Social Policy

The Production of High-Level Science, Engineering and Technology Skills: Role of the Dinaledi Project

by TAYLOR, N., 2008
Research Report, Employment Growth & Development Initiative, Human Sciences Research Council

The production of high level SET skills in one of the most critical supply-side factors enabling or constraining the growth of any industrial economy. Taylor reviews the production of graduate engineers by South African universities as a key indicator of the capacity of the education system to deliver high level SET skills. He argues that…

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Low Income African Migrant Women and Social Exclusion in South Africa

by MAFUKIDZA, J and MBANDA, V, 2008
Agenda, 22:78, 172-185

The objective of this study was to understand how low-income African migrant women respond to socio-economic exclusion within South Africa so as to contribute to existing knowledge on women and migration. It examines the experiences of these women in relation to how these are influenced by and influence the structures and practices that exclude them….

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Nursing Attrition and the Work Environment in South Africa’s Health Facilities

by HALL, E.J., 2004
Curationis Nov;27(4):28-36.

Hall assesses shortages of professional health workers in the public health sector. Unsatisfactory working conditions in health facilities were mentioned as one of the key aspects responsible for the shortages. Literature indicates that stress caused by unsatisfactory work environments may play a major role in em ployees’ decision to resign their jobs, in spite of…

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Review of Labour Markets in South Africa: Low-waged and informal employment in South Africa

by VALODIA, I., LEBANI, L., SKINNER, C. , 2005
Research Report, Employment Growth & Development Initiative, Human Sciences Research Council

Low-wage employment and informal employment are two important considerations for labour market policy in South Africa. In addition to the high levels of low-wage income in labour market, the country has not been shielded from the rapid growth in informal employment across the globe. Understanding trends in and patterns of informal employment is critical for…

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Low Wage Work in South Africa

by ALTMAN, M, 2006
Paper presented to IZA/World Bank Conference on Employment and Development, Pariser Platz 3, Berlin, Germany 25-27 May 2006

Altman examines the emerging character of the ‘working poor’ in South Africa and the implications for economic policy. The theme is particularly relevant for economies whose cost structures are not well aligned with promoting meaningful economic participation. The paper starts by setting the unemployment scene, showing that low-paid work is a greater burden if the…

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Relationship Between Labour Market Dynamics and HIV/AIDS Prevalence in South Africa: A Literature Review

by VASS, J., 2005
South African Journal of Economics Vol. 73 2005 Special Edition on HIV/AIDS

Vass reviews the contribution of current research and literature to an understanding of the relationship between labour market dynamics and HIV/AIDS prevalence in South Africa. It highlights and assesses the extent to which those factors that are regarded as determinants of HIV susceptibility, AIDS vulnerability and prevalence, interact with differentiation in the labour market. The…

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HIV/AIDS Prevalence Among South African Health Workers

by SHISANA, O., HALL, E., MALULEKE, K.R., CHAUVEAU, J., SCHWABE, C., 2004
South African Medical Journal, 94(10), 846. October 2004

Studies on HIV prevalence among health workers usually focus on occupational exposure to HIV. Little is known about HIV prevalence in this group. However, it is expected that HIV prevalence among health workers will reflect prevalence in their society. Objective. To determine HIV prevalence among South African health workers.

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The Impact of HIV/Aids

by VASS, J., 2003
Human Resource Development Review 2003: Education, Employment and Skills in South Africa. Cape Town: Human Sciences Research Council Press. Chpt 8, pp186-207

Vass assesses the impact of HIV/AIDS on the South African labour market. While a number of socio-economic factors affect human resources development, HIV/AIDS has a disproportionately negative impact on the economically active population, on Africans and on women. Thus it exacerbates existing structural inequalities. The impact is projected to occur unevenly across companies and sectors,…

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Policy Versus Reality: A Preliminary Assessment of the South African Code of Good Practice on HIV/AIDS and Key Aspects of Employment

by VASS, J., 2004
Proceedings of the HIV/AIDS in the Workplace Symposium, Published Conference Papers 308-325, 2004

Vass explores the role and effectiveness of a specific HIV/AIDS policy response by the Department of Labour, the 2000 Code of Good Practice on Key Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Employment. As a qualitative study, she reflects on the experiences of intermediaries (AIDS management service providers and trade union HIV/AIDS coordinators), and points towards a set…

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