Proefschrift Universiteit van Amsterdam. / Met lit.opg. - Met samenvattingen in het Spaans en Nederlands.

Invasive Prosopis trees pose significant threats to biodiversity and ecosystem services in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. Several estimates have been made of the spatial extent of alien plant invasion in South Africa. The South African Plant Invaders Atlas (SAPIA) suggested that about 10 million hectares of South Africa has been invaded. However, the rate and spatial extent of Prosopis invasion has never been accurately quantified. The objective of the study is to use Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques to: (i) reveal areas susceptible to future invasion, (ii) describe the current extent and densities of Prosopis, (iii) to reveal the spatial dynamics and (iv) establish the extent of fragmentation of the natural vegetation in the Northern Cape Province. Image classification products were generated using spectral analysis of seasonal profiles, various resolution image inputs, spectral indices and ancillary data. Classification approaches varied by scene and spatial resolution as well as application of the data. Coarse resolution imagery and field data were used to create a probability map estimating the area vulnerable to Prosopis invasion using relationships between actual Prosopis occurrence, spectral response, soils and terrain unit. Multi-temporal Landsat images and a 500m x 500m point grid enabled vector analysis and statistical data to quantify the change in distribution and density as well as the spatial dynamics of Prosopis since 1974. Fragmentation and change of natural vegetation was quantified using a combined cover density class, calculating patch density per unit (ha) for each biome The extent of Prosopis cover in the Northern Cape Province reached 1.473 million hectare or 4% of the total land area during 2007. The ability of the above mentioned Remote Sensing and GIS techniques to map the extent and densities of Prosopis in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa demonstrated a high degree of accuracy (72%). While neither the image classification nor the probability map can be considered as 100% accurate representations of Prosopis density and distribution, the products provide use full information on Prosopis distribution and are a first step towards generating more accurate products. For primary invasion management, these products and the association of a small area on a map with Prosopis plants and patches, mean that the management effort and resources are efficiently focused. Further studies using hyper-spectral image analysis are recommended to improve the classification accuracy of the spatial extent and density classes obtained in this study. / Thesis (M. Environmental Science)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

Invasive Prosopis trees pose significant threats to biodiversity and ecosystem services in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. Several estimates have been made of the spatial extent of alien plant invasion in South Africa. The South African Plant Invaders Atlas (SAPIA) suggested that about 10 million hectares of South Africa has been invaded. However, the rate and spatial extent of Prosopis invasion has never been accurately quantified. The objective of the study is to use Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques to: (i) reveal areas susceptible to future invasion, (ii) describe the current extent and densities of Prosopis, (iii) to reveal the spatial dynamics and (iv) establish the extent of fragmentation of the natural vegetation in the Northern Cape Province. Image classification products were generated using spectral analysis of seasonal profiles, various resolution image inputs, spectral indices and ancillary data. Classification approaches varied by scene and spatial resolution as well as application of the data. Coarse resolution imagery and field data were used to create a probability map estimating the area vulnerable to Prosopis invasion using relationships between actual Prosopis occurrence, spectral response, soils and terrain unit. Multi-temporal Landsat images and a 500m x 500m point grid enabled vector analysis and statistical data to quantify the change in distribution and density as well as the spatial dynamics of Prosopis since 1974. Fragmentation and change of natural vegetation was quantified using a combined