An investigation of the factors leading to high sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy rate and new HIV infections at Mangosuthu University of Technology despite the free supply of contraceptives and related services
Student: Ntombenhle Mazibuko Country: South Africa This research investigated the persistent high rates of pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and new HIV infections among students at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), despite existing preventative measures. Employing a cross-sectional methodology, the study utilised qualitative interviews alongside transcribed audio recordings and clinical records from MUT. The analysis revealed […]
Effectiveness of HIV/Aids social and behaviour change communication (SBCC) among adolescent girls and young women in low-income settings
Student: Ellen Nyaradzai Mambera Country: South Africa This research explored the effectiveness of different channels of social and behaviour change communication (SBCC) in addressing HIV/Aids among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in low-income settings. It reviewed existing literature and presented a conceptual framework for understanding the relationship between SBCC, HIV knowledge and behaviour change. The […]
Assessing the level of awareness and utilisation of HIV/Aids programmes by head office employees of a financial institution in Pretoria, South Africa
Student: Chumani Maki Country: South Africa This study aimed to evaluate the awareness and utilisation of HIV/Aids programmes at Assupol Group’s head office in Pretoria. Employing a mixed-methods approach, it used a structured survey questionnaire alongside an in-depth questionnaire with open-ended questions. The study revealed a notably low level of HIV/Aids awareness and utilisation among employees. […]
Bianca Jacobs, administrative officer
Bianca is a true Stellenbosch local, having lived in the area her whole life. As administrative officer, she takes care of the centre’s finances and operations. She is also the administrator for the PhD programme and personal assistant to the director. For Bianca, the diversity of the students at the Africa Centre is one of […]
Rialdo Alexander, administrative officer
Rialdo is responsible for administering the students from across the continent and even other countries, and from all walks of life, who enrol for the centre’s various academic programmes. Helping students navigate the different processes to complete their studies brings him a lot of satisfaction, with the ultimate highlight seeing them graduate at the end […]
Dr Burt Davis, senior lecturer
Burt, who was born and bred in Somerset West in the Western Cape, teaches both Postgraduate Diploma and MPhil students, including providing research guidance to these students. Walking the journey with them from a vague research idea to something tangible and empirical – and seeing the pride on students’ faces once they have completed their […]
Fanyane Chabalala, programme manager: administration
Fanyane joined the Africa Centre team in January 2022. He is originally from Limpopo and speaks several languages, including Xitsonga, Sepedi, Sesotho, isiZulu, Setswana, Tshivenda and English. Since 2012, Fanyane has gained valuable experience in the higher education sector, mainly at UNISA. He has also filled various supervisory and management positions and has served as […]
HIV/Aids stigma in faith-based organisations: A focus on the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Pretoria
Student: Esther Tererai Country: South Africa HIV/Aids remains a pressing issue in the 21st century, with various interventions, including behavioural, biomedical and structural approaches. Despite global biomedical advances, stigma persists as a significant constraint. This study investigated the factors contributing to stigma in faith-based organisations, focusing on the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) church in Pretoria. Objectives included […]
Factors associated with males’ disengagement from antiretroviral treatment at Royal Lesotho Defense Force health clinic in 2018
Student: Mampoi Seetsi Country: Lesotho A significant number of patients become disengaged from antiretroviral treatment (ART). This study sought to elucidate the factors contributing to high rates of male disengagement from ART and to identify appropriate support interventions to enhance adherence. Employing a quantitative approach with convenience sampling, the study recruited a sample of 24 participants […]
Data analytics practices (raw data knowledge and reasoning, data visualisations and data-driven decision-making) and recommendations to develop data-driven programmes/interventions for HIV mobile health in HIV interventions in the Southern Africa region
Student: Juan Romero Gonzalez Country: Mexico The endeavour to eradicate the HIV epidemic by 2030, as championed by UNAIDS, presents formidable hurdles for global HIV intervention organisations. These entities are tasked with gathering pivotal data crucial for combatting the virus. Digital technologies have exhibited promise in ensuring that the amassed information can bolster regions with scant […]