Pharmaceutical care can be defined as “the care that a given patient requires and receives which assures safe and rational drug usage” (Mikael et al., 1975:567). The supply of medication is an important link in the health care chain, and the supply of chronic medication specifically was reviewed in this study. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2008d) states that chronic disease and related deaths are increasing in low- and middle-income countries, causing 39% and 72% of all deaths in low- and middle-income countries respectively. The main objective of this study was to investigate the difference between chronic medication prescribing patterns and subsequent claiming patterns for community (retail) and mail order (courier) pharmacies in the South African private health care sector. Computerized claims data for the period 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2010 were extracted from the database of a South African pharmaceutical benefit management company. The chronic database consisted of 6 191 147 prescriptions (N = 17 706 524), 14 045 546 items (N = 42 176 768) at a total cost of R2 126 516 154.00 (N = R4 969 436 580.88). A quantitative, retrospective, cross-sectional drug utilisation review was conducted, and data were analysed using the Statistical Analysis System® programme. Various providers of chronic medication were analysed, namely dispensing doctors, dispensing specialists, courier pharmacies and retail pharmacies. Chronic medication represented 34.97% of all medication prescribed. Retail pharmacies dispensed 79% of this chronic medication (n = 2 441 613 items) and courier pharmacies 19% (n = 610 964 items). Courier pharmacies dispensed 1 147 687 prescriptions containing chronic medication and retail pharmacies dispensed 4 900 282. The average cost per prescription for chronic medication at retail pharmacies was R325.43 ± R425.74 (2009) and R335.10 ± R449.84 (2010), and that of courier pharmacies was R398.56 ± R937.61 in 2009 and R436.57 ± R1199.46 in 2010. The top-five chronic medication groups dispensed by both these pharmacy types were selected according to the number of unique patients utilising these medications for at least four consecutive months. The most utilised chronic medication groups were ACE inhibitors (n = 1 611 432), statins (n = 1 449 732), diuretics (n = 962 670), thyroid medication (n = 885 891) and oral antidiabetics (n = 696 631). The average medication possession ratio for retail pharmacies indicated that, on average, statins, diuretics, thyroid medication and oral antidiabetics were undersupplied by retail pharmacies. Courier pharmacies tended to oversupply more often than retail pharmacies, with the cost of oversupplied medication ranging from 9% to 11% of total courier pharmacy medication costs. The average chronic prescription, item and levy cost did not vary significantly between courier and retail pharmacies. This indicates that the relative cost of acquiring chronic medication is similar at retail and courier pharmacy. The medication possession ratios of the top-five chronic medication groups, however, did differ significantly. In order to choose the most appropriate provider, the medical scheme provider needs to consider the over- and undersupply of medication. Oversupply may lead to unnecessary costs whilst undersupply may lead to future noncompliance and associated health problems. The costs associated with undersupply of medication in the South African health care sector need further investigation. / PhD (Pharmacy Practice), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The promotion of sustainable development is an objective shared by African Union (AU) member states and the pursuance thereof is expressly mandated by the Constitutive Act of the African Union, 2000 and the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community, 1992. Lack of access to modern energy sources, such as electricity and the heavy reliance on traditional biomass as primary energy source are factors contributing to the non-achievement of the promotion of sustainable development. These factors are collectively referred to as energy poverty. The African Continent as a whole has limited, and in some instances, lack access to modern energy sources while the majority of its population relies heavily on traditional biomass as primary energy source. Africa can accordingly be classified as an energy poor region–a situation which does not bode well for the promotion of sustainable development. Access to reliable, affordable, economically viable, socially acceptable and environmentally sound energy services and resources is fundamental to socio-economic development. Mitigating the impacts of energy poverty and more specifically lack of access to modern energy sources on the sustainable development of Africa depends upon ensuring increased access to modern energy sources. The above-mentioned instruments furthermore contain provisions which link regional cooperation on the formulation of coordinated regional law and policy on areas/matters of common concern with the achievement of the objective of promoting sustainable development in Africa. One of the areas of common concerns listed is that of energy. Regional cooperation must accordingly be geared towards the effective development of the continent‘s energy and natural resources; promoting the development of new and renewable energy in the framework of the policy of diversification of sources of energy; and establishing an adequate mechanism of concerted action and coordination for the collective solution of the energy development problems within the