Uninformed medical intervention as a violation of the rights to dignity, bodily integrity and privacy in South Africa
- Authors: Silas, Patience Oluchi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Medical personnel and patient Human rights
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LAW
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16862 , vital:40780
- Description: South African society has changed from one that favoured medical paternalism to one that demands respect for patient autonomy. Some legislative provisions currently require respect for human rights in the sphere of medical treatment. These laws vest patients with the right to informed consent thereby conferring them with the rights to decide what should be done to their bodies in terms of healthcare. Irrespective of the laws emphasising the need to respect, protect and promote the doctrine of informed consent in South Africa, so many health practitioners still engage in uninformed healthcare practices. This study, therefore, examines the doctrine of informed consent in relation to the fundamental rights to bodily integrity, dignity and privacy to ascertain the legal implications of the failure to obtain informed consent for healthcare services. It is desktop research undertaken from the constitutional, legislative, common law and ethical perspective of informed consent. Its findings are based on both primary and secondary legal sources. It established that informed consent is a fundamental right in South Africa; rendering any healthcare service without obtaining the informed consent of a patient does not only breach the fundamental and ethical principle of autonomy, but also grossly violates their fundamental rights to dignity, bodily integrity and privacy. The study clears the age-long differing views as to whether failure to obtain informed consent before medical interventions amounts to an assault, negligence or the violation of some specific fundamental rights. It reveals that the major reason why health practitioners administer uninformed medical treatment in contemporary health practice is insufficient awareness of the legal requirements of the doctrine of informed consent. This is coupled with the fact that they believe the doctrine is alien to the African psyche and the process of obtaining informed consent is time-consuming. It thus recommends that health practitioners should have a positive attitude towards the doctrine because having been entrenched in the Constitution, codified in various national laws and upheld by Courts, every legal stipulation regarding the doctrine is binding on them. It also suggests that health practitioners should be abreast with the laws governing informed consent and strictly comply with their substantive and procedural stipulations. This would protect the fundamental rights of the patient and avert legal actions.
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- Date Issued: 2019
The role of the ward committees as an interface between local government and community: a case study of Makana Municipality
- Authors: Stuurman, Sonwabo Happyboy
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Makana Municipality Local government -- South Africa -- Case studies Local government -- South Africa -- Citizen participation Community development -- South Africa -- Case studies Political participation -- South Africa -- Case studies Democracy -- South Africa South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994- South Africa -- Politics and government -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3292 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003080
- Description: The Ward Committee System was introduced in South Africa in 2001 as a tool to bring government closer to the people and to enhance participatory democracy. The Makana Municipality adopted the system in 2002. Previous research on local government indicates that these structures have not been effective due to the lack of resources to sustain them. This study was interested in furthering such research, using the Makana Municipality as a case study during which unstructured, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with Ward Councillors, Ward Committee Members and Grade 12 learners. The aim of the research was to investigate whether the ward committees did indeed promote the notion of participatory democracy and to what extent grass roots development has been enhanced by this structure of local government. The findings from both the respondents and the observations indicate that, in addition to the lack of resources, the underutilization of the Ward Committee System is a result of the effect of opposing political affiliations within the ward committee system, affiliations that undermine the goal of collaborative decision-making. Whereas the ward committee system is a positive idea, the findings suggest that the government is not supporting these structures by failing to equip the ward committee members with necessary capacities and skills. Therefore, if municipalities are committed to bridging the gap between local government and the community, and are keen to enhance participatory democracy, then capacity building of the ward committees and respect for their role during the decision-making process need to be taken seriously. At present, ward committee members are not influential and active in the decision-making process. In addition, the youth as prospective future ward committee members seemed disillusioned with the notion of participatory democracy, and instead have adopted the mentality that nepotism and corruption, as displayed by those in power, is the only way of governance. This research suggests that the ward committee system, intended to bring government closer to the people, may in fact not only alienate government from the people, but also the people from each other.
