Enhancing the psychological strength of adolescent rugby players in South African secondary schools : The effects of Rational-Emotive Behavioural Therapy and Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment Therapy
- Authors: Munnik, James Barry https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8211-4260
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Rational emotive behavior therapy , Acceptance and commitment therapy , Psychotherapy
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22111 , vital:51984
- Description: This thesis aimed, firstly, to test the psychological effects of two psychological interventions designed to enhance the psychological strength of competitive athletes; and, secondly, to possibly determine which intervention might be considered superior to the other. The third aim of this thesis was to explore the results of the findings in terms of both their shared and differential theories. The two psychological approaches in question were Rational-Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT) – supplemented with adjunctive Mental Skills Training (MST) techniques and the Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment (MAC) approach. To test the psychological strengthening effects of both interventions and to compare the results, a non-equivalent pre-test post-test control group design was followed which utilised a control group along with purposive sampling. Various dependent variables were investigated using seven instruments. Variables tested included: - mental wellbeing, irrational beliefs, mental toughness, achievement motivation and competitive anxiety, as well as anger and frustration levels and subjective performance. The instruments used to capture these variables were: - The Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF); Shortened General Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (SGABS); the Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ); the Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT); as well as one five-point Likert question written by the researcher and one question from the Psychological Skills Inventory (PSI). Seventy-one male adolescent rugby players, from three different schools were sourced to take part in this study. Thus 32 (Mage = 17.33; SD = 6= .729) participants from one high school completed the seven-session REBT-Based MST intervention. 21 (Mage = 17.23; SD = .669) from another school completed the seven-module MAC intervention and 18 (Mage = 15.52; SD = .326) from an additional school were used as a control group school. All three group participants filled out the instrument questionnaires prior to undergoing the various interventions and just following it. Each intervention’s sessions were about an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes long. The control group just filled out the instrument questionnaires in about the same time frame that the other schools had their pre- and post-intervention assessments. The results demonstrated that generally both interventions improved the psychological strength of their players more so than the control group, however, the REBT intervention decreased irrationality and improved subjective performance measures more significantly when compared to the other treatment group. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-02
Evaluating selected enterprises for sustainable social development in South Africa :|ba case study of Buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Kajiita, Robert Mutemi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Social entrepreneurship Social responsibility of business Nonprofit organizations -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10829 , vital:35825
- Description: Globally, countries, institutions, and organizations are investing time, resources, and human capital on finding best solutions to address poverty, inequality and unemployment; and importantly on achieving sustainable development. This study sought to investigate how social enterprises in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) contribute to sustainable social development within the municipality and the country at large. The study endeavoured to answer the following research questions: what is the knowledge level among the selected stakeholders on social enterprise in BCMM? What is the scope, application, and sustainability of selected social enterprises in BCMM? What is the contribution of selected social enterprises in social development in BCMM? What are the bottlenecks associated with the application of social entrepreneurship in BCMM? These questions were answered through mixed methods approaches and techniques, where both qualitative and quantitative data was collected and analysed. The data was collected through in-depth interviews (key informant technique) and a min-survey which was administered to users of the social enterprises. Qualitative data was analysed thematically, while quantitative data was statistically analysed with help of SPSS software. The interpretation of the findings was premised on pragmatic and transformative paradigms. The study further used theoretical lenses such as empowerment theory, capability approach and positive theory of social enterprise to support and explain the findings. The main findings showed that: the selected stakeholders conceptualized social enterprises through the African lens of communal living; the social enterprises widely provided their services across a range of sectors and geographical locations; the social enterprises had direct and indirect contribution to socio-economic development in BCMM. This was specifically through provision of employment, training and skill development among others; the future of social enterprises in the country is bright as many sectors presented opportunities for social investment; and social enterprises face financial constraints, lack of skills in the sector, and competition from the mainstream market. The recommendations from this study address government entities, social services providers and practitioners, social enterprises, and researchers on pertinent endeavours to improve the growth and development of social enterprises. The study concludes that social enterprises are: vital vehicles of socio-economic development, more especially for the marginalized segment of the populations; tools for reducing inequality; platforms for innovations, community participation and conduits of empowerment interventions. Thus, social enterprises play dynamic role and presents potential for capable sustainable social development in the local communities and the South African community at large.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Evaluating the contributions of selected drug rehabilitation centres in Gauteng : towards ameliorating the drug problem in South Africa
- Authors: Makuyana, Abigail
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Rehabilitation centers -- South Africa -- Gauteng Substance abuse -- Rehabilitation Addicts -- Rehabilitation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8876 , vital:33703
- Description: This study aimed at evaluating the contributions of two (2) selected rehabilitation centres to the goal of ameliorating the substance abuse problem in Gauteng. The study utilized a methodological triangulation approach for data collection, but with greater emphasis on qualitative methods. The study collected its qualitative data from four focus groups conducted with 32 participants and six key informants who were subjected to in-depth interviews. The quantitative aspect of the study made use of a mini-survey in which one hundred (100) questionnaires were distributed amongst the primary caregivers of recovering drug and substance abusers. The major findings of the study pointed out that rehabilitation centres were unequivocally contributing to the goal of ameliorating substance abuse in Gauteng and, by extension, South Africa. Among some of the outstanding contributions of the rehabilitation centres was the provision of a non-judgmental and supportive therapeutic environment for clients to recover. It was also observed that rehabilitation centres were acting as character reformatories for substance abusers, and, thus, aiding their easy reintegration back into their families, societies and work places. The study also found out that the selected rehabilitation centres were providing