AU. The formulation of coordinated energy law and policy should take place with reference to the specific sources of energy to be regulated. In this regard, the provisions of the Abuja Treaty and other sub-regional energy access initiatives list various sources of energy as forming part of a diversified AU energy mix – one of which is nuclear energy. In this study recommendations are made as to what should be embodied in a coordinated AU regional nuclear legal framework aimed at regulating increased access to nuclear energy capable of contributing towards the promotion of sustainable development. The recommendations are based on an examination of relevant international, regional and sub-regional legal instruments and other initiatives. / PhD (Law), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The history of the mining industry indicates a lack of understanding among the decision-makers of the impact the closure of mines has on the industry and the associated effects on the society and surrounding environment. The policies of the mining industry do make provision for a planned mine closure, but not for an unexpected closure. This detrimental aspect of closures in the mining industry is highlighted in the present study. The present study investigates how mineworkers’ dependency on their employment at a mine affects their ability to sustain their livelihoods. Vulnerable livelihoods leave the community at a greater risk to be affected by a disaster, than the livelihoods of a community that is resilient and has sustainable resources. Even though mineworkers are not considered as poor at the time of their employment, a mine closure could render them into a status called ‘transitional poverty’. This study also highlights that mineworkers who are skilled for mining operations only do not overcome the status of ‘transitional poverty’ and hence enter a phase called ‘chronic poverty’. This stage constitutes their inability to negotiate livelihood strategies and livelihood outcomes that could sustain a household. Thus humanitarian assistance would be needed from outside sources. Planning for unexpected mine closures should also be on the agenda of the mining industry due to the extreme consequences such an event holds for the mining community experiencing the event. In the case under investigation, the unexpected mine closures occurred in the Grootvlei mine in Springs and the Orkney mine owned by the Aurora Empowerment Systems Ltd. at the time of this study. These closures left the surrounding communities in need of food, shelter and clean water. The inhabitants gradually lost their livelihood assets. A contingency planning model is proposed at the end of this study to address the short-term and long-term consequences of an unexpected mine closure. / M Development and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Social Impact Assessment (SIA) identifies the intended and unintended impacts that proposed projects or developments are likely to have on a community or individuals and suggest mitigation measures to prevent these impacts and enhance the positive impacts. The main aim of this dissertation is to explore the significance and the status of SIA in a South African context. EIA is currently in its third era of mandatory practice and with an increasing number of SIAs, it is essential that the practice of SIA should be investigated. The aim of this dissertation was firstly reached by exploring the perspectives of SIA practitioners in South Africa through a questionnaire. The practitioners’ perspectives showed that despite distinct weaknesses in the practice of SIA, i.e. the lack of a fixed set of guidelines and a shortage of SIA skill in the practitioner community, SIA practice has improved since 1997 with the promulgation of ECA, although there is still room for improvement. Secondly a quality review was conducted on a sample of SIARs in South Africa using an adapted review package. The results revealed relatively weak report quality compared to EIA report quality, but with an improvement, in report quality since 1997. The quality review findings appear to confirm the perspectives of the practitioners regarding the state of SIA practice in South Africa. Despite the weaknesses in the SIA process, it appears that the SIA practitioner community is driven by best practice considerations, and that SIA practice is in line with international trends. It appears therefore that despite the observed weaknesses, SIA practice in South Africa is relatively healthy. It is recommended that instead of seeking to strengthen SIA practice by means of regulation and guidelines, SIA practitioners should rather ensure that SIA delivers what it is intended to deliver by ongoing pursuance of best practice, and by improved training and skills development. / Thesis (MSc (Geography and Environmental Studies))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

