The dualistic South African health system is divided into a private and public health care sector. The core difference between these two sectors is that private hospitals are based on a business model with a profit motive, while public hospitals offer a free service, accessible to all citizens of South Africa and is nurse-driven. The increased need towards higher quality health care is evident in the launching of the National Health Insurance system. The pilot of this system was activated in ten sub-districts in South Africa and will become the mechanism to enhance quality and safety of patient care in the private and public sectors. Registered nurses’ reporting of quality and safety of patient care is an important factor in quality-related research and has been linked with international studies on quality of care. As the registered nurses are directly involved in all the facets of patient care, this population serves as a valuable contribution in the assessment of quality care. In this research quality of care refers to quality, patient safety and adverse events. Quality of care refers to the extent to which actual care is in conformity with the present criteria for good care. Patient safety is a parameter used to monitor and enhance quality. Through enhanced patient safety, adverse events can be prevented. Adverse events refer to all the incidents that can affect a patient during hospitalisation that is not due to the patient’s illness, such as hospital acquired infections, medication safety and patient falls with injury. This research aimed to explore and describe the nurse reported differences in quality of care, patient safety and adverse events in the adult medical and surgical units of private and public hospitals in the Free State and North West Provinces. This study was conducted within the RN4CAST research programme, an international consortium of fifteen countries working together towards the formulation of nurse workforce forecasting models. A quantitative, correlational, explorative, descriptive and contextual design was followed. The population consisted of registered nurses employed for at least one year in the selected private and public hospitals in the two participating provinces. Private hospitals with more than 100 beds were included. The public hospitals had a level three status. An all-inclusive sampling was conducted (n=332) after participants gave informed consent. Data was collected through the completion of the National Nurse Survey that covered four sections of which quality of care, patient safety and adverse events was one. Field workers were utilised during data collection. Data capturing was conducted by means of EpiData 3.1. Secondary data analysis was utilised by means of SPSS 16.0. Descriptive statistics were extracted with regard to the demographic status of the participants. The descriptive statistics were congruent with the demographic profile of nursing in South Africa. The inferential statistics included the difference in quality of care, patient safety and adverse events between the private and public hospitals in the selected provinces. Both the t-test based on the quality of care and patient safety as well as the Mann-Whitney test on adverse events indicated an insignificant difference between nurse reported quality of care, patient safety and adverse events between the private and public hospitals. Reliability and validity were assured and recommendations were formulated for nursing education, practice and research. / MCur, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

The increase in social challenges especially with regards to safety and security experienced in rural communities, as well as the lack of efficient lively places and public green spaces, is predominantly increasing in importance for government and planning policies. This problem is substantiated by the large number of deaths (especially the deaths of children) drowning in rivers flowing through or nearby rural communities because of the lack of any other safe, public facilities and well-managed and maintained green spaces. The research question therefore focuses on whether the planning of lively places and green spaces in rural communities can address some of these social issues, and contribute to the strengthening of communities and creation of lively public places. Government is struggling to deal with social issues (especially that of safety and security) within rural communities and a number of strategies were discussed and drawn up. (For example, the Rural Safety Summit which took place on 10 October 1998 aimed at achieving consensus regarding issues of rural insecurity; as well as crime prevention strategies as defined by the SAPS White Paper on Safety and Security (1998).) However, very little (if any) in-depth research on the possibility of upgrading public spaces into lively green places as a solution, has been done. This study can serve as a link between literature and practical rural issues, as well as contribute to green space and lively place development, incorporating international approaches and pilot studies, and illustrating best practices in terms of lively place and green space development, linking it to the local rural reality. In creating public and lively green places for rural communities, issues of safety, inequality, sociability and community coherence are addressed. Through the correct corresponding planning initiatives consequently drawn up, overall quality of life of those living in rural communities can be improved, decreasing the social challenges experienced. / MArt et Scien (Urban and Regional Planning), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The dualistic South African health system is divided into a private and public health care sector. The core difference between these two sectors is that private hospitals are based on a business model with a profit motive, while public hospitals offer a free service, accessible to all citizens of South Africa and is nurse-driven. The increased need towards higher quality health care is evident in the launching of the National Health Insurance system. The pilot of this system was activated in ten sub-districts in South Africa and will become the mechanism to enhance quality and safety of patient care in the private and public sectors. Registered nurses’ reporting of quality and safety of patient care is an important factor in quality-related research and has been linked with international studies on quality of care. As the registered nurses are directly involved in all the facets of patient care, this population