BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) is the leading cause of neonatal infections and deaths in human. It can also cause infections in pregnant women and non-pregnant adults. Penicillin and ampicillin are antibiotics of choice for the treatment of GBS infections. Erythromycin and clindamycin are used as alternative therapy in penicillin allergic patients, however resistance to these agents has been increasingly observed. This present study was undertaken to determine the colonization rate of GBS, susceptibility profile and the mechanism of antibiotic resistance in pregnant women and their babies at Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital in Pretoria. METHODS: Rectal and vaginal swabs were collected from pregnant women; ear and umbilical swabs from newborns over an 11 month period. Samples were cultured on selective media (CNA agar and Todd-Hewitt broth) and GBS positively identified using morphological and biochemical tests including Gram staining, hemolytic activity, catalase test, bile esculin, CAMP test and Latex agglutination test. The susceptibility testing was done using the Kirby-Bauer and E-test methods. The D-test method was used to determine the inducible clindamycin resistance. Multiplex PCR with were used to detect different genes coding for resistance. RESULTS: Out of the 413 patients evaluated, 128 (30.9%) were positive with GBS. All isolates were sensitive to penicillin and ampicillin. Erythromycin and clindamycin resistance was 21.1% and 17.2% respectively; of which 69% harbouring constitutive MLBB, 17.4% inducible MLSB. The alteration of ribosomal target encoded by ermB genes was the commonest mechanism of resistance observed in 55% of isolates, 38% of isolates had both ermB and linB genes and efflux pump mediated by mefA genes was detected in one of isolates. Conclusion: This study reaffirms the appropriateness of penicillin as the antibiotic of choice for treating GBS infection. However it raises the challenges of resistance to the macrolides and lincosamides. More GBS treatment options for penicillin allergic patients need to be researched. / Health Studies / M.Sc. (Life Sciences (Microbiology))

The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences and perspectives of the users of the services of the Restorative Justice Centre in Pretoria. A phenomenological study was conducted to gain insight in the participants experiences and perspectives of the the services rendered. Data collection was done using indepth interviews with a sample population of girls who were victims of sexual abuse and their caregivers. The reseacher made use of Colaizze (1978) data analysis approach following the transcription of audio recorded information.The study found that first time contact can be a daunting experience for victims, which touches on complex issues like discomfort, fear, cultural barriers and timing. Generally, clients were positive about social workers who build up a meaningful relationship based on empathy and respect. However, clients were concerned about unintentional, but insensitive behaviour by practitioners. Services that recognize a client‟s culture and language, as well as context are viewed as empowering. Therefore, restorative justice interventions should be holistic and consider the context in its approaches / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) is the leading cause of neonatal infections and deaths in human. It can also cause infections in pregnant women and non-pregnant adults. Penicillin and ampicillin are antibiotics of choice for the treatment of GBS infections. Erythromycin and clindamycin are used as alternative therapy in penicillin allergic patients, however resistance to these agents has been increasingly observed. This present study was undertaken to determine the colonization rate of GBS, susceptibility profile and the mechanism of antibiotic resistance in pregnant women and their babies at Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital in Pretoria. METHODS: Rectal and vaginal swabs were collected from pregnant women; ear and umbilical swabs from newborns over an 11 month period. Samples were cultured on selective media (CNA agar and Todd-Hewitt broth) and GBS positively identified using morphological and biochemical tests including Gram staining, hemolytic activity, catalase test, bile esculin, CAMP test and Latex agglutination test. The susceptibility testing was done using the Kirby-Bauer and E-test methods. The D-test method was used to determine the inducible clindamycin resistance. Multiplex PCR with were used to detect different genes coding for resistance. RESULTS: Out of the 413 patients evaluated, 128 (30.9%) were positive with GBS. All isolates were sensitive to penicillin and ampicillin. Erythromycin and clindamycin resistance was 21.1% and 17.2% respectively; of which 69% harbouring constitutive MLBB, 17.4% inducible MLSB. The alteration of ribosomal target encoded by ermB genes was the commonest mechanism of resistance observed in 55% of isolates, 38% of isolates had both ermB and linB genes and efflux pump mediated by mefA genes was detected in one of isolates. Conclusion: This study reaffirms the appropriateness of penicillin as the antibiotic of choice for treating GBS infection. However it raises the challenges of resistance to the macrolides and lincosamides. More GBS treatment options for penicillin allergic patients need to be researched. / Health Studies / M. Sc. (Life Sciences (Microbiology))

The Rivonia treason trial started on October 9, 1963, the same day that former Cape Town coloured singer Danny Williams made front page headlines by marrying a white girl in London. Those were the days when apartheid, not as “reformed” as it is today, was rigorously applied by the National Party government. Love, sex and marriage across the colour line were forbidden. Crooner Williams, 31, then riding the crest of the pop wave with his ballad “Moon River”, took his vows with Bobbi Carole, who married him against the wishes of her parents. Williams, fearing persecution, told an interviewer he would not be welcome in South Africa again. But most prominent by far on the front page that day was the Rivonia treason trial. A report from Pretoria — following the style of the times — said: “Eleven men — four whites, one Indian and six Natives — went on trial in the Supreme Court here today before Mr Justice Quartus de Wet (Judge President of the Transvaal) on charges of sabotage and of offences under the Suppression of Communism Act and of contravening the Criminal Law Amendment Act.” / Supplement to The Argus, Wednesday February 7 1990 / Exclusive Part 2