cover density class, calculating patch density per unit (ha) for each biome The extent of Prosopis cover in the Northern Cape Province reached 1.473 million hectare or 4% of the total land area during 2007. The ability of the above mentioned Remote Sensing and GIS techniques to map the extent and densities of Prosopis in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa demonstrated a high degree of accuracy (72%). While neither the image classification nor the probability map can be considered as 100% accurate representations of Prosopis density and distribution, the products provide use full information on Prosopis distribution and are a first step towards generating more accurate products. For primary invasion management, these products and the association of a small area on a map with Prosopis plants and patches, mean that the management effort and resources are efficiently focused. Further studies using hyper-spectral image analysis are recommended to improve the classification accuracy of the spatial extent and density classes obtained in this study. / Thesis (M. Environmental Science)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

In a well-functioning medicine supply chain management system, procurement forms an integral part that needs to be closely monitored and integrated with other functions. Good procurement practices in the public health sector ensure that good quality efficacious medicines are distributed in the country in the right quantities and at reasonable costs. Pharmaceutical procurement is a major determinant of drug availability and total health costs. It is indicated that medicine expenditure represents the single largest expenditure after salaries and accounts for approximately 20 to 40% of the total healthcare budget, and up to 90% of household budgets in the Sub-Saharan region (MSH, 2012:1). Moreover, effective and efficient public sector procurement systems are essential for the achievement of millennium development goals and the promotion of sustainable development (WHO, 2011:2). The general aim of the study was to evaluate the current status of procurement and supply chain management systems in the public healthcare hospitals in Lesotho. The study set out to understand the policies, guidelines and practices governing medicine procurement in the public hospitals in Lesotho, and also to outline the impact of procurement activities on the overall operation and effectiveness of the healthcare services. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted, focusing on all levels of medicine procurement and supply management systems in all public hospitals in Lesotho. The study period stretched over nine months, from January 2014 to September 2014. The study population was inclusive of 17 public healthcare hospitals in the country and the central medical store (CMS). The findings revealed that all hospitals studied (n=17) perform the functions of selection, procurement, quantification, ordering, inventory management, distribution as well as utilisation. Although an essential medicine list (EML) and standard treatment guidelines (STGs) are available for use, public hospitals do not adhere to the use of EML and STGs for medicine procurement (n=17). Therefore, procurement is not limited to medicines on the EML, it is based on the intensity of healthcare services provided, and public hospitals often request medicines that do not occur on the EML, but are necessary to address the different diseases and public health priorities in respective facilities. According to the Ministry of Health, all public facilities are mandated to procure medicines from the CMS. Public hospitals use their allocated funds for medicine to buy from the CMS, which will, in turn, procure medicines on behalf of the government and distribute to the hospitals as per request, since procurement is pooled at a central level (MOH, 2011:62). However, it was observed that only government facilities (n=11) procure medicines from the CMS only. Facilities that are owned by the Christian health association of Lesotho (CHAL) procure medicines from other places concurrently (n=6). Moreover, CHAL hospitals (n=6) indicated that they are not fully mandated to procure medicines only from the CMS; they can also procure from other agencies based on stock-outs at the CMS, price differences and urgency of obtaining the medicines required. Therefore, procurement practices at