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Access to higher education in South Africa remains one of the principal components of the transformation agenda, driven by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). During apartheid, access to education was racialised. Despite the massive participation rates by previously marginalised groups in the post-apartheid dispensation, epistemological access remains worrisome. Transformation of the higher education system is a key dimension the democratic government has undertook to use to measure the progress of social transformation, as an enabler for student readiness and smooth transition to university education. In this study, we use distributive analysis in a random sample of 1,940 first time-entering students (FTENs) from diverse population groups and backgrounds to establish readiness and the existence of a coordinated transition from basic to higher education. To establish readiness the study assesses first-year students’ academic attitudes and needs, background, and motivational factors, as well as general well-being. To establish the existence of a planned and coordinated transition, a specific attention is paid to career guidance, qualification choice, as well as background and motivational factors. The findings show that despite the clear theoretical framework for a transformed higher education system, there is still no pronounced and planned coordination between basic and higher education. Secondly, the preuniversity socioeconomic conditions signal a long journey still needing to be travelled to achieve a transformed higher education. This is demonstrated by skills gap, lack of basic academic and motivational support, needed to build a global competitive and ready student. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remaining motivated is vital to enable continued focus and success for university students. This study examined motivational factors as a driver for success for first-year students at a selected public university in South Africa. The study adopted a phenomenological qualitative research design and participants included 312 first-year students from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg who were purposively selected from the 2020 first year Bachelor of Education cohort. Data were collected by means of open-ended survey questions in the first and sixth week of lectures. Alderfer's Existence, Relatedness and Growth (ERG) theory (1969) and Vroom's (1964) theories of motivations were used as the analytic framework. The qualitative findings indicated significant reliance by students on external motivating factors as compared to internal motivating factors. In practice, university structures could strengthen orientation programmes for first-year students at the university as these programmes would be an external motivator to enable student success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assesses motivational preferences of employees in a multinational context in Sub Saharan Africa. Using the Grundfos group operating sites in Ghana, Kenya and South Africa as a case study, the study explores quantitative data on possible differences in employee motivational factors based on selected variables such as location, length of service and managerial status. Questionnaires were employed in collecting data from 131 participants from the three locations of Grundfos Sub Saharan Africa (SSA). Results of the study reveal that the factor "equal treatment of employees" is considered most important among the respondents. It is also noted that there were no significant statistical differences among the participants based on the examined variables. Policy and practical implications of the findings of this study are discussed, particularly around the development and implementation of Human resources policies that address employee perceptions of equity. This study makes a contribution to existing literature on employee motivation in multinational settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study, based on Loretta Williams's middle-range theory of caregiving dynamics, explores and describes the motivations of home-based caregivers in caring for people living with HIV (PLHIV). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-five home-based caregivers from three provinces of South Africa. The study underscores Williams's theory. It revealed that caregivers are motivated by experiencing caregiving as a divine calling; a need for self-fulfilment; an innate passion; a response to personal experiences (having a sick family member, or who is HIV-infected); an alternative career (to nursing or social work); a form of employment; and utilising existing experiences and skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The practice of having multiple concurrent sexual partnerships is not a new phenomenon. It has been reported in many places over the years. Studies show that engaging in such behaviour makes one more likely to contract STIs and STDs. With the current HIV pandemic facing South Africa, motivating factors for engaging in such a risky practice need to be explored. This research investigated the factors that motivate the practice of having multiple concurrent sexual partnerships. In all, 21 participants (13 males and 8 females) took part in the research. Data was collected in 7 individual interviews consisting of 4 female participants and 3 male participants, 1 paired interview consisting of 2 female participants, one all-male focus group discussion consisting of 7 male participants, and 1 mixed-gender focus group discussion consisting of 2 female participants and 3 male participants. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results showed that there are numerous factors - such as being intoxicated, sexual drive, and experimentation, amongst others - that motivate people to engage in having multiple sexual partnerships. The implications of the findings were examined, and recommendations were made for improved policy and practice in this domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]