serves as a valuable contribution in the assessment of quality care. In this research quality of care refers to quality, patient safety and adverse events. Quality of care refers to the extent to which actual care is in conformity with the present criteria for good care. Patient safety is a parameter used to monitor and enhance quality. Through enhanced patient safety, adverse events can be prevented. Adverse events refer to all the incidents that can affect a patient during hospitalisation that is not due to the patient’s illness, such as hospital acquired infections, medication safety and patient falls with injury. This research aimed to explore and describe the nurse reported differences in quality of care, patient safety and adverse events in the adult medical and surgical units of private and public hospitals in the Free State and North West Provinces. This study was conducted within the RN4CAST research programme, an international consortium of fifteen countries working together towards the formulation of nurse workforce forecasting models. A quantitative, correlational, explorative, descriptive and contextual design was followed. The population consisted of registered nurses employed for at least one year in the selected private and public hospitals in the two participating provinces. Private hospitals with more than 100 beds were included. The public hospitals had a level three status. An all-inclusive sampling was conducted (n=332) after participants gave informed consent. Data was collected through the completion of the National Nurse Survey that covered four sections of which quality of care, patient safety and adverse events was one. Field workers were utilised during data collection. Data capturing was conducted by means of EpiData 3.1. Secondary data analysis was utilised by means of SPSS 16.0. Descriptive statistics were extracted with regard to the demographic status of the participants. The descriptive statistics were congruent with the demographic profile of nursing in South Africa. The inferential statistics included the difference in quality of care, patient safety and adverse events between the private and public hospitals in the selected provinces. Both the t-test based on the quality of care and patient safety as well as the Mann-Whitney test on adverse events indicated an insignificant difference between nurse reported quality of care, patient safety and adverse events between the private and public hospitals. Reliability and validity were assured and recommendations were formulated for nursing education, practice and research. / MCur, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Based on Ph.D. thesis--University of Nottingham, School of Law, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references and index.

The aim of this study is to investigate and analyse the military involvement of the USA in the security of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) during the era of the Clinton administration (1993-2001). The study is based on the assumption that the US did not have that much interest in the security of SSA during the Clinton era and that it did not want to become militarily involved in SSA. Its position as the only remaining superpower in the post-Cold War era, however placed a responsibility on the US to be militarily involved in the creation of a more secure SSA. The study relies on two theoretical constructs. On the one hand the changing nature of security in the post-Cold War world in general, but specifically in SSA, serves as a theoretical starting point. This is, on the other hand, supported by a theoretical focus on the nature of military involvement globally, but also specifically in SSA in the era after the Cold War. The latter is to a large extent related to the changing nature of military force and the use thereof in the post-Cold War era. The military involvement of the US in the management of the security of SSA during the Clinton era is analysed against the background of the US interests, policy, and strategy – specifically its security strategy – in SSA. The reality of the absence of concrete US interests in SSA is highlighted. This lack of interest led to a situation whereby SSA could not be a priority in US foreign policy. The US policy objectives in SSA were nevertheless aimed at the promotion of democracy, the improvement of the security situation and the support of economic progress. The reluctance of the US to deploy military forces in SSA underpins its security strategy and military involvement in SSA. The security strategy of the US was in essence preventive in nature since it aimed at preventing the manifestation of threats from SSA against the US by promoting the stability of SSA. However, the US was still militarily involved in SSA in a variety of ways, from the provision of military training and the conduct of military exercises to military operations. Military involvement centred around the empowerment of armed forces in SSA. It was argued that the capacity of the armed forces of SSA should be developed to support democratic governance and economic progress. The capacity building programmes of the US armed forces in SSA concentrated on defence reform, military professionalism, the creation of indigenous conflict resolution and peace support capabilities, the provision of equipment, and the improvement of health and environmental conditions. / Dissertation (MA (Security Studies))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Political Sciences / unrestricted

The South African mining industry has become known to be an important contributor to the South African economy. Subsequently, the closure of mines due to various reasons has resulted in major economic losses for mines. This study's aim is to investigate the mine closures caused by the regulatory body, namely the Department of Mineral Resources via the enforcement of the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA) by the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate. The Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate has wide discretionary powers that enables them to close a mine or part thereof, often inconsistently or unfounded which may result in economic and other losses. The closure of mines due to compliance issues, known as section 54 stoppages, has caused a fiery debate and controversy within the mining industry due to the inconsistent issuing of such compliance orders. It resulted in the closure of mines for certain periods of times. The South African courts have been approached to interpret section 54, but it appears that there