The experience of a black baptist township pastor in the apartheid: the case study of Reverend Simon Lukwe from the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mkonwana, Vuyo Patrick
- Date: 2015-06
- Subjects: Church and state
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25205 , vital:64007
- Description: The role of the Church in politics is always a contentious issue, this is not only the case in South Africa but all over the world. Christian traditions vary in their understanding and interpretation of Biblical teaching on what role Christians and clergy should play in city politics. The primary gist or objective of this thesis revolves around the birth, calling and the ministry of Reverend Simon Lukwe as a representation of black ministers in the Baptist Church. The secondary objective is to look at the pastoral methods that he employed based on the challenges of the day. It is acknowledged that there have been autobiographies and biographies written on the experiences of well-known clergy like Dr. Frank Chikane, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Reverend Beyes Naude and others, but there is puzzling silence about other Christian permanent persuaders who played a pivotal role in the public life in South Africa. This individual is one of those like many who were able to trounce the inferior and oppressive education that was offered to black ministers in the Baptist Union of Southern Africa. This dissertation is a narrative of a heart-breaking but fascinating account of a black minister who was detained and tortured by security forces; sadly, he was even forsaken by his own brothers and sisters in Christ (Baptist church members). It also seeks to examine what might be the call to the modern religious ministers based on the current socio-economic and political challenges, and what pastoral methods might be relevant to effectively minister in this context. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2015
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- Date Issued: 2015-06
Psychosocial experiences of caregivers of mentally challenged children in Alice, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mmangaliso, Azola
- Date: 2021-08
- Subjects: Caregivers , Children with disabilities--Psychology , Children with mental disabilities
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21025 , vital:46904
- Description: There is dearth of information in South Africa about the psychosocial challenges experienced by caregivers of mentally challenged children. This study addresses psychosocial experiences of caregivers, such as, scorning, isolation and anxiety, which affect their well-being in adverse ways, and that continues to be overlooked by professionals dealing with mental health. This study sought to explore psychosocial experiences of caregivers of mentally challenged children in Alice in the Eastern Cape in South Africa. The study intended to uncover the psychosocial wellbeing of caregivers of mentally challenged children. Secondly, it set out to highlight the coping mechanisms employed by caregivers of mentally challenged children to deal with their psychosocial experiences. Lastly, the study sought to examine policies, legislation and support services in place for psychosocial care of caregivers of mentally challenged children. The researcher adopted qualitative research methods. Snowball sampling was employed to recruit 15 caregivers of mentally challenged children in Alice. The age of the caregivers ranged between the ages of 20 and 65. In addition, purposive sampling was adopted to recruit six professionals working with mental health in Alice. All the participants were black Africans. The gender comprised of thirteen females and two males. Data was collected through the use of face-to-face, semi-structured individual interviews, one interview per research participant, with the caregivers of mentally challenged children, and through the use of one focus group discussion with professionals dealing with mental health. The researcher analysed data through thematic content analysis. The study findings indicate that caregivers of mentally challenged children experience the caregiving process negatively, with a lot of burden. It also appears that they do not cope positively with such experiences despite professionally-trained personnel that are obliged by the Social Assistance Act and other government policies to ensure that caregivers receive sufficient psychosocial services. Findings also indicate that there is very little that is done by the relevant professionals in ensuring that they render sufficient professional support services to caregivers, such as needs assessment and therapeutic services. In light of the findings, the study concludes that there is a need for continuous rendering of comprehensive psychosocial support services to the caregivers of mentally challenged children. It is also recommended that social workers empower caregivers for mentally challenged children so that they can function effectively in their communities. Further, the government needs to reinforce existing policies that afford these psychosocial services, such as Integrated National Strategy on Support Services to Children with Disabilities. Meaning, the government should take an oversite role of these policies and monitor whether they get implemented or not, especially at grassroots level. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) (Social Work) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-08
Implication of family therapy in the South African context: a case of New Brighton, Port Elizabeth.
