http://hdl.handle.net/10386/2867 2026-04-12T15:03:57Z 2026-04-12T15:03:57Z Selepe, Mosa Mjoka, Joanne http://hdl.handle.net/10386/2869 2019-11-15T01:00:21Z 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z

Assessment of food hygiene knowledge and practices among food handlers in selected hotels around uMhlathuze Area Selepe, Mosa; Mjoka, Joanne The lack of hygiene and safety practices is a major contributor of foodborne outbreaks and it has a great influence on consumers. Each year over two million people die from diarrheal diseases, many of which are acquired from eating contaminated food from food services establishments. The poor personal hygiene of food handlers has been associated with foodborne illness outbreaks. It is important that the issue of hygiene practises and hygiene knowledge is addressed in food service establishments in ensuring that food is safe for consumption. The main aim of the study was to assess the compliance of food handlers towards food hygiene knowledge and behaviours in hotels. The study targeted hotels in uMhlathuze (Empangeni and Richards Bay, South Africa). Nineteen food handlers (head chefs, cooks and supervisors) were interviewed by means of a structured questionnaire. Although the majority of food handlers adhered to basic hygiene principles, there is definitely a need for proper and continuous training in personal and general hygiene, not only for food handlers, but also for management. The results showed that 84.2% of the food handlers have knowledge on hygiene and their hygiene practices were relatively good. However, some errors were observed such as the non-use of disposable gloves when handling or distributing food, tasting food with their hands and usually talking while handling food. The results showed that food handlers still need more training on hygiene on a regular basis so as to avoid those minor mistakes that could become critical in terms of food health and safety. Articles published in the African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, Volume 7 (4) - (2018)

2018-01-01T00:00:00Z Selepe, Mosa Xaba, Fikile Mdiniso, Joyce http://hdl.handle.net/10386/2868 2019-11-15T01:00:20Z 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z

Ecotourism as a vehicle to reduce unemployment and poverty: The role of the community and employees Selepe, Mosa; Xaba, Fikile; Mdiniso, Joyce Ecotourism has been positively linked to job creation, small business development and poverty alleviation. The article forms part of the larger study which seeks to assess the contribution of ecotourism to sustainable development in Umkhanyakude which is in KwaZulu Province in South Africa. Through a combination of simple random sampling and purposive sampling, 51 participants were selected from each of the four local municipalities, resulting in a combined total of 204 respondents overall. The study employed a parallel convergent design consisting of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from programme officials, project managers and owners of ecotourism ventures; while questionnaires were applied to elicit data from community members. The results revealed that Ecotourism initiatives contributed to the alleviation of poverty and unemployment in areas like Mtubatuba (40%), Hlabisa (30%) and Umhlabuyalingana (20%). Adversely, the study found that ecotourism in Jozini was largely underdeveloped and under-resourced, with relatively low community perceptions (10%) about its benefits. Drawing on these results, it was concluded that despite lack of financial resources, opportunities exist to improve implementation of ecotourism through capacitation of local communities and institutionalisation of community-based sourcing models. Article published in the African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, Volume 7 (5) - (2018)

2018-01-01T00:00:00Z