ample admission periods and competent counselling services for their clients to navigate their way to recovery. The study unearthed new trends in the substance abuse landscape of Gauteng. Firstly, it was established that more educated people were falling into substance abuse usage. Secondly, the drugs which were rendering users more amenable to rehabilitation were noted to be highly potent. The high potency was noted to be responsible for extreme difficulties in withdrawal and rehabilitation. This was, therefore, noted to accentuate the imperativeness of the role and contributions of rehabilitation centres in helping drug users to achieve recovery in an environment that was supportive, nurturing and safe. It is, therefore, on the basis of these fundamental findings that this study concluded that the contributions of rehabilitation centres were not only important in the fight against drug and substance abuse, but were also a necessary precondition in this endeavour. Conversely, it was established that the contributions of the rehabilitation centres were being thwarted by exorbitant and extortionate treatment fees charged by the rehabilitation centres. More so, rehabilitation centres faced the dire challenge of poor visibility due to the poor marketing of services, as well as their location in affluent or remote areas which are mainly accessible only through private transport. This means that some people, especially the rural and the urban poor, were not equitably benefiting from the services of the rehabilitation centres. The study observed that women, girls and children in general were largely excluded from benefiting from the services of the rehabilitation centres. The research closed off by recommending to rehabilitation centres that they ought to address administrative gaps such as embracing and practising social, linguistic, dietary and gender sensitivity in their programmes to ensure that they remain relevant to their clients while also reflecting the diversity in South Africa. Recommendations were also made to the government to intervene and moderate the pricing of substance abuse treatment services, by making them reflect the country’s socioeconomic inequalities.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Evaluating the effects of foster care placement on childhood development : a study of Berlin location, Buffalo City municipality
- Authors: Mbonda, Mamela
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Foster home care Orphans Child development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15343 , vital:40399
- Description: The number of orphaned and vulnerable children in South Africa is drastically increasing which leads to most children being put in a foster care system. Yet there are great lacunae within its implementation; facilitation and monitoring which effectively affect the children involved. This evoked interest to the researcher on evaluating the effects of foster placement on childhood development; a study of Berlin Location, Buffalo City Municipality. The study intended to fulfil the following objectives: 1. To document environments that challenges foster care placement as an intervention of child placement; 2. To understand the negative impacts of foster care on a child’s psychosocial development; 3. To explore the impact of host parent’s culture to the child’s adaptation; 4. To establish the strengths and weaknesses of the South African child protection system. The study utilized qualitative paradigms guided by the qualitative research approach by adopting a case study cum phenomenological design. It employed in-depth interviews, focus groups, key informants as data collection methods. The study used both non-probability and probability sampling methods of which purposive and simple random sampling technique was utilised. The population of study was made up of twenty (20) participants who were incorporated of five (5) foster parents, five (5) key informants and ten (10) foster children. The data was analysed qualitatively through content thematic analysis. The study revealed the following findings: (i) challenges pertaining to adjustment to home milieu, (ii) lack of knowledge on foster parents’ rights and responsibilities, (iii) inadequateness of foster grant, (iv) cultural deviance, (v) prevalence of drug use and teenage pregnancy, (vi) dire lack of awareness raising sessions for the foster parents and their children, (vii) identity crisis disposition displayed by foster children, (viii) lack of individualizing cases of foster care placement by the social workers, (ix) efficiency of alternative care in comparison to residential care, (x) internalization of emotions by foster children, (xi) continued void for the biological mother’s love and affection,(xii) paucity of monitoring services to children, (xiii) information sharing and capacity building workshops for social workers a prerequisite, (xiv) Effectiveness of authoritative parenting a successful method and difficulty with telling foster children about their background. The study findings made the following recommendations: Strengthening inter-sectoral relationships and capacitate different stakeholders; Emphasis on early intervention and preventative programmes; Enforcement of punishment measure for incompliance; Implementation of training for foster parents and children; Foster care process made a specialization for social workers, Government to invest on psychosocial support and capacitating workshops for social workers. The researcher, therefore, hopes to have fulfilled the study objectives and further explored all the requirements of the study during data collection. More-so, fulfilment of objectives will assist the government and relevant stakeholders in bridging the gaps that exist with child protection.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Evaluation of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design Principles at the University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus
- Authors: Mditshwa, Abongile Sisanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Crime prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc.Sci (Criminology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17695 , vital:41137
- Description: The University of Fort Hare Alice campus experiences high crime rates. To address this problem, and add to the literature, this study applied the Crime Prevention through Environmental design (CPTED) model to measure the effectiveness of the crime prevention strategies at the University of Fort Hare (Alice campus). The aim of this study was to evaluate the sufficiency of surveillance and visibility, target hardening, maintenance and management at the University of Fort Hare, which contribute to the reduction of criminal activities around campus. The study further sought to evaluate the perceptions of students regarding their safety on campus by way of soliciting their experiences and observations. This study used the quantitative method, and questionnaires were distributed to the students in the Alice campus to collect data. The study found that whilst a marginal majority of students felt safe, a large proportion of students felt unsafe on campus. The study also found that students were dissatisfied with the service and found the security officers to be incompetent and un-trained. The study evaluated the sufficiency of crime prevention measures implemented within the university. One crucial aspect that emerged from the study is that CPTED principles were not sufficiently implemented to their fullest and the perception of the majority of students was that security personnel were not functioning in the way that they should, and measures such as adequate lighting were lacking. As a result, students felt unsafe on campus, especially during the night .The study concluded that there are clear increased feelings of vulnerability among students at the University of Fort Hare. The measures that are currently in place are not sufficient; therefore there is need for implementation of CPTED principles. It was recommended that the University increases number of CCTV surveillance cameras on campus, Social gathering places be surrounded by security guards for patrols, lighting recommendations that are modern and in proper design, keep up with repairs, make necessary replacements, paint, trim, current campus buildings e updated to meet recent CPTED practises etc.