- Authors: Mncono, Noxolo Alicia
- Date: 2020-01
- Subjects: Family psychotherapy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21081 , vital:46969
- Description: The objectivity of this investigation layered on the establishment of the implication of family therapy in the South African context in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth. The aims of the study were (i) To determine the traditional ways of dealing with physical, emotional and psychosocial problems in IsiXhosa speaking communities in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth and, (ii) To explore the influence of traditional beliefs in the process of family therapy amongst IsiXhosa speaking communities in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth. The interest of this study originates from the side lining of the domination of Western European- oriented healing models which tends to question the infiltration of African therapeutic interventions focusing on the Xhosa cultural practices in facing human adversities specifically in New Brighton. A qualitative research design was utilized to collect data through semi-structured interviews, focus group and observation with an aim to justify the above mentioned objectives. The sample size consisted of 16 participants i.e. 11 family elders and 5 traditional healers as a result, data obtained was analysed through thematic analysis. This study investigated the influence of culture on health behaviours of isiXhosa speaking communities through the guidance of the PEN-3 cultural framework by Collins Airhihenbuwa. Furthermore, amaXhosa consult God (through prayer and attending church), ancestors (through rituals and cultural practises), family elders (for advice and guidance) and resort to traditional healers (for physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual problems). Moreover, amaXhosa routinely conduct family meetings consisting of extended families and apply their wisdom and experience in the provision of a solution to family related problems. Based on the overall analysis and identified gaps within this field of study it is recommended that an extensive research should emphasise on ways of the collaboration of African and Western perspectives on psychological counselling. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) (Psychology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2020-01
Exploring employees' need for the development of an employee assistance programme at a welfare organisation
- Authors: Mncunzwa, Gcobisa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Employee assistance programs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5554 , vital:29325
- Description: The study was conducted in order to determine the employee needs for an employee assistance programme in a welfare organisation in East London, Eastern Cape. This study was born out of a need from the management of this welfare organisation in East London who identified a need for an employee assistance Programme (EAP) within their organisation. According to management, there was a decline in productivity, and high stress levels due to high caseloads and societal demands (Leeuw, May 15, 2015). The theoretical framework that guided this research was systems theory. The rationale for using systems theory is that this study deals with individuals within an organisation who must coexist on a daily basis. There is a general belief that people and their physical-social-cultural environment interact in processes of mutual reciprocity and complementary exchanges (Merton, 2009). A qualitative approach was used in this study. Eight (8) employees from various levels in a welfare organisation were purposively selected to participate in the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants and the interviews took more than forty-five (45) minutes each and this enabled the acquisition of rich information which is described in the findings and is used as a basis for the recommendations in the study. After the examination of the needs of employees for an EAP from the observations of both the employer and the employee it was clear that there is a need for employee assistance programmes in welfare organisations. Employees in this organisation are experiencing stress, burnout and were highly concerned about high caseloads that makes them feel incompetent to render adequate and quality services to their employees. The study also revealed that both employees and management of this organisation have different needs, experience different types of problems and view the EAP in different contexts. Despite the differences in their outlook on the situation, the evidence indicates that both employer and employee perceive that there is a need for an EAP, especially clinical services. At the same time, the issue of funding such a programme is also a concern. Recommendations were made for the organisation to develop an EAP to address the needs identified by employees, and for a clear communication strategy be developed to make all levels of employees within the organisation aware of the existence of such a programme. Another recommendation was made for the organisation to identify specific days on which they will conduct preventative awareness and debriefing sessions for the employees. It was also recommended that the South African Council for Social Services Professionals must standardise, regulate and monitor caseloads for the social work profession.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Exploring the experience of family members living with individuals who abuse alcohol and/or substances: Study conducted in Khayelitsha, Western Cape
- Authors: Modise, Badise
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Alcoholism , Substance abuse , Family violence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13116 , vital:39466