government and CHAL hospitals are not similar. The total expenditure on medicines for government hospitals was 7 088 754.50 Maloti and 121 338 713.05 Maloti in the years 2010/2011 and 2011/2012, respectively. The total expenditure for CHAL hospitals was 2 520 590 Maloti and 3 577 360 Maloti in 2010/2011 and 2011/2012, respectively. According to the findings, variance of budget and expenditure for government hospitals were 15 623 446.50 Maloti in 2010/2011 and 9 490 341.22 Maloti in 2011/2012. Variance of the budget and expenditure for CHAL Hospitals were 912 570 million Maloti in 2010/2011 and 922 640 million Maloti in 2011/2012. Most hospitals showed a variance of above 50% in 2010/2011. However, in 2011/2012, a shift pattern was observed indicating an improvement in the utilisation of funds allocated. This shift pattern may indicate a possible improvement in procurement practices, including the quantification and budgeting and commitment to procurement plans. Pharmaceutical management systems require sound policies and a legal framework that will provide a solid foundation for the systems. It is equally important that these policies and regulations are periodically updated to ensure that they address the current health situation in the country and are in line with international standards (MSH, 2012:4). However, some documents are very outdated, and therefore they do not reflect the current health situation in the country as well as procurement trends internationally, and these include national medicine policy, EML and STGs. In conclusion, the medicine procurement system in public hospitals should be strengthened and should incorporate continuous supportive supervision in order to facilitate and encourage adherence to good procurement practices, and therefore the constant availability of good quality, cost-effective essential medicines in the country. / MPharm (Pharmacy Practice), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

In a well-functioning medicine supply chain management system, procurement forms an integral part that needs to be closely monitored and integrated with other functions. Good procurement practices in the public health sector ensure that good quality efficacious medicines are distributed in the country in the right quantities and at reasonable costs. Pharmaceutical procurement is a major determinant of drug availability and total health costs. It is indicated that medicine expenditure represents the single largest expenditure after salaries and accounts for approximately 20 to 40% of the total healthcare budget, and up to 90% of household budgets in the Sub-Saharan region (MSH, 2012:1). Moreover, effective and efficient public sector procurement systems are essential for the achievement of millennium development goals and the promotion of sustainable development (WHO, 2011:2). The general aim of the study was to evaluate the current status of procurement and supply chain management systems in the public healthcare hospitals in Lesotho. The study set out to understand the policies, guidelines and practices governing medicine procurement in the public hospitals in Lesotho, and also to outline the impact of procurement activities on the overall operation and effectiveness of the healthcare services. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted, focusing on all levels of medicine procurement and supply management systems in all public hospitals in Lesotho. The study period stretched over nine months, from January 2014 to September 2014. The study population was inclusive of 17 public healthcare hospitals in the country and the central medical store (CMS). The findings revealed that all hospitals studied (n=17) perform the functions of selection, procurement, quantification, ordering, inventory management, distribution as well as utilisation. Although an essential medicine list (EML) and standard treatment guidelines (STGs) are available for use, public hospitals do not adhere to the use of EML and STGs for medicine procurement (n=17). Therefore, procurement is not limited to medicines on the EML, it is based on the intensity of healthcare services provided, and public hospitals often request medicines that do not occur on the EML, but are necessary to address the different diseases and public health priorities in respective facilities. According to the Ministry of Health, all public facilities are mandated to procure medicines from