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- Date Issued: 2019
Evaluation of Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality communication strategies in reducing the risk of water-borne diseases outbreak
- Authors: Animawun, Oluwatosin Tolulope
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Communication in public health Communicable diseases -- Prevention Waterborne infection -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10531 , vital:35595
- Description: Health Communication plays an important role in health sustenance. It is cardinal to disease prevention, health promotion and quality of life. Water-borne diseases are known to pose a significant threat to global health and has claimed many lives. This study seeks to evaluate Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality’s communication strategies employed in reducing the risk of water-borne diseases outbreak in the community. The research method used for this study is mixed method. In-depth interview and questionnaire was used to collect data. The two sampling procedures that were used in this study are purposive sampling for the qualitative aspect of this study and simple random sampling for the quantitative aspect of this study. The conclusion that was drawn from this study is that Raymond Mhlaba (formerly Nkonkobe) Local Municipality makes use of a communication strategy, which is awareness campaign, in educating its people about water-borne diseases and its prevention but the information is limited in its reach. This study recommends that the awareness campaign done by Raymond Mhlaba (formerly Nkonkobe) Local Municipality should be embarked on more frequently because the more the messages are reinforced for a long time, the more the people in the community are able to remember and the greater the likelihood that they will act upon the message. In addition, Raymond Mhlaba (formerly Nkonkobe) Local Municipality should carry out evaluations like this research at least quarterly in order to assess the impact of the awareness campaigns on the Community, which can also be used as a tool to educate the people of Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality about Water-borne diseases. Finally, social media is a new trend that most people are now into, most especially the youths; Raymond Mhlaba (formerly Nkonkobe) Local Municipality should key into this and educate the public on platforms on social media as it can be seen as a form of reinforcing health information.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Evaluation of selected non- governmental organizations (NGOs) in the provision of health , education & housing services in South Africa the study of Alice township Eastern cape province
- Authors: Kajiita, Robert Mutemi https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2829-4824
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh86007360 , Sustainable development--South Africa http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh2010115191
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19567 , vital:43144
- Description: The dynamism of human needs and the inability of the state and governments to guarantee a satisfactory access to, as well as consumption of private and public goods and services have prompted an up-sprung of alternative institutions such as the Non-Governmental Organizations. This study sought to evaluate selected NGOs in provision of health, education and housing services in Alice Township of the Eastern Cape Province. The study had the following specific objectives: to evaluate the role of selected NGOs in Alice in the provision of health, education and housing services; to examine the successes and possible gaps of selected NGOs in provision of aforementioned services; to examine the relationship between the NGOs and the government in provision of above mentioned services; and finally to establish the strategies that can be adopted to enhance NGOs’ capabilities in services delivery. To achieve these objectives, the study utilized mixed methods research approach, with an explorative and a mini-survey design. Non-probability sampling methodology was used and specifically purposive sampling was used to get a sample of 115 research participants and respondents. Data collection was cross- sectional and was facilitated by the use of in-depth interviews using semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Data was analysed using both qualitative and quantitative approaches, and the results were triangulated to answer the research problem. The study was premised on the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model of service delivery, and diverse literature was sought to strengthen the findings. The study revealed that: the females were more active in welfare sector than men; the concept NGO posed a conceptual challenge to the research participants; high level of unemployment and low level of tertiary literacy among study participants was reported. Furthermore, NGOs in Alice provided health based services which included creating awareness, control and treatment of communicable and non-communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, diabetes, psychological and palliative care, counselling and old age care services. Educationally, early childhood development services took the lion’s share. This is evidenced by an array of day care centres in Alice. Regrettably, there were no housing services offered by NGOs in the area. The findings also revealed diametrically opposed debates on successes of NGOs in Alice, with some not seeing the success while others indicated some successful milestones. Notably, the NGOs in Alice suffered a paucity of resources which included: lack of funds, unskilled and inadequate staff, infrastructural and technological challenges, lack of transport facilities among others. The study also indicated a sour relationship between the government and the NGOs. Despite this, the NGOs were reported to adhere largely to the policy guidelines postulated by the government. Moreover, the government was the major funder of the most NGOs in the area of study. The findings revealed that fundraising skills were needed to bolster the NGOs financial muscle towards the achievement of project implementation. The state of infrastructure also needed to be addressed as well as scaling up the NGOs services to reach to a greater section of the society, Partnerships, collaborations and networking for NGOs would enable NGOs services delivery. The study also recommended: inclusivity in the welfare sector, establishment of vibrant housing NGOs in Alice, empowerment approaches to service provisioning, proper visibility of the NGOs in the community, systematic and regular promotion of training among the NGOs’ staff, sound and up to date harmonised policies, mutually designed partnerships, collaborations and networks, flexibility of donor funding approaches, intensive and extensive government support to NGOs, periodic scientific inquiry on NGOs operations and finally recommendation is made for further research in the area under the study. Conclusively, it is critical that NGOs in Alice are doing their best compared to their resource base and therefore, the government should study the environment of the NGOs in the area with the hope of coming up with plausible and pragmatic ways of bolstering their operations. , Thesis (M Soc Sc)(Social work) -- University of Fort Hare, 2015
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- Date Issued: 2015
Evaluation of the development and use of the institutional repository by staff and students at the University of Fort Hare in Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Kagoro, Kisemiire Christine