- Description: The constant, excessive and frequently uncontrollable abuse of alcoholic beverages and drug related substances continues to have many devastating effects on family members of the abusers. The impact can be explored in various ways, but the findings are likely to be hand in glove regardless of the causes associated with this phenomenon. This study aimed to explore the experiences of family members living with individuals who abuse alcohol and/or substances through case studies conducted in Khayelitsha, in the Western Province of South Africa. The study was conducted to gain greater insight into the experiences of the family members in order to provide the appropriate assistance to help them deal with these issues. From the data that was captured and analysed, it was clear that alcohol and substance abuse inflicted profound suffering on family members. It contributes to high levels of interpersonal conflict, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, financial problems as well as health issues for all parties involved - causing extreme emotional pain and suffering. Living with an alcohol or substance abuser inevitably results in financial burden, dysfunctional relationships and family life in addition to impacting on safety needs. Furthermore, the results have shown that family members of alcohol and substance dependents develop psychological and mental distress; anxiety, and insomnia. Likewise, the family members develop psychophysiological symptoms such as high-blood pressure and chronic headaches. With regards to rehabilitation, family members reported exclusion from rehabilitation programs and lost their belief in self-rehabilitation or detoxification.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Traditional healing as social practice: an ethnographic study of communicative practices in engagements between traditional healers and their clients in Maseru, Lesotho
- Authors: Molefe, Stanley
- Date: 2015-02
- Subjects: Ethnology -- Lesotho , Healers -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26152 , vital:64926
- Description: Practices of traditional healing may be studied as an accomplishment of healers and their clients in talk-in-interaction together. An ethnomethodological perspective on traditional healing brings the researcher to focus on the taken-for-granted ‘folk methods’, or ‘ethnomethods’ that participants in healing practices use to understand each other, and so to bring about the social practice that is conventionally recognized as traditional healing. This thesis analyses transcripts of three Sesotho healers’ (bo-makherenkhoa) consultations with their clients in Maseru, Lesotho. The researcher adopted an ethnographic approach to studying the situations in which participants performed each ritual; and having made field notes and recorded these sessions on an audio device, used ethnomethodological conversation analysis to reveal in what way these sessions constitute and represent practices of Sesotho traditional healing. Despite the apparently dissimilar procedures used by each healer, the analysis found each session to comprise of a diving sequence and a consultation sequence. Each session was also remarkably ordered, using recognized patterns of talk discovered by conversation analysis. Traditional healing is a practical accomplishment between its participants. A practice can be defined as an established social pattern of ‘doings and sayings’. While the three sessions were found to have different uses of divining bones and uttering of prayers to ancestors, the conversation analyses demonstrate that sufficient similarity exists between these sessions to identify them as instances of a Sesotho traditional healing. While paradigm ethnomethodology and the method of conversation analysis are both referred to as forming part of the social constructionist perspective in Communication Studies, there are very few examples of studies that actually use the method or the paradigm. This thesis attempts to demonstrate the value of using these in the field of Communication. , Thesis (MSoc.C) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2015
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- Date Issued: 2015-02
Voices of women who have transitioned from a shelter for survivors of domestic violence to independent living
- Authors: Moonieyan, Chrislynn
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Family violence Shelters for the homeless Homeless persons
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12939 , vital:39407
- Description: Domestic violence is a devastating social ill in South Africa and especially in the Eastern Cape. There were 12059 cases of domestic violence reported at police stations in the Eastern Cape between 2015 and 2017 (Dayimani, 2017). Domestic violence is broadly defined as any act of abuse resulting in harm or suffering experienced by women enacted by an intimate partner (Goosen & Shaik, 2008). One in four women experience physical violence in their lifetime (Rasool, 2015). Women who experience domestic violence often lack social and economic resources and may have no place to go to escape the abuse. In such cases, shelters are identified as places of safety, providing accommodation and psychosocial support to women and children who have escaped domestic violence. The aim of the study was to explore and understand the experiences of women who have suffered abuse, lived in a shelter for survivors of domestic violence and have then transitioned from life at the shelter back to independent living. Independence is defined as “the freedom to organize your own life, make your own decisions” (Hornby, 2015b) and independent living is a concept of leaving the shelter to live in the community. A phenomenological research design was adopted, with the sample of the study consisting of eight women who had resided at a shelter and three staff members from shelters for domestic violence in the Eastern Cape. Interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) was adopted to analyse the data that was collected from the participants during semi-structured interviews. The study found that the reasons women seek help at a shelter