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- Date Issued: 2009
The interrelationships between foreign direct investment and economic growth in Africa
- Authors: Bolani, Lindelwa Mandisa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- Africa , Economic development -- Africa , Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1960- , Africa -- Foreign economic relations , Gross domestic product -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1123 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019885
- Description: There has been a long search for the keys to development and economic growth in Africa. This study investigates the relationship between FDI and economic growth over the period 2000-2012 using data from 48 African countries. On the aggregate regional level FDI and economic growth were found to be positively correlated during this period. Using panel data econometric techniques and the Panel Granger Causality test, results revealed that a bi-directional causality relationship existed between FDI and GDP. Thus, the results suggest that GDP is a requirement for increased investment, and at the same time is the result of increased foreign investment. Thus, the conclusion is that African policy makers are justified in increasing their attempts to create an attractive business environment for foreign investors, as it is beneficial for economic growth.
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- Date Issued: 2015
The implications of rural-urban migration on employment and household income with particular reference to Lesotho
- Authors: Damane, Moeti
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Rural-urban migration -- Employment -- Lesotho Informal sector (Economics) -- Lesotho Lesotho -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1002 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002737
- Description: The research investigates the impact of internal rural - urban migration III Lesotho on household income and employment. Using data gathered from the 2002/03 household survey, the 2006 nationwide census and a questionnaire on rural - urban migration in Lesotho administered to 500 respondents in Maseru and Leribe, we estimate a logit model of the probability of employment in Lesotho in 2008 given a set of independent variables. The independent variables are respondent's work experience; years of education completed; employment status in 2004; employment status in 2008; gender; job skill level; place of residence in 2004 and a categorical variable that measures whether or not the respondent is a rural - urban migrant. The results suggest that migration and work experience have no significant impact on an individual's likelihood of being employed in the country's formal sector. Also, it was found that the higher the level of education an individual has, the less likely are their chances of employment in the country's formal sector because of the lack of formal jobs in the urban areas. Over 50% of Lesotho's workforce employed in the urban areas was discovered to work in the informal sector. The study concludes that there is a lack of jobs in Lesotho's urban formal sector that results in a thriving informal sector. The advantages of informal sector jobs to the rural - urban migrant include an increase in their standard of living as well as that of their family members left behind in the rural areas but the disadvantages include low levels of investor confidence that lead to a decrease in overall economic development and growth in the country.
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- Date Issued: 2012
The Hasidic spirit as the foundation of the art of Marc Chagall
- Authors: Bagraim, Abigail Sarah
- Date: 1987
- Subjects: Chagall, Marc, 1887-1985 Criticism and interpretation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2393 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002189
- Description: In considering Chagall's art the observer is immediately struck by the constancy of his almost obsessive repetition of certain symbols and themes. In this way Chagall has created his own fantasy world, one with which the observer soon becomes acquainted and grows to love and understand.
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- Date Issued: 1987
The ecology and control of Opuntia Aurantiaca in South Africa in relation to the cochineal insect, Dactylopius Austrinus
- Authors: Zimmermann, Helmuth G
- Date: 1982
- Subjects: Cochineal insect -- South Africa Cactus -- South Africa Weeds -- Control -- South Africa Insect-plant relationships
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5612 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003061
- Description: The cochineal insect Dactylopius austrinus De Lotto, which was released on jointed cactus, Opuntia aurantiaca Lindley, in South Africa in 1932, failed to bring the weed under an acceptable level of control in spite of the encouraging results during the first few years after release. The reasons for this apparent failure were never clearly understood. In 1957 the State embarked on an intensive herbicidal control programme which is still in force today. This sustained and expensive programme has undoubtedly reduced the density of the weed in most areas but has failed to solve the problem and the plant continues to expand its range. The biological control of o. aurantiaca in South Africa has been fundamentally influenced by this chemical control campaign. The relationship between chemical and biological control methods is reported in this study.
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- Date Issued: 1982
The doctrine of election in the theology of John Calvin, with special reference to the Reformed confessions of faith
- Authors: Elias, James Reginald
- Date: 1962
- Subjects: Calvin, Jean, 1509-1564 , Calvinism , Election (Theology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
- Identifier: vital:1277 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013319
- Description: From the preface: This Thesis is an attempt to emphasise the importance and prominence of the doctrine of election for the Christian Faith through studying its formulation in the writings of' John Calvin, one of the finest systematic theologians of the Church.