are still challenges remaining. Whilst the legislation in place is based on the duty posed on the employer to provide a workplace that is safe and without risk to the employee, the manner in which the legislative provisions are enforced, specifically the closures of or part of a mine, has to be investigated, the root problem/s identified and addressed. This study compares the enforcement measures of the MHSA with that of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the National Environmental Management Act in order to make recommendations the more effective and efficient enforcement of section 54. / LLM (Environmental Law and Governance), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The South African mining industry has become known to be an important contributor to the South African economy. Subsequently, the closure of mines due to various reasons has resulted in major economic losses for mines. This study's aim is to investigate the mine closures caused by the regulatory body, namely the Department of Mineral Resources via the enforcement of the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA) by the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate. The Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate has wide discretionary powers that enables them to close a mine or part thereof, often inconsistently or unfounded which may result in economic and other losses. The closure of mines due to compliance issues, known as section 54 stoppages, has caused a fiery debate and controversy within the mining industry due to the inconsistent issuing of such compliance orders. It resulted in the closure of mines for certain periods of times. The South African courts have been approached to interpret section 54, but it appears that there are still challenges remaining. Whilst the legislation in place is based on the duty posed on the employer to provide a workplace that is safe and without risk to the employee, the manner in which the legislative provisions are enforced, specifically the closures of or part of a mine, has to be investigated, the root problem/s identified and addressed. This study compares the enforcement measures of the MHSA with that of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the National Environmental Management Act in order to make recommendations the more effective and efficient enforcement of section 54. / LLM (Environmental Law and Governance), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Motivation Processed complementary food labels should protect and promote optimal breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices, important determinants of child survival, growth and development, and provide information regarding safe and appropriate use. However, there is a lack of formal guidelines from international normative bodies on the appropriate marketing of complementary foods. In recognition of the need for interim guidance, the Maternal, Infant and Young Child Working Group developed the Draft Guide for Marketing Complementary Foods, which provides practical guidance on how the marketing (including labelling) of processed complementary foods and supplements can be informed by the principles of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (the Code) and subsequent relevant World Health Assembly (WHA) resolutions in a way that supports optimal infant and young child feeding. Aim The aim of this study was to describe the extent to which the labelling practices (as a sub-set of marketing practices) of processed complementary food sold in South Africa comply with international guidance on the marketing of complementary foods that is fully aligned with the principles of the Code and subsequent relevant WHA resolutions (the Draft Guide for Marketing Complementary Foods). Methods Employing a cross-sectional study design, products were purchased from a sample of 17 retail grocery stores, three wholesale grocery stores, three retail pharmacies and three baby chain stores in the Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces from June to August 2011. Purchased products were then compared with a master list of complementary food products compiled through desk research, and missing products were identified and purchased. Label information was captured, then blinded and the order of products randomised. The Draft Guide for Marketing Complementary Foods was used to create a checklist with pre-set answers and accompanying criteria against which the captured labelling practices were then analysed. Results One hundred and sixty product labels of 35 manufacturers were analysed, none of which complied with all checklist criteria. Fifty-six (35%) labels did not provide an appropriate age of introduction, while 32 (20%) labels used phrases implying that the product was suitable for use before six months of age. Thirty-seven (23%) labels used images of infants appearing to be younger than six months. Only 20 (13%) labels carried a message regarding the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, and none provided a message on the importance of the addition of complementary foods from six months together with continued breastfeeding to two years or beyond. Eight (5%) labels recommended feeding the product in a bottle and two labels (1%) used an image of a feeding bottle. Nineteen (12%) labels suggested a daily ration too large for a breastfed child, and 32 (20%) potentially promote the manufacturer’s infant formula. All labels provided label information in an appropriate language, but 102 (64%) labels relegated required label information to small text and were thus not easy to read. Only six (4%) labels failed to provide instructions for safe and appropriate use, while 44 (28%) did not include safety messages in their preparation and use instructions. Ten (6%) labels did not provide storage instructions, and 27 (17%) labels did not provide necessary warnings. Nutrient content claims, nutrient comparative claims, nutrient function/other function claims and reduction of disease risk claims were found on 126 (79%), eight (5%), 117 (73%) and 10 (6%) labels, respectively. Conclusion The labelling practices of processed complementary food labels in South Africa do not fully comply with international guidance on the marketing of complementary foods (the Draft Guide for Marketing Complementary Foods) and so do not sufficiently protect and promote optimal infant and young child feeding practices, revealing much room for improvement. Such guidance must be refined and formalised by international normative bodies and adopted into national legislation