India is fast becoming one of the largest economies worldwide, with expectations of becoming the second largest economy by 2050. The growth this country is demonstrating is accompanied by integration with other economies with active engagement in trade and investment in the world economy. Analysts and researchers strive to understand the possible effects of the rise of India on the global economy. The influence of India’s rise on Africa is an arguable topic. The Indo-Africa relationship has a strong political and socio-economic history. This relationship has undergone some changes since 1990 when India started a new approach that included internationalisation. In the modern economy the trade and investment from India to Africa have illustrated fast growth rates. It is claimed that India’s main interest in Africa is to gain access to Africa’s abundant resources with the intention of supporting its economic growth. This creates some concern on the nature of India’s involvement in Africa; whether or not it will increase the development and whether it will put pressure on Africa’s control of its resources. This study focuses on understanding the extent of Indian FDI in Africa and the factors that determine this involvement. Africa is known as the poorest continent worldwide; hence the development should be managed and controlled in order to sustain the growth. The flows of FDI to this continent can provide some advantages that include growth and development, while FDI can also prompt some disadvantages such as resource extraction. Profiling the determinants of Indian FDI in Africa provides an understanding of the influence India may have on Africa. Profiling the determinants of Indian FDI in Africa is done by means of a literature study that identifies the determinants that are applicable to African FDI. These determinants include natural resources, market size, political instability, macro-economic instability, weak policies, inflation, good governance, investment, GDP, growth, openness and oil production. Following the literature study an analysis is done on the trend of FDI worldwide and especially between India and Africa. The overall amount of FDI flows illustrates large increases globally and developed regions account for the majority of FDI flows. The trends of flows illustrate some changes that highlight the prominent role developing countries are starting to play. Africa is classified as a developing region that accounts for a fairly small amount of the total flows to the developing regions. It is noted that Africa’s share is steadily increasing and is expected to keep on rising. Indian FDI to Africa has demonstrated some staggering increases, while India claims to further increase its involvement. India’s FDI mainly flows to the resource sectors such as oil, coal and gas. India also states to expand its FDI involvement into African sectors such as the infrastructure, information technology, computer software, services and telecommunication. Identifying the specific determinants of Indian FDI in Africa is established by estimating models using the Structural Equation Method (SEMs). A combination of a factor analysis and regression analysis is estimated. The specific determinants that influence Indian FDI in Africa include government effectiveness, control of corruption, crude oil price, school enrolment and exports. The level or value of the investments is influenced by the government effectiveness and rule of law. This study concludes that India’s involvement in Africa is increasing. India demonstrates high levels of interest in Africa’s resources, but this is prone to expand across different sectors. / MCom (International Trade), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Pharmaceutical care can be defined as “the care that a given patient requires and receives which assures safe and rational drug usage” (Mikael et al., 1975:567). The supply of medication is an important link in the health care chain, and the supply of chronic medication specifically was reviewed in this study. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2008d) states that chronic disease and related deaths are increasing in low- and middle-income countries, causing 39% and 72% of all deaths in low- and middle-income countries respectively. The main objective of this study was to investigate the difference between chronic medication prescribing patterns and subsequent claiming patterns for community (retail) and mail order (courier) pharmacies in the South African private health care sector. Computerized claims data for the period 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2010 were extracted from the database of a South African pharmaceutical benefit management company. The chronic database consisted of 6 191 147 prescriptions (N = 17 706 524), 14 045 546 items (N = 42 176 768) at a total cost of R2 126 516 154.00 (N = R4 969 436 580.88). A quantitative, retrospective, cross-sectional drug utilisation review was conducted, and data were analysed using the Statistical Analysis System® programme. Various providers of chronic medication were analysed, namely dispensing doctors, dispensing specialists, courier pharmacies and retail pharmacies. Chronic medication represented 34.97% of all medication prescribed. Retail pharmacies dispensed 79% of this chronic medication (n = 2 441 613 items) and courier pharmacies 19% (n = 610 964 items). Courier pharmacies dispensed 1 147 687 prescriptions containing chronic medication and retail pharmacies dispensed 4 900 282. The average cost per prescription for chronic medication at retail pharmacies was R325.43 ± R425.74 (2009) and R335.10 ± R449.84 (2010), and that of courier pharmacies was R398.56 ± R937.61 in 2009 and R436.57 ± R1199.46 in 2010. The top-five chronic medication groups dispensed by both these pharmacy types were selected according to the number of unique patients utilising these medications for at least four consecutive months. The most utilised chronic medication groups were ACE inhibitors (n = 1 611 432), statins (n = 1 449 732), diuretics (n = 962 670), thyroid medication (n = 885 891) and oral antidiabetics (n = 696 631). The average medication possession ratio for retail pharmacies indicated that, on average, statins, diuretics, thyroid medication and oral antidiabetics were undersupplied by retail