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- Date Issued: 1962
The development and technologizing of selected Sepedi ICT terminology
- Authors: Magagane, Raesetja Linah
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Northern Sotho language -- Terms and phrases Northern Sotho language -- Terminology Northern Sotho language -- Computer-assisted instruction Communication -- Technological innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3581 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002156
- Description: It is my wish that the Sepedi language speakers, through the development and technologization of certain Sepedi ICT terminology, are able to operate a computer in their own language, and implement the new developed and technologized ICT terminology (technologization). The pupils and students at their various institutions should be made comfortable in using the developed and technologized Sepedi language terminology. In the long run the Sepedi language speakers should be ensured access to the web in order to find information about Sepedi language, culture and terms in disciplines such as ICT. It is recommended in this thesis that higher learning institutions offer bursaries to students to develop all South African languages in such a manner that they can be used in all high status functions.
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- Date Issued: 2011
The design of a new opera house for Port Elizabeth: as a catalyst for a harbour waterfront development
- Authors: Davidson, Michael James
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Theaters -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans Centers for the performing arts -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Theater architecture -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18696 , vital:28708
- Description: This document records the research and design process the author undertook during the treatise project. The project stems from the author’s interest in the architecture of opera houses and the potential for the design of a new iconic opera house in Port Elizabeth. Initial research begun with an analysis of the historical development of the opera house typology and the underlying principles of contemporary opera houses. Research was then directed towards the possibility of building a new opera house in Port Elizabeth, and what basis there might be for such a venture. This led to an exploration of urban catalyst buildings, particularly those initiating the regeneration of former industrial waterfronts. That Port Elizabeth has a notable industrial harbour, which may potentially be developed into a waterfront precinct was a key informant in choosing to formulate the project as an opera house that would be a catalyst for such a development. The vision for the building is one of beauty and grandeur. As an iconic attractor to the Port Elizabeth harbour, the opera house should delight visitors by its sculptural quality and spatial experience alongside the water’s edge. It should provide positive public space with activities that can be used by non-theatre patrons so that the building will attract large numbers of people, which will stimulate more development, in line with the theory of urban catalytic development.
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- Date Issued: 2016
The application of GIS and remote sensing to assess the effect of periodic flooding on communities along the Juskeiriver: A case study of Alexandria Township, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Authors: Mawasha, Tshepo Sylvester
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Remote sensing Geographic information systems -- South Africa , Remote sensing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45613 , vital:38918
- Description: Floods are water induced disasters that led to temporary induction of dry and cause serious damages in the affected location such as loss of valuable assets, lives and destruction of infrastructure. Flooding had become common in Alexandra Township during rainfall season and the recorded impact of periodic flooding on communities is increasing at an alarming rate. This study seeks to identify populations vulnerable to flooding and to map-out areas at high risk of flood disasters, using GIS and RS as a tool. For GIS application different types of maps were produced, namely, flood vulnerability, hazards, risk and risk index map highlighting areas at risk of being affected by flooding. Flood risk index maps identify three categories of risk zones; low and high risk zone. The household units within each of the risk zones was calculated and the total was estimated to be 762 for low-risk and 32 486 for high risk zone. The SRTM Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and multi-temporal Satellite Probatoire d’Observation de la Terra (SPOT) satellite images for 1997, 2006 and 2013 of the area was used for land-use and land-cover (LULC) change analyses using maximum-likelihood post-classification comparison. Results reveal that tremendous urban development had taken place in the study area along the Jukskei River area for the past sixteen years. It was observed that there was a sharp decrease in vegetation from 237ha (1997) to 134ha (2006) to 68ha (2013). This may had a negative impact on the environment around this area by decreasing surface runoff. The trend however, shows that bare surface and vegetation land-cover class has no potential to recover. Questionnaires aimed at all the residents in the study area were used to assess the effect of periodic flooding on communities. Community leader and City of Johannesburg Disaster Management Unit (CoJDMU) interviews were also conducted to get more insight about floods management in the study area. Finally, strategies for alleviating flood risk in the study area were discussed and some recommendations were made to help the government and municipal authorities to improve and development sustainable flood mitigation measures.