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Institutional repositories Information storage and retrieval systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MLIS
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6292 , vital:29556
- Description: This study sought to evaluate the development and use of Institutional Repository by staff and students at the University of Fort Hare (UFH) in Eastern Cape, South Africa. In this study, staff comprised of academic staff (lecturers) and library staff. The aim of this study was to investigate the development and use of Institutional Repository at UFH. To achieve the objectives, both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies were employed. Data was collected through questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the participants of the study. Qualitative data was analysed thematically while, quantitative data was analysed statically by help of SPSS software. The results showed that: library staff and management are aware and provide support for the development and use of the Institutional Repository at the UFH; awareness level of IR among lecturers and students is still low; the infrastructure available for the use of IR is not well developed; and lastly, library users which consist of students and academic staff face various barriers in the use and support of IR development. The study recommended for dynamic training, and marketing of IR through seminars and workshops should be started by expert affiliations and universities administration to advance the idea of IR among the University community. Low levels of awareness of the university repository, funding and shortage of library staff remains an issue and could be addressed by further investigating the effectiveness of different communication channels. It is pertinent that the findings of this study would be useful in various tertiary’s institutions of higher learning across the globe in order to embark on IR.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Evaluation of the extent of the public programming by Eastern Cape Provincial Archives and Records Services
- Authors: Tshebi, Siyathemba Mboneleli https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2833-9842
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27663 , vital:69381
- Description: Public programming initiatives are an integral part of archival operations worldwide as they support the greater use of archival records by attracting prospective users and sponsors. Public programming comprises a sequence of strategies for publicizing and marketing archives to the public, which are crucial in archival operations as they promote better use of archives and records. South African National Archives and Records. Services depends on provisions of the National Archives of South Africa Act of 1996 in its strive to promote access and use of archives as sources of information. . unknown and therefore not used to their maximal utility value, likely due to low-key and ineffective archival public programming initiatives. Consequently, the primary purpose of this research study was to evaluate the extent of public programming strategies used by the Eastern Cape Provincial Archives and Records Services (EAPARS). The study used a mixed-method, embracing qualitative and quantitative research approaches. As an integrated record-keeping framework, Record Continuum was used as a theoretical framework to guide the study. Sixteen copies of questionnaire were distributed among staff and users ECPARS. The research uncovered that ECPARS does not have specific regulations and policies on public programming, but relies on the more general provisions of the Provincial Archives and Records Services Act of 1996 as a guiding instrument in executing its public programming operations. The study further revealed various factors, such as the limited budget and inadequate staff, as key hindering factors in the smooth execution of archival public programming plans by ECPARS. The study recommends a review and update by ECPARS of how it can specifically effectively implement the provisions of the 1996 Act to the modern ways of taking public archives to the people. The research also recommends that ECPARS engage additional staff or outsourced services to strengthen its the public programming of its archival resources and services workforce for Eastern Cape Provincial Archives and Records. The study concludes that improved financial resources, use of ICTs, and coherent policy framework, and public awareness creation and education can facilitate better to acquire, widen access to use of its archives. Keyword , Thesis (MLIS) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022
Examining the implementation of the Department of Social Development’s fatherhood strategy by FAMSA
- Authors: Sishuba, Thozama Alicia
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27618 , vital:69320
- Description: This study aimed to exam the implementation of the Department of Social Development’s Fatherhood Strategy by Families South Africa (FAMSA) Eastern Cape. FAMSA is a non-profit organization providing vital services to people in families while providing them with psychosocial and emotional support. FAMSA has been in existence since 1954. To achieve this aim, the study’s objectives were underpinned by understanding the implementation of the Department of Social Development’s Fatherhood Strategy in Buffalo City Metro, establishing FAMSA’s response to the implementation of the Department of Social Development’s Fatherhood Strategy as well as exploring the challenges faced by FAMSA in implementing the Department of Social Development’s Fatherhood Strategy. A qualitative research methodology was implemented to gather information from FAMSA and DSD. Findings from literature revealed that the fatherhood strategy has been a concern worldwide evidenced by the high levels of father-child non-residency. Data from this study revealed that FAMSA had been implementing the programme effectively regardless of numerous challenges that include funding human resources. Conclusively, a lot must be done to advocate for fatherhood. Recommendations also point to the need for several interventions which need to be done in research, social work practice and also policy formulation and development. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023
Examining the position of black South African accents in English in Drama Departments within institutions in the Western Cape Province: a case study
- Authors: Seekoe, Leanetse Thato
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: English language
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16397 , vital:40716