include the severity of the abuse, the gravity of the impact of the abuse upon their own wellbeing, the fact that the abuse is accompanied by substance abuse, and also because the children are exposed and experience the abuse. The study also found that in addition to resources such as government services and civil society organisations, the shelters themselves are most supportive to women as they leave the shelter and transition back to independent living. Lastly, the study highlighted that the challenges women face as they transition to independent living were the lack of support and the lack of social and economic resources. Recommendations based on the findings of the study are to advocate to stop domestic violence, to collaborate with various departments to combat domestic violence and lastly to fund shelters and ensure the shelter staff are adequately trained to work with survivors of domestic violence.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Elections as Drivers of Political Instability in Africa: A Case Study of Lesotho
- Authors: Moorosi, Mantsoaki
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Elections Political parties -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Political Science)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16462 , vital:40722
- Description: The study sets out to investigate elections as drivers to political instability in Africa, using Lesotho as a case study from 2012 to 2017. It employs primary and secondary sources of data. The period is of interest for two reasons. Firstly, the continuing instability post three successive free and fair elections, and secondly, the advent of Coalition Governments. The structure adheres to two theoretical frameworks namely, a) Huntington’s two turn-over test and, b) Karl’s Fallacy of Electoralism. In order to investigate how elections could or could not be drivers to political instability, the researcher looked at the different forms of political instability in Lesotho. These include attempted coup d’état, assassinations and violation of territorial sovereignty. The later form being peculiar to the period under study as the other forms had occurred at some stage through the political history of this country. It further asserts uncertainty of hung Parliament and politicised institutions as attributes to the recurrence of political instability. It concludes that Lesotho is a deviant case from the two turn over test. The scope of the study supports the fallacy of electoralism. Several recommendations have been presented. These include that Government of Lesotho should amend the Constitution on the functions and powers of the King, Politicians should implement the promises they made to the electorates during campaigns, and regulate or abolish floor crossing in Parliament amongst others.
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- Date Issued: 2019
Socio-cultural factors influencing the interpretation of public health communication of HIV/AIDS messages in selected villages in Lesotho
- Authors: Moqasa, Nketsi Abel
- Date: 2021-01
- Subjects: Mass media in health education , Communication in medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21235 , vital:47431
- Description: HIV/AIDS remain a major public health concern in Lesotho. The spread of the virus has increased exponentially in recent years despite concerted efforts by government to combat the pandemic through public health communication. Both the literature in health and cultural communication attributes the failure of public health messages on HIV/AIDS to resonate with the target audience to several socio-cultural factors including norms, religion and poverty. Using a qualitative research approach within the theoretical framework of the Culturally Sensitive Model of Communicating Health messages, this study investigated the socio-cultural factors influencing the interpretation of public health communication of HIV/AIDS messages in selected villages in Lesotho. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions involving participants from four villages namely, Ha-Makebe, Ha-Fusi, Ha-Foso and Maqhaka. Findings of the study revealed that various cultural factors including multiple sex partners, inconsistent use of condoms and lack of education contribute to the pervasiveness of HIV/AIDS in Lesotho. The influence of these socio-cultural factors on the understanding of public health communication varies among individuals. The results suggest that some certain socio-cultural factors prevalent in several Lesotho communities encourage people to practise unhealthy lifestyle that increases the chances of contracting HIV/AIDS. Although participants admitted that they were aware of HIV/AIDS messages, they were unanimous that they did not receive the messages as they were intended or expected suggesting that their understanding or interpretation of the messages was moderated by cultural factors. The comments provided by participants attest to the importance of culture in the acceptance and understanding of PHC messages by the target audience. The findings indicate that language and culture exert both positive and negative effects on the reception and acceptance of HIV/AIDS messages. It was also noted by chiefs that the factors aforementioned are not strongly emphasised in the public health communication campaigns aimed at eradication of HIV/AIDS in Lesotho hence, communities are severely impacted by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Health workers on the other hand, confirmed that messages conveyed to communities are culturally sensitive because they consider the culture of the target audience which is Basotho.This study, therefore, recommends that public health communicators should also encourage other stakeholders who are working hard to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS to consider the implementation of socio-cultural factors when designing HIV/AIDS prevention strategies as this will allow the target audience to accept and interpret HIV/AIDS messages positively. Based on the data analysed, it was identified that there are no policies that link HIV/AIDS message design to the local culture which results in a lack of acceptance of PHC messages related to this pandemic. As noted by some participants, most HIV/AIDS messages reflect perspectives of western culture where unlike Lesotho society, some issues like language, age, poverty are not considered. Therefore, HIV/AIDS messages that reflect the culture of the target audience must be taken into consideration during the design and implementation of cultural policies and interventions. It further recommends that clear policies that deal with HIV/AIDS campaigns and culture in Lesotho be formulated. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-01