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- Date Issued: 2016
Structural studies on yeast eIF5A using biomolecular NMR and molecular dynamics
- Authors: Sigauke, Lester Takunda
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Molecular dynamics , Reverse transcriptase , HIV (Viruses) , HIV infections , Eukaryotic cells , Yeast
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4547 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017927
- Description: Eukaryotic initiation factor 5A, eIF5A, is a ubiquitous eukaryotic protein that has been shown to influence the translation initiation of a specific subset of mRNAs. It is the only protein known to undergo hypusination in a two-step post translational modification process involving deoxyhypusine synthase (DHS) and deoxyhypusine hydroxylase (DOHH) enzymes. Hypusination has been shown to influence translation of HIV-1 and HTLV-1 nuclear export signals, while the involvement of active hypusinated eIF5A in induction of IRES mediated processes that initiate pro-apoptotic process have inspired studies into the manipulation of eIF5A in anti-cancer and anti-diabetic therapies. eIF5A oligomerisation in eukaryotic systems has been shown to be influenced by hypusination and the mechanism of dimerisation is RNA dependent. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy approaches were proposed to solve the structure of the hypusinated eIF5A in solution in order to understand the influence of hypusination on the monomeric arrangement which enhances dimerisation and activates the protein. Cleavage of the 18 kDa protein monomer by introduction of thrombin cleavage site within the flexible domain was thought to give rise to 10 kDa fragments accessible to a 600 MHz NMR spectrometer. Heteronuclear single quantum correlation experiments of the mutated isotopically labelled protein expressed in E. coli showed that the eIF5A protein with a thrombin cleavage insert, eIF5AThr (eIF5A subscript Thr), was unfolded. In silico investigations of the behaviour of eIF5A and eIF5AThr (eIF5A subscript Thr) models in solution using molecular dynamics showed that the mutated model had different solution dynamics to the native model. Chemical shift predictors were used to extract atomic resolution data of solution dynamics and the introduction of rigidity in the flexible loop region of eIF5A affected solution behaviour consistent with lack of in vivo function of eIF5AThr (eIF5A subscript Thr) in yeast. Residual dipolar coupling and T₁ relaxation times were calculated in anticipation of the extraction of experimental data from RDC and relaxation dispersion experiments based on HSQC measurable restraints.
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- Date Issued: 2015
Spatio-temporal variation in the phytobenthos and phytoplankton community structure and composition of particulate matter along a river-estuary continuum assessed using microscopic and stable isotope analyses
- Authors: Dalu, Tatenda
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54416 , vital:26563
- Description: Phytoplankton and phytobenthos communities play an important role in lotic systems as primary producers providing essential biomolecules to higher trophic oganisms and are important indicators for environmental or ecological change. In this thesis, field studies (observational and experimental) along a river–estuary continuum were conducted to assess the spatio-temporal variation and development of phytobenthos and phytoplankton communities using a combination of stable isotope and community analyses in a temperate southern African system across four study periods: September (early spring) and November/December (late spring) 2012, and February (summer) and May/June (winter) 2013. Additionally, the sources and composition of the particulate organic matter were also analysed using stable isotope (δ15N and δ13C) analysis. The effects of substrate type and flood occurrence were assessed through experimental studies at an up- and downstream site of the river after a major flood event that occurred between October and November 2012. Common household tiles were used as artificial substrates to study the development/succession of phytobenthos communities after the flood disturbance. Distinct diatom communities were observed between upstream and downstream sites and at each site, community structure changed with time indicating succession. In addition to recording diatom characteristics on three natural substrates, namely; macrophytes, rocks and sediment, artificial substrates observations were also made on three different types of artificial substrates, namely; brick, brown clay and grey clay tiles. The natural (species richness 78) and artificial substrates (sp. richness 93) had different communities with the latter having greater species richness. Common phytobenthos taxa were not restricted to a single substrate but preference was generally high for the artificial substrates, especially brown tiles (mean sp. richness 47). Results of the redundancy analysis (RDA) analysis indicated that ammonium, conductivity, total dissolved solids, salinity, pH, oxygen reduction potential, phosphate and water depth were the major determinants of the phytobenthos composition at the two sites. The spatio–temporal variation of phytoplankton and phytobenthos communities and allochthonous organic matter along the river–estuary continuum was assessed at 8 sites using a combination of community and stable isotope analyses. A total of 178 species belonging to 78 genera were recorded with diatoms being predominant, accounting for 81.9 % of the total abundance. The total chl-a concentration along the river-estuary continuum increased from spring