the CMS. Public hospitals use their allocated funds for medicine to buy from the CMS, which will, in turn, procure medicines on behalf of the government and distribute to the hospitals as per request, since procurement is pooled at a central level (MOH, 2011:62). However, it was observed that only government facilities (n=11) procure medicines from the CMS only. Facilities that are owned by the Christian health association of Lesotho (CHAL) procure medicines from other places concurrently (n=6). Moreover, CHAL hospitals (n=6) indicated that they are not fully mandated to procure medicines only from the CMS; they can also procure from other agencies based on stock-outs at the CMS, price differences and urgency of obtaining the medicines required. Therefore, procurement practices at government and CHAL hospitals are not similar. The total expenditure on medicines for government hospitals was 7 088 754.50 Maloti and 121 338 713.05 Maloti in the years 2010/2011 and 2011/2012, respectively. The total expenditure for CHAL hospitals was 2 520 590 Maloti and 3 577 360 Maloti in 2010/2011 and 2011/2012, respectively. According to the findings, variance of budget and expenditure for government hospitals were 15 623 446.50 Maloti in 2010/2011 and 9 490 341.22 Maloti in 2011/2012. Variance of the budget and expenditure for CHAL Hospitals were 912 570 million Maloti in 2010/2011 and 922 640 million Maloti in 2011/2012. Most hospitals showed a variance of above 50% in 2010/2011. However, in 2011/2012, a shift pattern was observed indicating an improvement in the utilisation of funds allocated. This shift pattern may indicate a possible improvement in procurement practices, including the quantification and budgeting and commitment to procurement plans. Pharmaceutical management systems require sound policies and a legal framework that will provide a solid foundation for the systems. It is equally important that these policies and regulations are periodically updated to ensure that they address the current health situation in the country and are in line with international standards (MSH, 2012:4). However, some documents are very outdated, and therefore they do not reflect the current health situation in the country as well as procurement trends internationally, and these include national medicine policy, EML and STGs. In conclusion, the medicine procurement system in public hospitals should be strengthened and should incorporate continuous supportive supervision in order to facilitate and encourage adherence to good procurement practices, and therefore the constant availability of good quality, cost-effective essential medicines in the country. / MPharm (Pharmacy Practice), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Abstracts in English, Afrikaans and Venda / The purpose of this study was to assess the diversity of epiphytic lichens growing on Acacia karroo, A. caffra and Jacaranda mimosifolia trees in Pretoria, and to investigate the influence of air pollution, land use, altitude and climate on lichen diversity. Lichen diversity was first studied at 12 sampling sites under different land use types (high traffic areas, residential areas and industrial areas) and in protected areas (open-air museums and nature reserves). The “European guidelines for monitoring lichen diversity as an indicator of environmental stress” were then tested in 29 sites using the same tree species and under two main land use types (“Industrial areas and busy roads” and “Parks and nature reserves”). Lichen Diversity Values (LDVs) were calculated for 164 trees. Correlations of LDVs and single lichen species with environmental parameters were studied by descriptive statistics, univariate analysis, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Generalized Linear Models (GLM). A naturality/alteration interpretative scale based on the percentile deviation of LDVs from natural conditions was developed for the first time in South Africa. Altogether 25 taxa, predominantly foliose and subtropical to tropical species, were recorded and are reported with their ecology and distribution. An identification key was developed for easy identification of species in the field. The highest lichen diversity was found in protected areas. The LDVs of Jacaranda are lower than values for both Acacia species. “Parks and nature reserves” have significantly higher LDVs than “industrial areas and busy roads”, as demonstrated