Play as an indicator of public opinion in online political commentary : a content analysis of online news forums leading up to the 2014 South African General Elections
- Authors: Moyo, Lungisani
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Online journalism Content analysis (Communication)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10678 , vital:35667
- Description: This study seeks to look at play as an indicator of public opinion in online political commentary of online news forums leading to the 2014 South African general elections. A qualitative content analysis was used to analyse viewers’s comments about 2014 South African general elections posted online. The concepts of critical discourse analysis, frame analysis play theory and network analysis were applied to extend and inform the study. A corpus of all commentary appended to 2014 South African general election news reports published online by Media24, Times Media Group, Mail &Guardian, Independent Newspapers, Caxton CTP, and TNA Media were selected. The study employed a purposive sampling technique and 1000 comments were extracted. The sample began four weeks before the election and ended two weeks after the event. NVIVO 11 was utilized to code these readers’ comments into their respective categories. The core findings of this thesis reflect that online readers do not just engage in play but are more interactive and participative on these online public forums and their political discourse echo political affiliations with different political parties, bearing in mind that South Africa has 13 political parties that participated and are represented in parliament. In addition, the findings revealed that, play cannot be parted with and remains inseparable with "what is real"; instead, play renews the real world by giving it sense and meaning. Play does not "re-present" nor falsify certainty but it enunciates certainty. The findings also revealed that most participants identify themselves with the ANC as the ruling party, the DA as the main opposition, the EFF as the most vocal party and then other parties. The findings further revealed that participants have different perspectives on different economic and socio-political matters such as, entertainment, slate politics, and political affiliation, cadre deployment, political bias, economic meltdown, diaspora, and western influence, abuse of power by those in high places, land reform programme, political power struggles, leadership change and corruption.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Theme and protest in the South African post-apartheid novel: a case study of the writings of three black South African novelists
- Authors: Moyo, Mbongeni https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2256-9671
- Date: 2021-06
- Subjects: Postcolonialism in literature , Apartheid in literature , Protest literature, South African (English)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22023 , vital:51937
- Description: This study analyses a selected cohort of black South African novelists‟ depiction of the real burning issues of the post-Apartheid South Africa. The ideas that the study is concerned with in the novel under study, are based on the aspect of theme and how it is utilised by the respective authors to address the social, economic and political issues in the post-Apartheid South Africa. The study is an investigation of the extent to which black South African novelists have depicted the aforementioned issues. The research highlights those issues that the novels under study addressed and continues by revealing how the authors depict these issues in their texts. Moreover, the study concludes that literature has a role to play in the society and recommends that it should be reliable and useful to the society. It further recommends that literature should not ignore societal issues and should be corrective in its approach. The study is comprised of six chapters: Chapter One functions as an introduction to the study. It provides information on the aims and objectives of the study, the background information on the novels under study and South African literature itself. The chapter also outlines the method and the theories, which will be used in the study. It concludes by addressing the significance of the study. Chapter Two provides a detailed analysis of the theories, which will be used in the study. This includes the Marxism and Realism theory, Afrocentric theory and the Feminist Literary theory. It also defines the concept of theme and outlines its characteristics. It discusses post-colonial literature and its development in Africa. The chapter will conclude with a disclosure of the role of theme and of the author in the African novel. Chapter Three addresses the depiction of burning issues in Mpe‟s novel “Welcome to Our Hillbrow”. It discusses the real post-colonial challenges confronting the society during the post-Apartheid South Africa. It determines whether the novel under study adequately addresses these issues. Chapter Four identifies and addresses the depiction of burning post-colonial issues in Magona‟s novel “Beauty‟s Gift”. It unveils the themes that are dealt with in the novel under study thereby linking them effectively to the current situation in the new South Africa. Chapter Five unveils the central themes in Mahala‟s Novel “When a Man Cries” and it illustrates how the author protests against the ills of post-Apartheid South Africa. Chapter Six serves as the conclusion of the study and brings out the findings and recommendations of the study. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-06