to a high in summer before decreasing to a low in winter. Periphyton communities were observed to be significantly different across sites (p < 0.05) in terms of species richness, abundances and isotopically The high periphytic δ15N values (range 7.9–15.2 ‰) recorded at the downstream sites compared to the pristine upstream sites (δ15N values range 4–7 ‰) suggest nutrient enrichment most likely derived from anthropogenic sources. Overall, our results reveal general patterns of periphyton communities and stable isotopes and provide improved information in the use of periphyton δ15N as an excellent indicator of anthropogenic nitrogen pollution. Ecologists are interested in the factors that control, and the variability in, the contributions of different sources to mixed organic materials traveling through lotic systems. We hypothesized that the source matter fuelling mixed organic pools in a river-estuary continuum varies over space and time, with the upper reaches of a system characterized by allochthonous-dominated material and autochthonous contributions becoming more important in the lower reaches. Samples of the mixed organic pools and allochthonous and autochthonous source materials were collected during the four study periods. The C:N ratios of suspended particulate matter (SPM) collected during summer and winter indicated that the lower reaches of the system had similar organic matter contributions from the freshwater and terrestrial sources. Stable isotope analysis in R revealed that the contributions of autochthonous organic matter were high in SPM along the entire continuum, and aquatic macrophytes were significant contributors to SPM specifically in the upper reaches. The terrestrial leaves made major contributions to the SPM in the middle regions of the system (i.e. downstream sites of the river, particularly in early and late spring). Bulk detritus had large allochthonous matter components in the lower reaches (estuary), and the contributions of aquatic macrophytes and benthic algae to bulk detritus were high (> 50 %) in the upper to middle reaches (river), but low (< 20 %) in the lower reaches (estuary). The current investigation represents the first attempt to assess the validity of the River Continuum Concept (RCC) in a southern African temperate river. The phytoplankton and phytobenthos communities, and chl-a concentration followed a trend similar to that proposed for the river continuum concept (RCC). The middle reaches based on the phytobenthos or phytoplankton communities and chl-a concentrations which were employed as proxies for primary production, were the most productive, while the upper reaches were the least primary productive. The evaluation of organic matter contributions to the SPM and detritus along the river–estuary continuum provided a baseline assessment of the nature and sources of potential food for consumers inhabiting different locations during different times of the year. Incorporating such spatio-temporal variations in SPM and detritus into food web studies will improve our understanding of the flow of carbon through aquatic systems.
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- Date Issued: 2015
Social learning processes in a citrus farming community of practice
- Authors: Downsborough, Linda
- Date: 2007
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1878 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005859
- Description: Learning takes place in a number of ways. Situated learning for example, tries to shift the focus from the individual as a learner to the learner participating in the social world and from learning as a strictly cognitive process to a more encompassing view of social practice. The overall aim of this research was to gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which learning takes place in and between members of a citrus farming community, in other words it was to investigate the social learning processes. The research was undertaken in Patensie, a citrus farming community of the Gamtoos River Valley, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Data was generated through the use of interviews and informal discussions with participants together with document analysis, such as minutes of meetings. I also made observations of the learning interactions that were evident and also the interactions that were evident in the area as a whole. The data was analysed in two phases, the first involved reading across the interview transcripts and organizing the data under broad themes while the second phase made use of an analytical framework, a Community of Practice perspective to further analyze and engage with the data. I drew quite strongly on the ideas of situated learning, Communities of Practice and the notion of Legitimate Peripheral Participation (Lave & Wenger, 1991) as a means to understand, interpret and describe the social learning processes. The research highlighted that in this case study, citrus farmers learn in a number of sociological ways, for example through intergenerational learning (in the family), learning from each other in a Community of Practice, learning from private consultants and extensions officers as well as from other organizations and institutions. It also considered how farmers' learning had influenced land use practice in the area. This brought to the fore an emerging partnership with a conservation agent based on providing economic incentives to farmers to engage in sustainable landuse practices. It is hoped that this research may inform future educational endeavours by shedding light on the social learning processes and by drawing attention to key aspects of learning that may previously have been overlooked in research.