by the PCA. The GLM models were significant for LDV and some lichen species. Sampling sites in industrial areas and the proximity of busy roads are negatively related to LDV and with the frequency of many lichen species. Higher atmospheric concentrations of NOx were negatively related to LDV and to the frequency of the species Candelaria concolor, Lepraria spp. and Pyxine cocoes. Culbersonia nubila and Lepraria spp. were respectively positively and negatively correlated with atmospheric SO2. The intensity of land use appears to have a negative impact on lichen diversity. In conclusion, lichens respond well to human disturbances in Pretoria and can be used as bioindicators of naturality/alteration. The European standardised monitoring method can be applied to estimate the degree of environmental alteration in South Africa, by adopting a stratified random sampling and a more flexible strategy for tree selection. / Die doel van hierdie studie is om die diversiteit van die epifitiese ligene op Acacia Karoo, A. caffra en Jacaranda mimosifolia bome in Pretoria te bepaal, en die uitwerking van lugbesoedeling, grondgebruik, hoogte en klimaat op die ligeendiversiteit te ondersoek. Die ligeendiversiteit is by 12 monsterneemterreine bestudeer. Sommige terreine het op grond met uiteenlopende gebruike (drukverkeergebiede, woongebiede en nywerheidsgebiede) en ander in beskermende gebiede (opelugmuseums en natuurreservate) voorgekom. Die “Europese riglyne vir die monitering van ligeendiversiteit as aanduiding van omgewingstres” is telkens by dieselfde boomspesies op 29 terreine gevolg. Die hoofsoorte grondgebruik van hierdie terreine was “nywerheidsgebiede en besige paaie” en “parke en natuurreservate”. Die ligeendiversiteitswaardes (LDW’s) van 164 bome is bereken. Die korrelasies tussen LDW’s, enkelligeenspesies en omgewingsparameters is aan die hand van beskrywende statistiek, eenveranderlikeontleding, ʼn hoofkomponentanalise (HKA) en veralgemeende lineêre modelle (VLM’s) bestudeer. ʼn Verklarende naturaliteit-/wysigingskaal wat op die persentielafwyking van LDW’s in natuurlike omstandighede berus, is vir die eerste keer in Suid-Afrika ontwikkel. Altesame 25 taksa, oorwegend digblarige en subtropiese tot tropiese boomspesies, tesame met die ekologie en verspreiding van elk, is geboekstaaf. ʼn Kensleutel waarmee spesies maklik in die veld uitgeken kan word, is ontwikkel. Die grootste ligeendiversiteit het in beskermde gebiede voorgekom. Die LDW’s van Jacaranda was laer as dié van die twee Acacia-spesies. Volgens die HKA het “parke en natuurreservate” beduidend hoër LDW’s as “nywerheidsgebiede en besige paaie” gehad. Die VLM’s vir LDW en sommige ligeenspesies was veelseggend. In nywerheidsgebiede en naby besige paaie was die LDW en die voorkoms van verskeie ligeenspesies laag. ʼn Hoë konsentrasie van NOx het ʼn negatiewe verband getoon met die LDW en die voorkoms van die spesies Candelaria concolor, Lepraria spp. en Pyxine cocoes. Daarteenoor het Culbersonia nubila en Lepraria spp. onderskeidelik positief en negatief met atmosferiese SO2 gekorreleer. Die intensiteit van grondgebruik benadeel blykbaar ligeendiversiteit. Ten slotte reageer ligene goed op menslike versteurings in Pretoria. Hulle kan as bioaanwysers van naturaliteit/wysiging gebruik word. Die gestandaardiseerde Europese moniteringsmetode kan toegepas word om die mate van omgewingswysiging in Suid-Afrika te skat deur gestratifiseerde, ewekansige steekproewe te neem en ʼn buigsame strategie in boomkeuring te volg. / Ndivho ya ngudo idzi ho vha u ela ha phambano ya nzulatshinya dza epiphytic lichens dzi aluwaho kha Muunga wa Sogani, Caffra na Muṱonḓowa wa Piṱori, u sedzulusa ṱhuṱhuwedzo ya tshikafhadzo, u shumiswa ha mavu, vhunṱha na kilima kha u fhambana ha nzulatshinya. Phambano ya nzulatshinya yo thoma u gudiwa kha saithi dza 12 dza sambula nga fhasi ha tshaka dzo fhambanaho dza tshumiso ya mavu (vhupo ha vhuendi, vhupo ha vhudzulo na vhupo ha dzifeme) na kha vhupo ho tsireledzwaho (miziamu yo vuleaho na kha tsireledzo ya mupo). Nyendedzi dza Yuropa dza u lavhelesa phambano ya nzulatshinya sa tsumbo ya “mutsiko kha mupo” dzo lingiwa kha saithi dza 29 hu tshi khou shumiswa miri ya tshaka dzi fanaho nga fhasi ha tshaka mbili dza ndeme dza tshumiso ya mavu (“vhupo ha dzifemeni na bada dzi re na vhuendi ho tsitsikanaho” na “phakha na fhethu ha tsireledzo ya mupo”). Ndeme dza Phambano ya Nzulatshinya (LDV) dzo rekanywa