Third sector intervention and sustainable development : an evaluation of selected non-governmental organization supported projects in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Moyo, Thokozani Patience
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5774 , vital:29389
- Description: This study evaluates the impact of Third Sector- supported rural development projects in three rural communities of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. It focusses on how interventions driven by this sector – denoted by, among others, local and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) - impact the lives and livelihoods of the rural poor. This is against the background of an established discourse that views NGOs as effective agents in the alleviation of poverty. The thesis contends that praise for the Third Sector is driven mostly by advocacy than based on systematic scientific evidence of the real impact of NGO-sponsored rural development interventions. Rural agricultural development projects supported by two Eastern Cape-based NGOs (the one a local NGO, and the other international) were selected for the study. A mini survey was conducted in the communities where the projects are located. Survey data were complemented by qualitative data obtained through focus groups, semi-structured and in-depth interviews as well as key informant interviews. The study found that whereas the projects had been established by the state later went moribund, they were resuscitated by the NGOs through a largely ‘bottom-up’ model of rural development intermediation. In other words, the interventions were resuscitated through a relatively robust prior engagement with project beneficiaries. As a result, while originally lacking a meaningful sense of local empowerment, ownership, and commitment, the projects had become revived and now played an important role in the livelihoods of some community members – even though social grants remained the primary and main source of income for those community members. Even so, the narratives of community members revealed what may be termed a ‘transformation paradox’ in the way the projects were implemented. The NGOs seemed to have replaced one kind of lop-sidedness in rural development (the exclusion of women) with another (the exclusion of men), by focussing on community projects that were ‘culturally’ deemed as ’women jobs’. In this way, the interventions appeared like a systematic attempt to do away with the ‘feminisation of rural poverty’ and entrench the ‘feminisation of rural development interventions’. The study concludes from these and other findings, that the key to understanding the significance and impact of Third Sector-supported development interventions in the rural arena – especially in the Eastern Cape context – is to go beyond the proliferation of NGOs and NGO-supported projects – and the broad sweep of advocacy that underpins it – and pay equally robust attention to systematically studying how these projects resonate at the grassroots, especially from a beneficiary perspective.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Comparison of behaviour between traditional male circumcision initiates of the yesteryears and those of the contemporary epoch in Cala and Mdantsane, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mpateni, Aphiwe https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6823-9179
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Circumcision , Xhosa (African people) -- Rites and ceremonies
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22045 , vital:51968
- Description: Unequivocally, the traditional male circumcision as rite of passage in South African communities has been embraced for its role in shaping the behaviour among the initiates. This rite was highly valuable during the yesteryears as the traditional male circumcision initiates portrayed compliance with the society’s moral codes and cultural goalposts. Inopportunely, on the other hand, during the contemporary epoch this rite of passage and the cultural underpinnings embedded in it appear to be eroding and shifting from the initial purpose of inculcating good behaviour and morals. This study seeks to compare the behaviour of the yesteryears’ traditional male circumcision initiates and those of the contemporary epoch in Cala, Sakhisizwe Local Municipality and Mdantsane, Buffalo City Municipality in Eastern Cape. This study aimed to achieve the following objectives: (i) to explore the policy differences informing TMC practices in yesteryears and in the contemporary epoch; (ii) to identify the similarities and differences between the behaviour of the contemporary initiates and those of yesteryears; and (iii) to establish the environmental factors motivating the change of the behaviour apparent among the contemporary initiates as well as those of the yesteryears. This study is underpinned by the socio- cultural perspective, anomie theory, and social learning theory. Methodologically, this study was qualitative in nature, where the data was collected through one-on-one in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and Key informants interviews. An interview guide with open-ended questions was used to collect the data. A sample size of forty (40) participants was purposively selected for interviews. The data collection process was cross- sectional in design. Content analysis was employed to analyze the data and findings were presented thematically. The study established policy differences informing TMC during the yesteryears and the contemporary epoch, in that the yesteryears’ policy environment was culturally