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- Date Issued: 2007
Research portfolio
- Authors: Hoveka, E P
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Education -- Namibia Teaching -- Namibia Curriculum planning -- Namibia Educational change -- Namibia English language -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1733 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003616
- Description: The purpose of this study is to look at English Second Language IGCSE Core Curriculum for Grades 11 and 12. The criteria that has been identified and selected for analysis as stipulated by the Ministry of Basic Education and Culture Language policy Document of 1996 reads as follows: The aim of teaching English as a language should be to enable the learners to increase their participation in the learning processes. This aim was selected as the criteria for investigation because the notion of active participation by the learners in the teaching and learning process places the learners in a different perspective. In other words, the learners are to be seen as possessors of knowledge rather than ‘empty vessels’ as depicted by the behaviourist approach (Van Harmelen 1999). This idea of a learner-centred approach as embedded in Social Constructivism approach is the foundation on which the Namibian Education Reform Process is based. The justification for selecting these particular criteria for close inspection in the English Second Language Curriculum was sparked by the professional attachment of the researcher into teaching English Second Language to Grades 11 and 12 at the Herman Gmeiner Technical School in Swakopmund. The researcher is also serving as a subject head for this particular discipline. Furthermore, evaluating and analyzing the English Second Language curriculum on this particular objective, the researcher hopes to uncover or come to an understanding of how our educational practices have moved from what was practiced under the behavioural approach and to discover the needs of teachers in terms of implementing the new curriculum in their daily practices as educators. Having the criteria stated, the study will focus on how the data was collected and the type of methodology used to gather this information.
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- Date Issued: 2004
Processes of transformation in a group psychotherapy intervention for single mothers
- Authors: Spiro, Monica
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Single mothers -- Psychological aspects Group psychotherapy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3100 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004375
- Description: South African and international statistics indicate that single mother families account for a large and growing proportion of the population. The economic, practical, and emotional stresses of single mothering have been documented and the experience of isolation that often accompanies their circumstances is noted in the literature. Group therapy has been utilised as a treatment plan with single mothers to provide social support and to help the women cope with stress. This thesis examines the experience of single mothers who attended a slow, open group therapy intervention for single mothers at the Child Guidance Clinic, University of Cape Town. The study is located in a feminist social constructionist tradition that recognises the multiplicity of social realities. It places the women's experiences at the foreground of the investigation so as to allow for insight into the socially constructed and first-order reality of the respondents. The research investigates the women's subjective experiences of single parenting; their experiences in the group and its impact on them; and their perceptions of group processes that may have facilitated transformation in their lives. Ten members of the single mother groups were selected for in-depth interviews. Five of the most recent graduates were interviewed and five more participants were selected as the five longest standing members currently participating in the groups. The participants' length of stay in the group at the time of interview varied between eight months and five years. The women were drawn from a range of race, class, cultural and educational backgrounds. The data was collected using individual semi-structured in -depth interviews. A constructivist grounded theory approach was employed to analyse the data. Results revealed the value of the group therapy intervention as a transformative experience for these women who face the challenges of being single parents. The participants highlighted the interpersonal factor of the group intervention as central to their experience and identified this relational aspect as the unique site of their emotional growth. The five interpersonal factors that were identified are: non-judgemental acceptance; support; commonality of experience; reciprocity; and challenge and confrontation between group members. Their accounts of personal changes brought about by participation in the group reflect internal intrapsychic transformations, which are understood in terms of increased se lf-acceptance, enhanced self-esteem, and improved self-confidence. Furthermore, their accounts of personal transformations include a reorganisation of their relational patterns from their immediate to their larger social context. The centrality of relational processes in this research reinforces contemporary theory of women's psychology, particularly theory emerging from the Stone Center, which offers a view of women's psychological growth as occurring in and through participation and engagement with others to achieve more mature and satisfying forms of relating. The accounts of personal and collective transformation provide further insight in to the concept of relational empowerment as it occurs in these groups and offer an understanding of the potentially restorative value of group therapy for single mothers. Future therapeutic interventions are considered and the need for further research in the field is discussed.