u itela miri ya 164. U elana ha LDV na tshaka dza nzulatshinya na phimo dza mupo zwo gudiwa nga mbalombalo dza ṱhalutshedzo, musaukanyo nga phambano nga nthihi, Musaukanyo wa Zwipiḓa zwa Ndeme (PCA) na Tshiedziswa Tswititi tsho Angaredzwaho (GLM). Tshikalo tsha ṱhalutshedzo ya tshanduko ya mupo zwo ḓisendeka nga u fhambana ha phesenthe ya LDV u ya kha nyimele ya mupo tsho bveledzwa lwa u thoma kha ḽa Afrika Tshipembe. Zwo ṱangana zwoṱhe, tshaka dza 25, dzine nnzhi dza vha nzulatshinya dza tshaka dza fhasi ha ṱiropika na kha ṱiropika dzo rekhodiwa na u vhigiwa na saintsi ya mupo yadzo ya phaḓaladzo. U topola ha ndeme ho bveledzwa u itela u kona u ḓivha dzitshaka nnḓa. Phambano khulwane ya nzulatshinya yo wanala kha vhupo ho tsireledzeaho. LDV dza muṱonḓowa dzi fhasi kha ndeme u fhira u itela tshaka dza Muunga. “Phakha na fhethu ha tsireledzo ya mupo” hu na LDV dza nṱha u fhira “vhupo ha dzifemeni na bada dzi re na vhuendi vhunzhi”, sa zwe zwa sumbedziswa nga kha PCA. Zwiedziswa zwa GLM zwo vha zwi zwa ndeme u itela LDV na tshaka dza nzulatshinya. Saithi dza tsumbonanguludzwa kha vhupo ha dzifemeni na u vha tsini ha bada dzi re na vhuendi ho tsitsikanaho dzi elana lu sa takadzi na LDV na tshivhalo tsha tshaka nnzhi dza nzulatshinya. Pfutelelo ya nṱha ya dzingamufhe ya NOx yo vha i sa elani zwavhuḓi na LDV na tshivhalo tsha dzitshaka dza Candelaria concolor, Lepraria spp. na Pyxine cocoes. Culbersonia nubila na Lepraria spp. dzo vha dzi tshi livhanywa zwavhuḓi na lu si lwavhuḓi na SO2 ya dzingamufhe. Kushumiselwe kwa mavu ku nga ku na masiandaitwa a si avhuḓi kha mutevhe wa nzulatshinya. Ndi tshi fhedzisa, nzulatshinya dzi fhindula zwavhuḓi u thithiswa nga vhathu Piṱori nahone dzi nga zwisumbedza vhutshilo ha tshanduko/mupo. Ngona ya tshilinganyo ya vhulavhelesi ya Yuropa i nga shumisa u anganyela tshikalo tsha tshanduko dza vhupo kha ḽa Afrika Tshipembe. Nga u dzhia tsumbonanguludzwa dzo dzudzanywaho nga zwigwada zwa tshayandivhiswa na tshiṱirathedzhi tshi shandukiseaho tsha munanguludzo wa miri. / Environmental Sciences / D. Phil. (Environmental Science)

Abstracts in English, Zulu and Afrikaans / Globally, Visitor Information Centres are increasingly recognised touchpoints contributing to the success of tourism destinations. In Gauteng, South Africa, their numbers continue to decline. The service level of these remaining VICs differ across and fall below expectation. Furthermore, most models of operation are obsolete, with these centres having minimal exposure to best practices. Limited research focuses on the supply side, namely the staffing and management of centres. The study focuses on Gauteng VICs and the best practices that could improve future effectiveness. An exploratory design was followed which commenced with a concise review of best practice literature, global case studies and examples on the operation of effective VICs. An empirical study then reported on the opinions of 25 VIC staff and eight managers from eight Gauteng VICs regarding the current situation and future needs. A two-tiered approach was used to gather data via two custom-designed surveys with Gauteng VIC staff and managers respectively. A snowball sample of 25 staff members and a purposive sample of eight key informants were obtained. Data were analysed quantitatively using SPSS and qualitatively using thematic content analysis; and presented in three parts. The literature, the findings and the researcher’s recommendations culminate in a best practice framework for Gauteng VICs. The framework advocates for an integration of traditional and new media services and platforms in the dissemination of tourism information based on the funding available to a particular VIC. It is envisaged that if managers implement the best practice framework, it could avert further decline in the number of VICs. Moreover, it could improve their effectiveness in meeting the needs of the technologically-savvy and the traditional visitor, thereby ushering the Gauteng VICs into the 21st century. / Emhlabeni jikelele, izikhungo zolwazi zabavakashi (VICs) ziya ngokuya ziqashelwa njengamaphuzu okuxhumana abamba iqhaza ekuphumeleleni kwezindawo zezokuvakasha. EGauteng, eNingizimu Afrika inani labo, liyaqhubeka ngokwehla. Amazinga okusebenza kwalokho kwama-VIC asele ahluka ezindaweni zonkana futhi awela ngezansi kokulindelekile. Ngaphezu kwalokho, izinhlobo eziningi zezifanekiso zomsebenzi azisetshenziswa, nalezo zikhungo