pharmacies. Courier pharmacies tended to oversupply more often than retail pharmacies, with the cost of oversupplied medication ranging from 9% to 11% of total courier pharmacy medication costs. The average chronic prescription, item and levy cost did not vary significantly between courier and retail pharmacies. This indicates that the relative cost of acquiring chronic medication is similar at retail and courier pharmacy. The medication possession ratios of the top-five chronic medication groups, however, did differ significantly. In order to choose the most appropriate provider, the medical scheme provider needs to consider the over- and undersupply of medication. Oversupply may lead to unnecessary costs whilst undersupply may lead to future noncompliance and associated health problems. The costs associated with undersupply of medication in the South African health care sector need further investigation. / PhD (Pharmacy Practice), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

This study examines human capital constraints in the South African economy, and the austerity these constraints have on firms in the country. The first part of the study identifies the main human capital constraints facing South Africa, and explains how these constraints influence an economy. An inadequately educated workforce along with restrictive labour regulations makes out the central components of these constraints. The second part explores all the relevant constraints individually, and determines the cause of their existence. The final part of this study consists of a firm level analysis that describes human capital constraints experienced by firms in South Africa. Regression analysis examines the determinants of increased output per worker in manufacturing firms. These determinants also indicate the cause of growth in output per worker. Human capital aspects such as education, labour regulation, compensation and competition are all shown to have a considerable influence on output per worker. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) on the explanatory variables achieved similar results. For this analysis, latent variables that incorporated education, training, region and Sector Education Training Authority (SETA) support and effectiveness explained the highest percentage of the total variance. However, this study found no evidence to suggest that human capital development initiatives like training programmes and SETA support have a positive relationship with increased levels of productivity. / Thesis (M.Com. (Economics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

One of the aims included in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals is to decrease the number of the world’s population without access to sanitation and water that is safe, by half by the year 2015. The use of water that is not safe for consumption leads to water–related diseases. For the purpose of this study gastro–intestinal disease was redefined as diseases of the gastro–intestinal tract caused by pathogens that spread via contaminated drinking water, poor sanitation and inadequate hygiene. Information obtained regarding the use of gastro–intestinal disease medication, may provide information about the prevalence of gastro–intestinal disease in South Africa. The general objective of this study was to determine the prescribing patterns of gastro–intestinal medication in different geographical areas in the private health care sector of South Africa. A retrospective drug utilisation review was conducted on data obtained from a medicine claims database of a pharmacy benefit management company for 2007 and 2008. A pharmacoepidemiological approach was followed in order to determine the prevalence of gastro–intestinal disease as well as the use of gastro–intestinal medication in South Africa as well as the different provinces of South Africa. The impact of water quality and sanitation on the prevalence of gastro–intestinal disease was also investigated. Gastro–intestinal medication (used in the treatment of gastro–intestinal disease) included the following pharmacological groups according to the MIMS®–classification: antivertigo and anti–emetic agents (group 1.8), antispasmodics (group 12.3), antidiarrhoeals (group 12.7), minerals and electrolytes (group 20.4, selected according to specified NAPPI–codes) and antimicrobials (group 18). Antimicrobials had to be prescribed in combination with one of the specified gastro–intestinal medication groups in order to be classified as a gastro–intestinal medication. In 2007 and 2008 respectively, 428864 and 340921 gastro–intestinal medication items were prescribed. The most frequently prescribed gastro–intestinal medication pharmacological groups in 2007 and 2008 were beta–lactam antimicrobials (with proportion percentages of 22.77% and 20.85% in 2007 and 2008 respectively), antivertigo and anti–emetic agents, antispasmodics, antidiarrhoeals and quinolone antimicrobials. Minerals and electrolytes represented only a small proportion (2.99% and 2.56% in 2007 and 2008 respectively) of the prescribed gastro–intestinal medication in South Africa. In the Free State and Western Cape antivertigo and anti–emetic agents were the most frequently prescribed gastro–intestinal medication items, while in other provinces beta–lactam antimicrobials ranked the highest. In all provinces except the Western Cape and the Northern Cape, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid was the most frequently prescribed gastro–intestinal medication active ingredient. In the Western Cape loperamide was the most frequently prescribed active ingredient, while ciprofloxacin ranked highest as active ingredient in the Northern Cape in 2008. Based on the prescribing patterns of gastro–intestinal disease medications the treatment of gastro–intestinal disease in this section of the private health care sector of South Africa, does not fully comply with the Standard Treatment Guidelines with regard to the use of antimicrobials and electrolyte replacement therapy. / Thesis (M.Pharm. (Pharmacy Practice))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