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- Date Issued: 2002
Perceptions of the gap between theory and practice in the preparation of English language teachers at the Lesotho College of Education
- Authors: Molete, Bakae
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Lesotho College of Education Education -- Research -- Lesotho Teachers -- Training of -- Lesotho Student teaching -- Lesotho English language -- Study and teaching -- Lesotho Observation (Educational method) English teachers -- Training of -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1936 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007682
- Description: The distinction between theory and practice can be traced back to Aristotle (384-322 B.C). Theory has been seen as the preserve of the academician who, through research, produces knowledge for the practitioner to use in his/her practice. This research sets out to investigate perceptions of the respondents with regard to the extent to which theory is applicable in practice. It does this in the context of teacher training at the Lesotho College of Education, (LCE), a teacher training college in Lesotho. In this research project; a case study of 5 students from the LCE who had been on teaching practice, their mentor teachers on teaching practice, and a college lecturer who had observed said students on teaching practice was used. Data was collected by means of focus group interviews and semi-structured interviews. Relevant documents in the form of classroom observation forms were also used. The findings from the data analysis revealed that students on teaching practice had, to a great extent, had difficulties in applying what they had learned at the college when they got to teaching practice. Difficulties were mainly experienced in the areas of classroom and time management as well as in the application of the teaching methods learned at the college. This research takes a closer look at these difficulties. It investigates their probable causes and, finally, suggests ways of responding to them.
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- Date Issued: 2008
Perceptions of guardians of children towards government’s decision to outlaw corporal punishment: A case study of Highfield suburb in Harare, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Shayamano , Molly
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Corporal punishment of children Children's rights
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSW
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17641 , vital:41131
- Description: Corporal punishment is a behaviour modification technique that has been utilised since time immemorial. Much interest in today’s world is centred on understanding and utilising the most effective discipline techniques. Many human rights activists and researchers are pointing out the negatives of corporal punishment. As such, human rights activists are pushing for the banning of all forms of corporal punishment of children. This study explored guardians’ perceptions towards the government’s decision to outlaw corporal punishment in Highfield in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital. The social construction theory by Berger and Luckman (1966) and the Operant conditioning theory by Skinner (1956) were utilised to underpin the study. The study adopted a mixed method approach in which focus group discussions, key informant interviews and questionnaires were used to collect data. The study results reveal that guardians in Highfield hold different sentiments with regard to the government’s decision to outlaw corporal punishment. The majority of guardians view the decision as a bad move that will result in negative consequences, whereas another group of guardians supports the decision. The study also reveals that the government’s decision to outlaw corporal punishment has both positive and negative consequences, which include delinquent behaviour, high crime rates, disrespect of elders, moral decay, decreased violence, increased communication between parents and children, and reduced child abuse cases. The study also found that social workers working closely with children and their families also have a role to play in ensuring positive behaviour modification. The study recommends the introduction of community programs on positive parenting in communities, initiated and strengthened by social workers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Objecting to apartheid: the history of the end conscription campaign
- Authors: Jones, David
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: End Conscription Campaign (South Africa) , Apartheid -- South Africa , Government, Resistance to South Africa , Conscientious objection South Africa , South Africa -- Social conditions , South Africa -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA (History)
- Identifier: vital:11538 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1005998 , End Conscription Campaign (South Africa) , Apartheid -- South Africa , Government, Resistance to South Africa , Conscientious objection South Africa , South Africa -- Social conditions , South Africa -- Politics and government
- Description: It is important that the story of organisations like the End Conscription Campaign be recorded. The narrative of the struggle against apartheid has become a site of contestation. As the downfall of apartheid is still a relatively recent event, the history is still in the process of formation. There is much contestation over the relative contributions of different groups within the struggle. This is an important debate as it informs and shapes the politics of the present. A new official narrative is emerging which accentuates the role of particular groupings, portraying them as the heroes and the leaders of the struggle. A new elite have laid exclusive claim to the heritage of the struggle and are using this narrative to justify their hold on power through the creation of highly centralised political structures in which positions of power are reserved for loyal cadres and independent thinking and questioning are seen as a threat. A complementary tradition of grassroots democracy, of open debate and transparency, of “people’s power”, of accountability of leadership to the people fostered in the struggle is being lost. It is important to contest this narrative. We need to remember that the downfall of apartheid was brought about by a myriad combination of factors and forces. Current academic interpretations emphasize that no one group or organisation, no matter how significant its contribution, was solely responsible. There was no military victory or other decisive event which