grounded; while the contemporary one’s is informed by the current national constitution and human rights perspectives. In relation to the policy issues, the study further established elements of illusionary interpretation of rights by the contemporary TMC initiates; poor implementation of policy guiding TMC practice. Further, the study revealed behavioural and morality differences between the yesteryears’ and the contemporary TMC initiates. For instance, the yesteryears’ TMC initiates were reported to be more responsible and well- mannered as compared to the contemporary ones. The shortfalls in expected behaviour and morality for the contemporary TMC initiates were attributed to modernization, and education in the contemporary initiation schools, which does not meet the societal expectations. On the environmental factors motivating the change of behaviour of the TMC initiates; Yesteryears’ TMC initiates complying with moral codes and cultural goalposts; Non-compliance to the moral codes and cultural goalposts by the contemporary TMC initiates; Culture of alcoholism during the contemporary epoch. Based on these findings, this study recommends that the government of South Africa should augment the existing TMC policies to ensure that traditional male circumcision as rite of passage achieves its socio-cultural objective of shaping behaviour and morals. The study further recommends training for traditional nurses “amakhankatha” and traditional surgeons “iingcibi”; and hosting cultural events for cultural resuscitation. The conclusions of this study state that the government must work hand in hand with cultural custodians to ensure that traditional male circumcision practice shapes good behaviour and morals of the initiates. This is because glaring gaps associated with the rite. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Health factors associated with traditional circumcision of adolescent males in Alice, Raymond Mhlaba local municipality, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mpateni, Aphiwe https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6823-9179
- Date: 2016-06
- Subjects: Circumcision , Penis -- Surgery http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85099485
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19726 , vital:43183
- Description: This research explored the health challenges associated with male adolescents during traditional male circumcision in Alice,Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality in Eastern Cape. This researcher used the views, attitudes and perceptions of the male adolescents who recently underwent traditional male circumcision, the parents of the male adolescents, health practitioners, community leaders, traditional nurses, traditional surgeons and a member of Association of Ingcibi Namakhankatha. The research study aimed at achieving the following specific objectives: 1. to interrogate the attitudes and views of people on the health factors associated with male adolescents who undergo traditional male circumcision 2; to establish the psychological, social, emotional and behavioural impacts of health challenges experienced by male adolescents undergoing male traditional circumcision; and 3. to document the health hazards experienced by male adolescents undergoing during traditional male circumcision. This researcher espoused a qualitative research method. The study was conducted through qualitative research instruments such as in-depth interviews, focus groups interviews and key informants in collecting the data. The study utilized socio cultural theory. The smaple in this study was made up of 25 participants: five (5) traditionally circumcised youth, ten (10) health practitioners, five (5) parents, one (1) traditional surgeon, two (2) traditional nurses, one (1) community leader and one (1) member of Association of Ingcibi Namakhankatha. Non probability sampling methodology was used, specifically purposive sampling to select the participants because of their knowledge and experiences about traditional male circumcision. Data was analysed thematically. The study came with the following findings: An array of health hazard experienced associated with circumcision rite; Horror emanating from the deaths of the initiates; Possible contraction and transmission of diseases during the rite; Cultural custodians disregarding health ethos and sanitation; Traditional male circumcision becoming a forum of learning immoral behaviours; Tightening of the bandages was believed to expedite healing; Amputation of penis due to complications; Psychological and emotional state of the initiates who suffer clinical hazards; Incompetence of traditional surgeons and untrained traditional nurses compromising the health of the initiates; Parental ignorance leading to their sons falling victims of the clinical health hazards; and subjugation of women in cultural practices. The research study made the following recommendations: strengthening the monitoring and evaluation of traditional practitioners; Community engagements by training boys to prepare for traditional male circumcision; Emphasizing the role of culture as stated by section 31 of the South African constitution; bolstering the selection criteria of traditional nurses.The traditional male circumcision practice to enlist the role of women as important stakeholders because they are the mothers; and imposing strict penalties against cultural custodians operating illegal schools This researcher, therefore, hopes that all the health hazards associated with male adolescents during traditional male circumcision can be addressed and that the government and the communities need to engage one another inorder to come with ways and strategies of managing cultures. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2016
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- Date Issued: 2016-06
The Relationship Between Food Sharing and Social Cohesion among Local Farmers: a case study of Ntafufu Location, Port St Johns Municipality.
