Abstract:
The Batho Pele Principles is incorporated in the National Government’s White Paper on the
Transformation of the Public Service. It is applicable to the public sector, both National and
Provincial Government which are regulated by Public Service Act, 1994, to guide public
servants on how to practice (Draft White Paper, 1995:2). Furthermore, health care providers
as public servants are expected to practice Batho Pele Principles to improve quality health
care services. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation of Batho Pele
Principles by health care providers at selected mental health hospitals of Limpopo Province.
The objectives of the study were to assess the implementation of Batho Pele Principles at the
selected mental health hospitals of the Limpopo Province, to describe the challenges
experienced by health care providers in the implementation of Batho Pele Principles and to
formulate specific recommendations to improve and promote the implementation of Batho
Pele Principles. A quantitative, descriptive research design was used and the population for
the study comprised health care providers working at the selected mental health hospitals in
the Limpopo Province. A probability-stratified random sampling method was used to select
participants. Data were collected using a questionnaire containing both open- and close
ended questions. Data were analyzed statistically by a statistician using the Statistical
Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 21.
The Higher Degrees Committee of the University of Venda and the Limpopo Province
Department of Health granted permission to conduct the study. The validity and reliability of
the questionnaire was ensured though conducting a literature review, which also provided
operational definitions of key concepts and development of the questionnaire from existing
ones, in consultation with the supervisors of this study. Adherence to ethical considerations
included approval from University of Venda Health, Safety and Research Ethics Committee,
thus ensuring the quality of the research, confidentiality, anonymity and informed consent.
Study findings revealed that health care providers lacked certain skills in relation to mental
health care users’ (MHCUs') experiences, plans and needs and that the principles of openness
and transparency, redress and value for money were not easily implemented. Challenges
experienced by health care providers in the implementation of Batho Pele Principles were
discussed according to the eight Batho Pele Principles. Recommendations were formulated
based on the findings, related to nursing practice, management, education and further
research. This study was conducted to evaluate the implementation of Batho Pele Principles
by health care providers at the selected mental health hospitals of Limpopo Province as a
strategy to improve quality nursing care.