brought the collapse of the system, rather a sapping of will to pay the ever increasing cost to maintain it. The struggle against apartheid involved a groundswell, popular uprising in which the initiative came not from centralised political structures, orchestrating a grand revolt, but from ordinary South Africans who were reacting to the oppressive nature of a brutally discriminatory system which sought to control every aspect of their lives.4 Leaders and structures emerged organically as communities organised themselves around issues that affected them. Organisations that emerged were highly democratic and accountable to their members. There was no grand plan or centralised control of the process. As Walter Benjamin warned in a different context, but applicable here: “All rulers are the heirs of those who have conquered before them.” He feared that what he referred to as a historicist view constructed a version of history as a triumphal parade of progress. “Whoever has emerged victorious” he reminds us “participates to this day in the triumphal procession in which the present rulers step over those who are lying prostrate. According to traditional practice the spoils are carried along in the procession.” 5 He was warning of just such a tendency, which has been repeated so often in the past, for the victors to construct a version of history which ends up justifying a new tyranny. To counter this tendency it is important that other histories of the struggle are told – that the stories of other groups, which are marginalised by the new hegemonic discourse, are recorded.This aim of this dissertation is thus two-fold. Firstly it aims to investigate “the story” of the End Conscription Campaign, which has largely been seen as a white anti-apartheid liberal organisation. The objective is to provide a detailed historical account and periodisation of the organisation to fill in the gaps and challenge the distortions of a new emerging “official” discourse.Secondly within this framework, and by using the activities and strategies of the organisation as evidence for its suppositions, the question of the role played by the ECC in the struggle.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Mercosur-SACU relations : an examination of the revised economic initiative for South-South Cooperation
- Authors: Mpepho, Lwandiso Arthur
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Developing countries -- Economic policy , Customs unions , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8326 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020348
- Description: The study was conducted to examine economic relations between the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and the Mercado Commun del Sur (translated Southern Common Market), in short (Mercosur). SACU was established in 1910 and consists of five member countries, namely; South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland. Mercosur was created in 1991 and consists of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, with Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela being associate members. The aim of the study was to ascertain whether the Mercosur-SACU relations had created more economic opportunities for both regions. In pursuit of this aim, the study revised and analysed the evolution, development and growth of both Mercosur and SACU. It also analysed the achievements and challenges faced by each of the blocs in their respective regions. The conclusion of the analysis indicate that, countries which were economically stronger before the establishment of formal bloc-to-bloc relations, Brazil in Mercosur and South Africa in SACU, tended to reap disproportionally high dividends than others. The study further concludes that challenges facing Mercosur and SACU countries should not discourage them in pursuing collective developmental initiatives such as regional integration and South-South Cooperation.
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- Date Issued: 2012
Interest rate risk management : a case study of GBS Mutual Bank
- Authors: Williamson, Gareth Alan
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: GBS Mutual Bank , Interest rates -- Case studies , Interest rate risk -- Case studies , Risk management -- Case studies , Financial risk -- Case studies , Banks and banking -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:986 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002720 , GBS Mutual Bank , Interest rates -- Case studies , Interest rate risk -- Case studies , Risk management -- Case studies , Financial risk -- Case studies , Banks and banking -- Case studies
- Description: Banks play a pivotal role in the economic growth and development of countries, primarily through the diversification of risk for both themselves and other economic agents. Interest rate risk is regarded as one of the most prominent financial risks faced by a bank. A large portion of private banks’ revenue stems from net interest income that is generated from the difference between various assets and liabilities that are held on the balance sheet. Fluctuations in the interest rate can alter a bank’s interest income and value, making interest rate risk management vital to its success. The asset and liability committee of a bank is the internal committee charged with the duty of managing the bank’s interest rate risk exposure through the use of various hedging strategies and instruments. This thesis uses a case study methodology to analyse GBS Mutual Bank interest rate risk management. Its specific business circumstances, balance sheet structure and the market conditions over a specified period are used to comment on the practicality of a variety of balance sheet positioning strategies and derivative hedging instruments. The thesis also provides recommendations for the bank’s asset and liability committee in terms of its functions and organisation. It is elucidated that the most practical balance sheet hedging strategies are a volume strategy and immunisation, while the most practical derivative hedging instruments are interest rate futures and interest rate collars. It is found that the bank has a well functioning asset and liability committee whose only encumbrance to its functionality is the inadequacy of the informational technology used to measure, control and manage its interest rate risk position. This thesis concludes by summarising the practicality of the various interest rate risk hedging alternatives available to the GBS Mutual Bank. Implementing a particular strategy or instrument depends, of course, on its asset and liability committee’s decision.
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- Date Issued: 2008