- Description: This dissertation examines the treatment and perceptions of black South African accents in English in the drama departments of specific institutions of higher learning in the Western Cape Province. The researcher is concerned with the handling of African native cultural identities in the curriculum policy of Drama Departments in higher education institutions in the Western Cape Province. Although the focus of the research is on the institutions that are based in the Western Cape Province, the subjects that are being discussed are representatives of black people in South Africa as a whole. To portray the issue of accents appropriately, the examination does often refer to language as a relatable concept. In the literature of this dissertation, there is ample support for the claim that language differences and disagreements in South Africa are due to the historical and socio-political stance of the European native. After examining the topic of power and social control, the study points out that the native is rarely in control of the interests of the European descendent. Thus, the relationship between the two is immediately assumed before it has even been established. For the purpose of this discussion, ambiguity is appreciated when intimacy between cultures evolves for the greater good. However, it is disregarded when individual voices are diluted into neutral or standard representations of a language. And so the act of reducing black South African accents in English to mirror that of the Euro-American culture robs the natives of their individuality and imprisons them into cultural assimilation. Ultimately, this study intends to identify different groups of black South Africans who speak English with accents. For clarity has divided into two separate groups namely privileged and unprivileged. Accents that are appreciated by white South African English speakers are considered to be privileged, while accents that carry the undertones of any mother-tongue language are recognised in this research study as unprivileged. The study wishes to present this phenomenon as a social issue that will negatively affect the growth of indigenous participation in performance spaces in the Western Cape which the study assumes as the context for the research. The implication of the study is to potentially eliminate issues of inferiority to those black South African accents that have been regarded as less valuable to dramatic performances in the Western Cape, to the extent that platforms of dramatic performances will broaden in order for black South African accents to be prioritised with relevant usage
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- Date Issued: 2019
Exclusion of women in the church governance structures : The Case of the Baptist Church of Southern Africa in Cradock Region
- Authors: Mbali, Nkosinati McGiven
- Date: 2022-10
- Subjects: Women in church work , Church and social problems -- South Africa , Cradock Baptist Church
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23924 , vital:61567
- Description: In every community there are women. However, they are often marginalized because they are perceived as being unable to make a meaningful contribution to various economic endeavours or society in general. Sometimes they are shunned by their own families, while even church communities have been known to treat women in thoughtless ways. As a result, their spiritual potential cannot be effectively tapped. The research has explored many experiences of women in the mainstream Baptist Churches of Southern Africa in Cradock Region in the Eastern Cape. The study delves into the barriers that prevent the full inclusion of women in church life and what churches are and/or should be doing to remove such barriers so that women can embrace all that a church has to offer and progress on their spiritual journey. The study also looks at the importance of systematic theology in the church and how it should be directed at enabling women to exercise their spiritual gifts. The study applied the theoretical framework that discussed what is faced by women in the church, providing in-depth literature and Biblical review, and examining selected individuals who contributed to the study on what is faced by women daily in their spiritual growth. It provided important insights into how involved the participants are in church activities and whether they face subtle or more overt discrimination. A few strategies were also considered aimed at improving conditions for excluded women in the church, not only through better physical access but also through greater acceptance by the church leadership and the membership as a whole. The findings from the study will not only help the churches that were the focus of the fieldwork to help their women members embrace church life more fully and exercise their spiritual gifts, but they will also provide important insights for the broader Christian church towards the potential of inclusive community that will contribute richly to the spiritual enhancement of their church, family and community. For the survey work, the researcher adopted a qualitative approach. The participants' sample consisted of adults with a range of women and men of the church. Supplementary input was solicited from women and men who understand the challenges presented by both parties – particularly when a lack of familiarity with certain physical conditions leads to an unthinking, and sometimes uncaring, attitude. The data has been collected using informal and semi-structured interviews and observation. Being able to exercise choice and having control over their lives and a sense of independence were singled out as being of great importance to the women participants, as these factors contributed to their well-being and satisfaction with life. Most of the participants reported that they were not warmly embraced by their churches, because of their gender, and they were able to lead a fulfilling life of worship. However, more could be done to enhance their participation in church affairs and to become role models for other church communities that are not as accommodating through a lack of knowledge, training and resources. The research only focused on the rural, white, Coloured, Indian and African residential areas in Cradock in the Eastern Cape. Therefore, the study will only focus on the Baptist Church of Southern Africa in Cradock Region and should ideally not be generalized to areas other than those selected for this study. There is much scope for more detailed research to be conducted on disability in other Christian churches to break down both physical and attitudinal barriers that prohibit many individuals' spiritual and emotional satisfaction and growth. Each Chapter has a unique contribution to advancing the central argument of the study with Chapter One introducing and painting a backdrop against which the problem of the marginalisation and exclusion of women in church leadership and structures must be understood. In Chapter Two the researcher reviews the relevant literature, gaining a deeper understanding of what knowledge already exists in the body of knowledge, identifying gaps and using the study to propose solutions for what might be done to mitigate the challenge. In an attempt to guide the study, an appropriate research methodology is suggested and discussed in Chapter Three. This chapter deals with what data needed to be collected and what instrument had to be used to analyse the data. The appropriateness of the research methodology is of the essence in deciding what path the study must follow to realise the objectives of the study and respond to the set research questions. In Chapter Four, the collected data is presented and analysed using the mechanisms proposed in Chapter Three. Finally, a consolidation of the findings is presented in a summary with recommendations of what mechanisms the researcher has distilled from the analysed data. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2022-10
Exit strategies in social protection and the role of the social worker : a case study of exited households from the harmonised social cash transfers in Goromonzi District, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Muwoni, Leon
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Social security -- Zimbabwe Social service -- Zimbabwe Households -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8364 , vital:32389