This study examines human capital constraints in the South African economy, and the austerity these constraints have on firms in the country. The first part of the study identifies the main human capital constraints facing South Africa, and explains how these constraints influence an economy. An inadequately educated workforce along with restrictive labour regulations makes out the central components of these constraints. The second part explores all the relevant constraints individually, and determines the cause of their existence. The final part of this study consists of a firm level analysis that describes human capital constraints experienced by firms in South Africa. Regression analysis examines the determinants of increased output per worker in manufacturing firms. These determinants also indicate the cause of growth in output per worker. Human capital aspects such as education, labour regulation, compensation and competition are all shown to have a considerable influence on output per worker. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) on the explanatory variables achieved similar results. For this analysis, latent variables that incorporated education, training, region and Sector Education Training Authority (SETA) support and effectiveness explained the highest percentage of the total variance. However, this study found no evidence to suggest that human capital development initiatives like training programmes and SETA support have a positive relationship with increased levels of productivity. / Thesis (M.Com. (Economics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

One of the aims included in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals is to decrease the number of the world’s population without access to sanitation and water that is safe, by half by the year 2015. The use of water that is not safe for consumption leads to water–related diseases. For the purpose of this study gastro–intestinal disease was redefined as diseases of the gastro–intestinal tract caused by pathogens that spread via contaminated drinking water, poor sanitation and inadequate hygiene. Information obtained regarding the use of gastro–intestinal disease medication, may provide information about the prevalence of gastro–intestinal disease in South Africa. The general objective of this study was to determine the prescribing patterns of gastro–intestinal medication in different geographical areas in the private health care sector of South Africa. A retrospective drug utilisation review was conducted on data obtained from a medicine claims database of a pharmacy benefit management company for 2007 and 2008. A pharmacoepidemiological approach was followed in order to determine the prevalence of gastro–intestinal disease as well as the use of gastro–intestinal medication in South Africa as well as the different provinces of South Africa. The impact of water quality and sanitation on the prevalence of gastro–intestinal disease was also investigated. Gastro–intestinal medication (used in the treatment of gastro–intestinal disease) included the following pharmacological groups according to the MIMS®–classification: antivertigo and anti–emetic agents (group 1.8), antispasmodics (group 12.3), antidiarrhoeals (group 12.7), minerals and electrolytes (group 20.4, selected according to specified NAPPI–codes) and antimicrobials (group 18). Antimicrobials had to be prescribed in combination with one of the specified gastro–intestinal medication groups in order to be classified as a gastro–intestinal medication. In 2007 and 2008 respectively, 428864 and 340921 gastro–intestinal medication items were prescribed. The most frequently prescribed gastro–intestinal medication pharmacological groups in 2007 and 2008 were beta–lactam antimicrobials (with proportion percentages of 22.77% and 20.85% in 2007 and 2008 respectively), antivertigo and anti–emetic agents, antispasmodics, antidiarrhoeals and quinolone antimicrobials. Minerals and electrolytes represented only a small proportion (2.99% and 2.56% in 2007 and 2008 respectively) of the prescribed gastro–intestinal medication in South Africa. In the Free State and Western Cape antivertigo and anti–emetic agents were the most frequently prescribed gastro–intestinal medication items, while in other provinces beta–lactam antimicrobials ranked the highest. In all provinces except the Western Cape and the Northern Cape, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid was the most frequently prescribed gastro–intestinal medication active ingredient. In the Western Cape loperamide was the most frequently prescribed active ingredient, while ciprofloxacin ranked highest as active ingredient in the Northern Cape in 2008. Based on the prescribing patterns of gastro–intestinal disease medications the treatment of gastro–intestinal disease in this section of the private health care sector of South Africa, does not fully comply with the Standard Treatment Guidelines with regard to the use of antimicrobials and electrolyte replacement therapy. / Thesis (M.Pharm. (Pharmacy Practice))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.