to assist manufacturers in ensuring that their complementary food labels meet an accepted standard and contribute towards the safe and appropriate use of processed complementary foods. / Thesis (MSc (Nutrition))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Motivation Processed complementary food labels should protect and promote optimal breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices, important determinants of child survival, growth and development, and provide information regarding safe and appropriate use. However, there is a lack of formal guidelines from international normative bodies on the appropriate marketing of complementary foods. In recognition of the need for interim guidance, the Maternal, Infant and Young Child Working Group developed the Draft Guide for Marketing Complementary Foods, which provides practical guidance on how the marketing (including labelling) of processed complementary foods and supplements can be informed by the principles of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (the Code) and subsequent relevant World Health Assembly (WHA) resolutions in a way that supports optimal infant and young child feeding. Aim The aim of this study was to describe the extent to which the labelling practices (as a sub-set of marketing practices) of processed complementary food sold in South Africa comply with international guidance on the marketing of complementary foods that is fully aligned with the principles of the Code and subsequent relevant WHA resolutions (the Draft Guide for Marketing Complementary Foods). Methods Employing a cross-sectional study design, products were purchased from a sample of 17 retail grocery stores, three wholesale grocery stores, three retail pharmacies and three baby chain stores in the Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces from June to August 2011. Purchased products were then compared with a master list of complementary food products compiled through desk research, and missing products were identified and purchased. Label information was captured, then blinded and the order of products randomised. The Draft Guide for Marketing Complementary Foods was used to create a checklist with pre-set answers and accompanying criteria against which the captured labelling practices were then analysed. Results One hundred and sixty product labels of 35 manufacturers were analysed, none of which complied with all checklist criteria. Fifty-six (35%) labels did not provide an appropriate age of introduction, while 32 (20%) labels used phrases implying that the product was suitable for use before six months of age. Thirty-seven (23%) labels used images of infants appearing to be younger than six months. Only 20 (13%) labels carried a message regarding the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, and none provided a message on the importance of the addition of complementary foods from six months together with continued breastfeeding to two years or beyond. Eight (5%) labels recommended feeding the product in a bottle and two labels (1%) used an image of a feeding bottle. Nineteen (12%) labels suggested a daily ration too large for a breastfed child, and 32 (20%) potentially promote the manufacturer’s infant formula. All labels provided label information in an appropriate language, but 102 (64%) labels relegated required label information to small text and were thus not easy to read. Only six (4%) labels failed to provide instructions for safe and appropriate use, while 44 (28%) did not include safety messages in their preparation and use instructions. Ten (6%) labels did not provide storage instructions, and 27 (17%) labels did not provide necessary warnings. Nutrient content claims, nutrient comparative claims, nutrient function/other function claims and reduction of disease risk claims were found on 126 (79%), eight (5%), 117 (73%) and 10 (6%) labels, respectively. Conclusion The labelling practices of processed complementary food labels in South Africa do not fully comply with international guidance on the marketing of complementary foods (the Draft Guide for Marketing Complementary Foods) and so do not sufficiently protect and promote optimal infant and young child feeding practices, revealing much room for improvement. Such guidance must be refined and formalised by international normative bodies and adopted into national legislation to assist manufacturers in ensuring that their complementary food labels meet an accepted standard and contribute towards the safe and appropriate use of processed complementary foods. / Thesis (MSc (Nutrition))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The physical and psychological security of the Foundation Phase educator is currently a cause for concern. This situation is problematic, in that well–qualified and experienced educators will leave the profession if their security is compromised. In addition, prospective students will be reluctant to enter the profession as Foundation Phase educators if there is a possibility of insecurity in their future workplace. The aim of this research is therefore to investigate and establish the factors, both employment related as well as learner related, that contribute to this phenomenon. This inquiry was done from an Education Law perspective to establish what protection these educators are entitled to in terms of labour and education legislation. Utilising a qualitative research design, a variety of findings and the related implications were established. The most important labour related findings are that, in spite of the well–developed legal framework in South African law, the rights of the educator are perceived to be of secondary importance compared to those of the learners and also that the constant changes, for example in education policies, lead to insecurity. In terms of learner and parent related findings, it is evident that the lack of learner discipline, which can be partly attributed to a lack of parental involvement, contributes to declining educator security. The workplace related findings reflect the teacher– learner ratio as being problematic. In addition, the lack of resources in some schools, as well as a classroom environment that is not conducive to effective teaching and the educators' workload all impact on educator insecurity. It is imperative that the recommendations made should be attended to, in order to minimize Foundation Phase educator insecurity. This must be done to the benefit of both the educators and the learners, who are entitled to quality education. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.