- Description: The aim of the study was to investigate the strategies utilised in exiting households from the Harmonised Social Cash Transfer in Zimbabwe and also the role of the social worker in facilitating and ensuring a smooth readjustment thereof. The study area was Goromonzi District, where the research sample and participants were drawn. The data were collected with semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. It emerged in the study that besides the financial constraints and general challenges characterising social protection in Zimbabwe, there have been some significant improvements in the livelihoods of the beneficiaries. For example the beneficiary households increased their food consumption in terms of quantity and quality, reduction of poverty among other positive outcomes. The study however noted that despite having registered some positive outcomes on the beneficiaries, the programme was designed without a clear cut exit/graduation strategy. Upon being exited from the HSCT, beneficiaries are supposed either to be supported to maintain their livelihoods or to be graduated into other social protection programmes so that the shock of being exited is minimised. In addition to the above, the study found that, graduation of social protection is hardly possible for the nature of HSCT programme beneficiaries, therefore ‘programme exit’ is the only most realistic thing to talk about in the programme. The study makes a case for curving a role for social workers in managing exit for beneficiaries of social protection programmes and helping families with the readjustment process post cash transfers. Furthermore, this study recommends that programmes should be designed either as ‘graduation’ focused programs or with a clear plan and road map of how beneficiary or programme exit would be handled. This will not only help in planning for the end-phase but also for the nature and approach for programme implementation. In addition, the study recommends that during implementation of social transfer programs, particularly cash, it is of essence to link the cash benefits with livelihood and asset building interventions to ensure sustainability. Families need to be encouraged through ‘soft messaging’ or supported to structure either group or individual savings and or investments in assets and livestock that will help cushion them in the event of sudden programme discontinuation or when faced with shocks and hazards.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Expanded Public Works Programme as a poverty alleviation strategy in Nyandeni local municipality in South Africa : an experiential study
- Authors: Xhongo, Khanya
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Public works -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13587 , vital:39682
- Description: South Africa is faced by huge societal problem of poverty and unemployment, twenty one years after the dawn of democracy. These societal problems have been addressed by policy interventions such as Expanded Public Works Programme. The programme targets Youth, women and people with disabilities. However it appears that the mainstream of the programme the employment creation through infrastructure does not accommodate all the targets especially the disabled. The study sought to investigate the role played by EPWP in alleviating poverty in Nyandeni Municipality and to find out to what extent it really alleviate poverty. The study took a triangulated research paradigm which used both qualitative and quantitative research approaches to collect data from forty eight respondents, by way of in-depth interviews, focus group discussion and questionnaire survey. The study found out that, inter alia, poverty remains high in Nyandeni Local Municipality, there is rampant empowerment exclusion in the area, the wage rate paid to beneficiaries is too little to pull them out of poverty and the effects of poor exiting strategy are unbearable to beneficiaries as they find it hard to find other means of employment once they exit the programme. Some of the recommendations which the study made in line with improved mainstream empowerment security in relation to EPWP are that ,the government needs to improve the information dissemination about proposed interventions to alleviate poverty and that communities should partner with them to alert them about their needs and what best interventions could impact real change. The government should be mobile and take services to people and there should be consideration to review wage rate. The researcher is quite optimistic that the study will play a part in improving policy implementation.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Experience of abuse : why wives do not leave
- Authors: Makhananda, Phakama
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Abused wives -- South Africa Family violence Abused women -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Social Work
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10625 , vital:35645
- Description: The focus of this study is to investigate factors that cause women to remain in abusive relationships. It has also focused on investigating the experience of abuse, the consequences of abuse and the support that women desire during their time of abuse. Domestic violence against women in South Africa and globally has been increasing by the day. In 2017 there has been more than ten reports of women who have been battered by their partners in South Africa and they were reported dead, therefore the aim is to focus on investigating the reasons why women stay in abusive relationships. The research approach for the study was qualitative in nature. The study adopted snowball sampling as the sampling technique for the study and ten women who have left their partners for two years or longer were interviewed. Interviews were conducted at Living Waters Victim Empowerment Centre in East London and the data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The key finding of the study is that financial dependency, culture and children play a major role for women to stay in abusive relationships. All ten participants who were interviewed were aware that they were being abused, however, they used unemployment, children, culture and love for their partners as their reasons for remaining in abusive relationships. The study found that women have been affected physically, emotionally and psychologically by the abuse which has negatively impacted their daily functioning. 4 This study also discovered that if women receive family support during their time of abuse, they will be able to make informed decisions and leave their abusive partners. One of the recommendations of the study is that women should be encouraged to expose the abuse they are enduring through campaigns and workshops. They should also be taught skills that will assist them to escape abusive partners. There is also a need for educational programs that will focus on men and the impact of domestic violence on women and children.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Experiences of children who have transitioned into foster care in Breidbach community in King Williams, Buffalo City, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Nkumbi, Sinazo
- Date: 2022-06
- Subjects: Foster children--Care , Children's rights , Participation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23776 , vital:60520
