the implementation of IQMS. The respondents also felt that the district office needs to provide more support for IQMS implementation so that its objectives can be fully realised. The study makes clear recommendations such as the de-linking of IQMS from salaries and pay progression, provision of more support by the district, to make IQMS more user-friendly to educators and additional budget and teacher training to enhance educators’ professional development.
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- Date Issued: 2015
An evaluation of treasury oversight and budget under-spending in selected Eastern Cape Provincial Departments
- Authors: Daniels, Nokuthula
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Expenditures, Public , Legislative auditing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fiscal year -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3265 , vital:20418
- Description: The investigation of this study focused on the ability of provincial government departments in South Africa to spend allocated revenues on activities adequately, with a direct bearing on social and economic development. The research presents an analysis of two selected Eastern Cape Provincial Government departments’ expenditure for a three-year timeframe (the fiscal years from 2009–2012), with a focus on the oversight role played by the Provincial Planning and Treasury department in instilling fiscal discipline in the provinces, and the potentially detrimental effect of under-spending on provincial service delivery. Among other things mentioned and discussed are, firstly, the fiscal policy; secondly, the funding of provincial departments; thirdly, the role and responsibilities of the Provincial Planning and Treasury department. The study adopted a qualitative methodology which focussed on the perspective of the insider who has experienced first-hand the activities or procedures under scrutiny in the selected provincial departments. Further, the qualitative researcher believed that first-hand experience provides the most meaningful data. In support of this, the respondents were asked twenty-two questions, the first five of which were based on the need to understand their personal particulars. A semi-structured questionnaire was distributed to 43 officials and 22 of those questionnaires were returned.
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- Date Issued: 2015
Empowerment of school governing bodies in selected schools, King William's Town education district
- Authors: Ronoti, Zamikhaya Sydwell
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: School boards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School board members -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6585 , vital:21120
- Description: This study investigates the impact of school governing bodies (SGBs) empowerment on school governance in King William’s Town. The study focuses on SGBs challenges and plights, highlights the effects of their lack of empowerment and suggests the review of the election criteria used to elect SGBs who have the potential to be empowered. Furthermore, it explores the elements and methods of empowerment that can be utilised to empower SGBs and examines the difficulties SGBs experience in accounting for finances and formulating and implementing policies. The researcher makes recommendations on the empowerment of SGBs based on the findings of the study. It was necessary to review literature on empowerment and school governance to attain the research goals. Conflicts and the mismanagement of finances indicate a noticeable gap between South African Schools Act policy intention and policy practice. The majority of SGBs, particularly the parent component in rural and semi-urban areas, have low levels of education. As a result, it is difficult to empower members because they have little or no basic knowledge, skills and expertise with regard to school governance. The manner in which SGBs function and carry out their duties, roles and responsibilities indicates that SGBs received inadequate training. SGBs lack awareness of the regulations governing the appointment of educators, hence a number of disputes arise. The increasing number of disputes (both formal and informal) in respect of appointments and promotions results from misinterpretations of or variations in legislation governing appointments in schools as well as the competency or capacity of SGBs. To investigate this problem, interviews were used as the research instrument to gather data from eight participants from selected schools. The main finding is that the majority of the SGBs studied are incapable of being empowered due to low illiteracy levels of some members. Low levels of or no education, a lack of basic knowledge and skills and other factors, such as a lack of educational insight and the inaccessibility of information and resources due to the use of English as the medium in which SGBs are serviced, compound the problem. The quality of the empowerment workshops, which are 'one size fits all', have a marked effect on their efficiency.
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- Date Issued: 2015
Enhancing public participation in the integrated development planning process: a case of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Yekani, Babalo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Public administration -- Planning , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8989 , vital:26453
- Description: The aim of the study is to investigate effective strategies and processes for public participation in the IDP process in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. A qualitative study was undertaken and literature review on public participation in terms of the Integrated Development Planning was conducted. Relevant secondary data was sourced and structured interviews were conducted with three (3) ward councillors in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipal. Focus group interviews were also conducted with ward committee members from three (3) wards in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The findings of this research indicate that ward councilors have limited information on administrative processes. This could lead to ward councillors not be able to provide feedback on various service delivery issues and the progress of the municipal projects. Also ward councillors may not be able to influence public participation if they do not understand their role in administrative processes such as monitoring implementation of council decisions and policies. Ward councillors have no influence on the Integrated Development Planning especially the cost and budget estimates for municipal projects which are intended to benefit the members of the community. On the basis of the key findings, recommendations were made that ward committees should be empowered to deal with the complex developments in the Integrated Development Planning process and ward councillors should play a leading role in the Integrated Development Planning process.