nokuba nokubanakaliswa okuncane nemikhuba ephambili. Ucwaningo olulinganiselwe lugxile ohlangothini lokunikezela, okuyizikhungo zabasebenzi nokuphathwa. Lolu cwaningo lugxile kuma-VIC aseGauteng kanye nemikhuba ephambili engase ithuthukise ukusebenza ngokuzayo. Umklamo oyisibonelo walandelwa okuyinto eyaqala ngokubuyekeza okufingqiwe okuhamba phambili kwezincwadi, izifundo zomhlaba nezibonelo zokusebenza ngempumelelo kwama-VIC. Ucwaningo lomdlandla lwabika ngemibono yamalungu abasebenzi abangama -25 beVIC nabaphathi abayisishiyagalombili abavela kuma-VIC ayisishiyagalombili aseGauteng mayelana nesimo samanje kanye nezidingo esikhathini esizayo. Izindlela ezimbili zokuhlaziya zasetshenziswa ukuqoqa imininingwane ngokusebenzisa izinhlolovo ezimbili ezenziwe ngokwezifiso nabasebenzi be-VIC eGauteng nabaphathi ngokulandelana Isampula yokudluliselwa (snowball sampling) kwamalungu abasebenzi abangama-25 kanye nesampula yokwahlulela ekhethayo (purposive sampling) yabafundisi abamqoka abayisishiyagalombili yatholakala. Imininingwane yahlaziywa ngokufanelekile kusetshenziswa iSPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) futhi ngokufanelekile kusetshenziswa ukuhlaziywa kwezindikimba okuqukethwe futhi yethulwa izingxenye ezintathu. Imibhalo, okutholakele kanye neziphakamiso zomcwaningi zifinyelele emkhubeni ophezulu wohlaka lwama-VIC aseGauteng. Uhlaka lummela ukuhlanganiswa kwendabuko futhi ukusebenzisa kwezokwazisa ngezinkundla ekusabalalisweni kolwazi lwezokuvakasha kusekelwe ngokuxhaswa ngezimali okutholakala ku-VIC ethile. Kucatshangwa ukuthi uma abaphathi beqalisa umkhuba ophambili wohlaka, kungase kugweme ukwehla okwengeziwe kwenani lama-VIC. Ngaphezu kwalokho, kungase kuthuthukise ukuphumelela kwabo ekuhlangabezaneni nezidingo zobuchwepheshe zokwenza izinqumo ezinhle kanye nesivakashi sendabuko, kanjalo kubonise ama-VIC ku-21st Century. / Besoekersinligtingsentrums word wêreldwyd toenemend erken as kontakpunte (touchpoints) wat tot die sukses van toerismebestemmings bydra. Die aantal besoekersinligtingsentrums in Gauteng, Suid- Afrika, toon ’n afname. Die diensvlakke van die oorblywende sentrums verskil en voldoen nie aan verwagtinge nie. Die bedryfsmodelle van die meeste van hierdie besoekersinligtingsentrums is ook verouderd en die betrokke sentrums het minimale blootstelling aan beste praktyk. Beperkte navorsing fokus op die aanbodkant, dit wil sê, die personeelvoorsiening en bestuur van besoekersinligtingsentrums. Hierdie studie fokus op besoekersinligtingsentrums in Gauteng en die beste praktyke wat hulle doeltreffendheid in die toekoms kan verbeter. Die navorser het ’n verkenningsontwerp gebruik, beginnende met ’n bondige oorsig van literatuur oor beste praktyk, wêreldwye gevallestudies en voorbeelde van die werkswyse van doeltreffende besoekersinligtingsentrums. Die navorser het daarna in ’n empiriese studie verslag oor die menings van 25 personeellede van besoekersinligtingsentrums en 8 bestuurders van 8 besoekersinligtingsentrums in Gauteng rakende die huidige stand en toekomstige behoeftes van die sentrums gelewer. Die navorser het ’n tweevlakkige benadering gevolg om data in te win deur twee aangemete opnames te gebruik om data van onderskeidelik personeellede en bestuurders van besoekersinligtingsentrums in Gauteng te bekom. ’n Sneeubalsteekproef van 25 personeellede en ’n doelbewuste steekproef van 8 sleutelrespondente is bekom. Data is kwantitatief met behulp van die Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) en kwalitatief deur middel van ’n tematiese inhoudsanalise ontleed en in drie dele aangebied. Die literatuur, die bevindings en die navorser se aanbevelings het op ’n raamwerk van bestek praktyk vir Gautengse besoekersinligtingsentrums uitgeloop. Ingevolge hierdie raamwerk moet tradisionele en nuwe mediadienste en -platforms geïntegreer word na gelang van die befondsing wat tot ’n bepaalde besoekersinligtingsentrum se beskikking is. Daar word voorsien dat indien sentrumbestuurders die bestepraktyk-raamwerk implementeer, dit ’n verdere afname in die aantal besoekersinligtingsentrums kan verhoed. Daarbenewens kan die raamwerk lei tot ’n verbetering in Gautengse besoekersinligtingsentrums se vermoë om in die behoeftes van beide tegnologies bedrewe en tradisionele besoekers te voorsien, en sodoende daartoe bydra dat die sentrums by die 21ste eeu aanpas. / Transport Economics, Logistics and Tourism / M. Com. (Tourism Management)