- Description: The study explored the experiences of children who have transitioned into foster care, looking in depth at their level of participation in matters concerning their lives. The researcher was predominantly inspired to conduct this research by children in communities who found themselves falling unintentionally into a system of foster care. There are overt hardships in communities that result in children needing care and protection. Children find themselves faced with abusive circumstances, experiencing loss and being abandoned. There is little research on experiences of children who have transitioned into foster care, on child participation in matters that involve their lives, and research that documents the perspectives of children. Children’s ability to exercise their constitutional right to participate, and making their voices heard regarding their life experiences through their own milieu, have also not received attention. There are several intervention systems put in place by the South African government to aid children in need of care and protection, and systems to place children in conducive environments. These systems are largely focused on placement of the child in need, application for foster care grants, foster parents, and the extension of the foster placement. However, there is very little information regarding the child’s right to participate in matters that involve their lives. The goal of the study was to investigate children’s participation in matters that affect their lives. It was interested in children’s perspectives. The aim was to explore the experiences of children who had transitioned into the foster care system in Breidbach Community in King Williams Town it Buffalo City Municipality. The purpose was to identify gaps, as there is minimal information concerning experiences of children who have transitioned into foster care and on children’s participation as stipulated within section 10 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005. To be able to achieve the objectives of the study, interviews were conducted with purposefully sampled participants. Data obtained was analysed according to qualitative data analysis procedures. The researcher utilised exploratory, descriptive and contextual research designs. The domain where participants were interviewed was Breidbach, King Williams Town, and Buffalo City under the jurisdiction of the Department of Social Development (DSD) and Child Protection Organisations (CPO). Findings indicate the children lacked education on their right to participate in matters that affect their lives. Furthermore, some professionals did not involve the children in matters that affected them, leading to interventions on matters concerning the children that did not benefit from input by the children. Taking into cognisance of all the relevant information stated above, children’s right to participate in matters involving their lives is as paramount as the involvement of the social workers and the foster parents when determining their placement. A holistic approach has to be used, hence it is primary and recommended that, the investigation, intervention strategies and framework used by social workers in making sure that children in need of care and protection include the perspectives of children who are to be placed into foster care. This will be possible through the participation of a child. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-06
Experiences of incarcerated women who have committed intimate partner homicide
- Authors: Coombs-Brown, Chanelle
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Incarcerated women Female offenders Women--Violence against
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Psychology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17406 , vital:40965
- Description: This qualitative study explores the experiences of incarcerated women who have perpetrated intimate partner homicide (IPH) and had been exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) in their relationships. The study further explores women’s experiences of IPV, in particular those which motivated them to perpetrate IPH. The study examines how factors associated with IPV affect women to the point of responding with such lethal IPH. Additionally, it explores whether or not women feel remorse for their actions of IPH. The current study falls within an interpretive research paradigm and employs interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) as its theoretical framework. The researcher selected IPA as it works well in understanding and describing participants’ experiences. Semi-structured face to face interviews were conducted with nine women incarcerated for IPH. The findings of the study were analysed using the IPA approach. Three main themes emerged from the analysis: mainly all women reported to have experienced IPV in their respective relationships with the deceased, all, except one woman, reported that their partners had committed infidelity, the women also reported to have experienced much disappointment in gaining assistance from the judicial system. Therefore, on-going IPV including death threats resulted in fear; infidelity resulted in tremendous emotional and psychological strain, as well as feelings of betrayal; and perceived lack of support from the judicial system all appeared to have motivated women to perpetrate IPH with the majority indicating remorse.
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- Date Issued: 2015
Experiences of unmarried fathers who are denied access to their biological children among amaXhosa communities in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape province
- Authors: Nguma, Aphiwe https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9421-1279
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Unmarried fathers , Fatherhood responsibility movement
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22412 , vital:52052
- Description: This study aimed to explore the experiences of unmarried fathers who are denied access to their biological children among amaXhosa communities in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape Province. This study also endeavoured to answer the following research questions: (i). what are the challenges encountered by unmarried fathers who are denied access to their biological children among amaXhosa communities in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape Province? (ii). what are government official's perceptions on experiences of unmarried fathers who are denied access to their biological children among amaXhosa communities in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape? (iii) What are the implications of denial of access of unmarried fathers to their biological children among amaXhosa communities in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape Province? This study adopted a qualitative approach within a phenomenological case study research design. A sample of forty participants comprising twenty unmarried biological fathers, seven statutory social workers, three presiding officers of children's court and ten cultural custodians was interviewed. The study revealed the following challenges: payment of pregnancy damages and bride price, unemployment, conflict with the maternal family, poverty, psycho-emotional breakdown, cultural responsibilities, terminated intimate partner relationship with the mother of the child, financial constraints, and lack of emotional and moral intelligence. The study recommends the development of a new 'family policy' to ensure integration of customary cultural practices and the legislative frameworks to provide a detailed parental-document to assist the new generation of parents in maintaining good parenting relations. Further, the study recommends the establishment of champions against absent and uninvolved fathers, where young men will explore fatherhood roles and develop educational and preventative strategies. , Thesis (MSW) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-09
Experiences of Xhosa elderly persons in using public transport and how it effects their quality of life: a case study of Mdantsane township.