Thesis (MTech. degree in Architecture (Applied Design))--Tshwane University of Technology, 2010. / The issues of concern addressed by this proposal are as follows: Firstly, inclusive housing that affords people from all walks of life the opportunity to partake in and benefit from urban living. Secondly, identification and incorporation of socioeconomic patterns that promote unbound social interaction with the people of Sunnyside and serve as an activity hub alongside the regenerated Walker Spruit. The third issue is the promotion of living that is energy saving. The fourth issue entails the urban regeneration of Walker Spruit. The argument is that housing typologies adjusted to utilising emerging socio-economic activities will mitigate the housing and energy crises and in turn contribute to a more inclusive South African City that will shake off the shadow of a derived past. The site is situated on Bourke Street, adjacent to Walker Spruit.

Thesis (MTech. degree in Architecture (Applied design))--Tshwane University of Technology, 2010. / This dissertation presents plans for a skills development centre in Sunnyside, Pretoria to empower people with skills, enabling them to secure employment. The site is located on Jeppe Street, between Park Street and Esselen Street.

The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences and perspectives of the users of the services of the Restorative Justice Centre in Pretoria. A phenomenological study was conducted to gain insight in the participants experiences and perspectives of the the services rendered. Data collection was done using indepth interviews with a sample population of girls who were victims of sexual abuse and their caregivers. The reseacher made use of Colaizze (1978) data analysis approach following the transcription of audio recorded information.The study found that first time contact can be a daunting experience for victims, which touches on complex issues like discomfort, fear, cultural barriers and timing. Generally, clients were positive about social workers who build up a meaningful relationship based on empathy and respect. However, clients were concerned about unintentional, but insensitive behaviour by practitioners. Services that recognize a client‟s culture and language, as well as context are viewed as empowering. Therefore, restorative justice interventions should be holistic and consider the context in its approaches / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

Various potential modes of interpreting the urban space in the inner city of Pretoria is evaluated in this study with the purpose of expanding discourse around spatial production in the city. Production of meaning through formal and structural means produced a city that served as administrative capital and ideological base for Afrikaners until the arrival of a democracy in 1994. The contemporary urban space is produced by people through everyday life, as theorised by Henry Lefebvre, rather than through formal means such as name changes. This study evaluates the way that identity and belonging is created by referring to everyday life practices, rhythmanalysis and daily activities as performances. Urban space is evaluated from a phenomenological perspective through the eyes of an artist and resident and expressed in an art exhibition. The way artists Julie Mehretu and Franz Ackermann dealt with urban space in their art is also referenced. / Art History, Visual Arts & Musicology / Master of Visual Arts

The researcher conducted a qualitative study to determine the relationship between Local Government and the welfare organizations in the Eersterust community. In the previous political dispensation Eersterust was a community that was disadvantaged in terms of services by Local Government. Although Local Government is now tasked with a social development responsibility, its role regarding welfare organizations still does not go beyond rendering basic services, such as making premises and recreational facilities available. The research findings indicated that there is no clarity on the relationship; welfare organizations are uncertain of what is expected of them by Local Government and what they can expect from Local Government. / Health Studies / M.A.(Social Science (Mental Health))

The persistence and enormity of the housing backlog facing the poorest of the poor is an indication of the gravity of the housing crisis in Gauteng. The challenge exists despite government efforts to provide low-cost housing and formalize informal settlements. Against the background of this persistent need, this study investigates the City of Tshwane Municipality’s response to informal settlements in Mamelodi Phase 3, Gauteng. Participants from Mamelodi Phase 3 and officials from the City of Tshwane Municipality were purposively sampled. Research findings indicated that informal settlements in Mamelodi are caused by various factors, which include movement from rural to urban areas, movement from other provinces to Gauteng and natural population growth. Furthermore, the persistence of the informal settlements is caused by poverty. Most people continue to live in informal settlements since they cannot access financial assistance from the banks as per the National Credit Regulation (NCR). Corruption is also a formidable problem as some informal settlement dwellers alleged that officials of the City of Tshwane Municipality allocated houses in contravention of set procedures. This research shows that the City of Tshwane’s informal upgrading policies have failed in terms of providing adequate housing. Further, the housing policy has not succeeded in creating long-term sustainability in the delivery of low-cost housing to deal with the problems of the informal settlements. Although the City of Tshwane has implemented the Re aga Tshwane, which involves a wide range of policies, programmes and strategies to address the developmental challenges facing dwellers in informal settlements, more is required. On this basis, it is recommended that proper consultation with the community should be held to improve the lives of people in informal settlements in line with Section 26 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996), regarding every person’s right to have access to adequate housing. / Public Administration and Management / M.B.A. (Public Administration)