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- Date Issued: 2015
Improving integrated waste management with community education programmes : the case of New Brighton in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Adams, Bulelwa Avril
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Integrated solid waste management -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Community development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Salvage (Waste, etc.) -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8323 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020161
- Description: Municipal solid waste management is gradually becoming a major challenge that is confronting governments in all spheres. This can be attributed to urbanisation and startling population escalation. Each and every member in a community is a contributor to this dilemma and a generator of waste. The essence of this study is to investigate whether the utilisation of education programmes can assist to improve how communities handle and dispose their household waste and its contribution to the effectiveness of the integrated solid waste management system for the New Brighton Township in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. A theoretical framework is developed using the systems theory in trying to address the challenge. The study used the qualitative research method. Data were gathered using questionnaires and face-to face interviews. The empirical survey was employed for the purposes of the study and the interpretation of the research findings were analysed and described. As a metropolitan municipality, it is envisaged that this research will assist the NMBM, to identify how to manage solid waste efficiently and effectively and thus enhancing service delivery that will ensure communities of their well-being and dignity. Various recommendations are presented, based on the findings of the study. It is hoped that these recommendations If are adopted, the NMBM will be able to deal more effectively and efficiently with the challenges that the NMBM is faced with in dealing with waste management issues thereby enabling the NMBM to deliver the most basic need to the communities of the New Brighton Townships.
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- Date Issued: 2015
The assessment of the involvement of parents in imparting HIV/AIDS related information to their adolescents
- Authors: Lekonyana, Montseng Priscilla
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Sex instruction for youth , Sexually transmitted diseases -- Study and teaching , HIV infections -- Prevention , Parent and teenager
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3225 , vital:20413
- Description: Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is rapidly spreading in the whole world and many adolescents start relationships at a younger age without knowing the danger of the sexually transmitted diseases. Parents should involve themselves in imparting knowledge about HIV/AIDS related information. It is imperative that parents and adolescents should have that relationship of discussing about the dangers of HIV/ AIDS. Adolescents should be taught about the importance of relationships and how to protect themselves against the dreaded disease. The research took the form of a qualitative interpretive case study focusing on a study sample of twenty parents and twelve members of a focus group. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, document analysis and observations. The study examined the hidden issues or underlying the involvement of parents in imparting HIV/AIDS related information to their adolescents. The study revealed that many parents are aware of the pandemic and they felt it is imperative to discuss with their adolescents. Family life education is very much important even if their adolescents are taught about the HIV/AIDS related information at schools. Government is also involved in ensuring that there are preventative measures against the killer disease. This should be a collective effort by both the parents and teachers. The study further recommends the establishment of a library in order to enhance the literacy levels of parents and educators. It will be very much significant to educate or train the trainers in order to educate even our future generation. HIV/AIDS is incurable, therefore, it is imperative for the Department of education to ensure the literacy levels so that even the department of Health contributes its information to inform everybody about the danger of incurable diseases more specifically HIV/AIDS.
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- Date Issued: 2015
The health and injury risks faced by emergency medical workers in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Yeki, Zandisile Rupert
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Emergency medical personnel -- Safety measures , Industrial safety -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4561 , vital:20617
- Description: This study investigated the health and injury risks faced by emergency medical workers in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. The aim of the study was to establish the emergency worker`s awareness, level of knowledge and attitude to practices of health and safety issues. The study sample consisted of eighty (80) emergency medical workers stationed in Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage. A self- administered questionnaire was developed and used in an empirical survey to collect data from the respondents on information such as health and safety knowledge, behavior, experiences, attitudes, beliefs and opinions in their workplace. The results of the study indicated that 90% of the workers experienced all occupational hazards identified in the questionnaire. Percutaneous injuries were found to be at 48%, PTSD was rated at 40% due to horrific accidents and incidents complicated by violent threats and armed robberies with emergency workers being victims. Musculoskeletal injuries were found to be very common. Ordinary stress was caused by dissatisfaction over human resources issues and structural changes by the management internally. The findings revealed that some workers took incapacity leave for long periods, sometimes more than three years at a time. The emergency workers are at high risk of being infected by ordinary TB or the more complex type, the DR-TB in their line of duty. The study revealed that there were no health and safety structures in the institution; as a result there was no formal documenting and identification of hazards in order to implement measures to protect the workers from future incidences. Health related absenteeism was high when employees were exposed to such hazards and replacement of skill was not implemented. The main recommendations included wearing of personal protective equipment, safe disposal of sharps objects, guidelines for lifting objects, introduction of organizational safety culture and safe transportation of PTB patients.
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- Date Issued: 2015