- Authors: Sinkintana, Xolisile
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Transportation--Social aspects , Older people--Transportation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21256 , vital:47437
- Description: This research study was motivated by the fact that little is known about the topic and that older persons living in Mdantsane Township are heavily reliant on public transport such as taxis, trains, mini-taxis and buses which are, arguably, not suitable for transporting older persons. Through this research project, the researcher hoped to provide information which may contribute to better understanding of this phenomena, identify barriers in the transport system and get a better understanding thereof. This study utilized a qualitative research approach with an exploratory research design. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from 30 elderly persons living in Mdantsane Township, and thematic analysis was used to analyse data. Three themes and sub-themes were generated and later linked to the research questions namely: What are the experiences faced by older persons in using public transport? How do these experiences and challenges affect the quality of life of older persons using public transport? What do older persons view as potential barriers in using public transport? The findings highlighted that elderly people living in Mdantsane Township rely on public transport for participation in social and economic activities of the community as well as access to essential services. Consequently, lack of sufficient income among older persons affect their quality of life in relation to using public transport in that they cannot access all the services they need. They also indicated that there are several barriers for older persons against using public transport which include, concerns about personal safety, safety of items, public transport running late, behaviour of younger passengers and taxi conductors and lack of cleanliness among some drivers, to name a few. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) (Social Work) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-09
Experiences of youths participating in combination social protection and HIV prevention programme in resource constrained settings of Gauteng Province in South Africa: a collective case study design
- Authors: Zibengwa, Enock
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: HIV infections -- Prevention , HIV (Viruses) , HIV infections -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27347 , vital:66944
- Description: South Africa continues to experience unacceptably high Human Immunodeficiency Virus HIV incidence rates among youths aged 15 to 24 years. Remarkably, this is despite the numerous youth HIV prevention programmes that have been implemented in the country. Unfortunately, the programmes have not significantly curbed the spread of HIV due to the partial and fragmented nature of their implementation. The programmes are also observed to be weak in addressing complex economic factors recognised as important structural drivers for vulnerabilities that put youths at risk of HIV infection. To address this challenge, there is increased adoption and implementation of the Combination Social Protection introduced in this research as the CSP by Non-Governmental Organisations NGOs. The CSP is a youth empowerment programming strategy whose critical foundations are entrenched in combining economic strengthening interventions and HIV prevention education. CSP could provide youths with a set of indispensable life skills that enhance their competencies and agency to make informed and effective decisions regarding their health and economic lives. Despite its growing traction, little is known regarding links between the CSP and its abilities to improve HIV prevention outcomes for youths. Given the paucity of research, this study aimed to explore the experiences of youths participating in the CSP and HIV prevention programme, with a particular focus on the resource-constrained settings of Gauteng Province in South Africa. This study employed a collective case study design, within the qualitative approach, and was exploratory. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with 30 youths from six established NGOs in the City of Johannesburg (CoJ). Qualitative thematic analysis was employed as a data analysis strategy. Focus groups were separately with six practitioners from the same six NGOs, and five officials from the Department of Social Development (DSD). Both phases of data collection were guided by interview themes, which were aligned with the objectives of the study. The findings of the study point to the fact that the CSP’s innovative and holistic approach offered numerous transformative and empowering benefits to youths. It equipped them with basic informational resources, capabilities, and social assets to safeguard their health and aid their economic advancement. The programme’s mixedgender sessions provided space, freedom, and support for youths to engage on issues of gender, differential access to health and socio-economic opportunities. Another major finding of the study was that improvement of economic aptitude (brought about by financial literacy education), employability, and entrepreneurship training stirred a sense of agency and purposefulness among youths, which in turn, prompted them to be more focused on achieving long-term objectives instead of indulging in risky sexual practices. Conversely, findings revealed that the programme had limited opportunities and did not create an adequate supportive environment for youths to develop successful entrepreneurial or income-generating projects. There was also no structure to assist youths to access apprenticeship and employment markets. The study specifically recognised that the programme’s efforts to develop youths’ entrepreneurship and employability capabilities were curtailed by a lack of mentorshipnand access to financial capital for start-up costs. With these findings in mind, recommendations are made for the creation of an enabling environment by purposefully engaging youths, establishing collaborative relations with communities, and building networks with businesses and financial institutions that can help youths with capital, mentorship, and linkages to internship and wage employment. Such collaborations could be fundamental in unravelling the impact of the programme on building livelihoods and reducing HIV among youths. Hence, this study proposes a model with strategies to support the successful implementation of economic strengthening interventions for youths. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-04