- Authors: Mphompo, Aphiwe (https://orcid.org/ 0000-0003-0370-8007)
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Food supply , Social integration , Food relief
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20981 , vital:46876
- Description: The overall aim of this study was to examine how food sharing at Ntafufu location in Port St Johns (Republic of South Africa), augments social cohesion among local farmers. A mixed-method approach was used for this study. This study used a triangulation research method to measure the correlation between food sharing and social cohesion and to ensure that it is statistically sound, certainly gaining rich data from the study population. Focus groups and questionnaires were used to collect data. The researcher used thematic analysis for qualitative analysis and Statistical Packages for the Social Science (SPSS) for quantitative analysis. The researcher did not include the whole population. The researcher only interviewed selected participants, and these participants were taken from the study population. There were 13 participants for qualitative research and 43 participants for quantitative research totalling 56 participants. The findings revealed that there is a relationship between food sharing and social cohesion. An important finding to emerge in this study is that food sharing alleviates poverty. However, several limitations need to be considered. For instance, witchcraft was mentioned as a challenge for this practice. , Thesis (MSoc) (Anthropology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-02
Empowerment of women victicms of domestic violence in Ntabethemba ,Tsolwana Municipality:an ecclesiastical function of Evangelical Presbyterian church of South Africa
- Authors: Mraji, Thomakazi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Church work with abused women - - South Africa Abused women -- Pastoral counseling of Family violence -- Religious aspects -- Christianity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Th
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10382 , vital:35443
- Description: This research study investigated the empowerment of women victims of domestic violence in Ntabethemba, Tsolwana Municipality: An Ecclesiastical Function of Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Africa. The study intended to achieve the following objectives: (i) to examine the intervention and involvement of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Africa in social development of women victims of domestic violence; and (ii) to investigate whether there are any available programs within the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Africa to empower women victims of domestic violence in Ntabethemba. This study used a qualitative paradigm and an exploratory research approach. It also employed in-depth one-on-one interviews complemented by focus group discussions as a method of data collection. The study used non-probability sampling, specifically purposive sampling technique. 32 participants were sampled, including: participants from Focus Group Discussions, which consisted of 7 clergy members, 7 members of Association of Presbyterian Women Executive Committee, 6 members of Men’s Christian Guild Executive Committee, 7 members of Imanyano Yee-Ntombi ZamaRabe Avangelayo Executive Committee, 5 members of Presbytery Council and 65 participants from Focused Group Discussions. These 65 participants derive from four congregations, namely; Trinity congregation, St. James congregation, St. Phillips congregation and Calvin congregation and from three associations, namely; APW, IYZA and MCG. The data was analysed qualitatively through content thematic analysis which used the interpretative approach and textual presentation.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Exploring the experiences of female child marriage survivors: A case study of Epworth in Harare Metropolitan, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Muchawaya, Ropafadzo D
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Teenage marriage Forced marriage
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSW
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18199 , vital:42241
- Description: Child marriage is a marriage is a formal or informal marriage where one or both parties are under 18 years of age. The practice has an undesirable impact especially on the wellbeing of girls; it affects them physically, intellectually, psychologically and emotionally. Besides having an undesirable impact on young girls, child marriages also have negative impact on their children and families as a whole. The experiences of survivors of child marriage have been ignored in previous research. The literature largely focused on the causes and effects of child marriage. The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of survivors of child marriage. The objectives of the study were to examine causes of child marriage in Epworth Harare, finding out challenges faced by survivors of child marriage, exploring the different coping mechanisms employed by survivors of child marriage and investigating the social services provided to survivors of child marriage by different stakeholders in Epworth Harare. The qualitative research method was adopted in the study and it informed its data collection and analysis process. In-depth and focus group discussions were therefore used to gain insight into the experiences of participants. Through the use of purposive sampling, 36 participants comprising of survivors of child marriage, parents, community leaders, and social workers in Epworth were selected. The study was guided by family systems theory and resilience theory. The findings revealed that drivers of child marriage are many and affected survivors of child marriage. However, it was found out that each cause of child marriage affected survivors of child marriage differently. Survivors of child marriage in Epworth encounter many challenges including relationship, emotional and psychological, social and economic and financial challenges that affect their livelihoods. An analysis of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions shows that survivors of child marriage face various challenges because of the economic situation in Zimbabwe, negative societal views and negative impact of child marriage on their mental health. It was, therefore concluded that for survivors of child marriage to have an improved life, there is a need for partnership and collaboration of different stakeholders in their social service delivery. It is recommended that more income-generating community-based v projects are provided to survivors of child marriage with basic opportunities they often lack and social support networks that promote change in attitudes and behavior. Lastly, there is a need to increase the number of social workers working with survivors of child marriage in Epworth
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- Date Issued: 2020
Consensus and contentions around community engagement in a South African tertiary institution :University of Fort Hare
- Authors: Mudefi, Elmon
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Community and college -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education, Higher -- Aims and objectives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Administration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8306 , vital:32257
- Description: This study examines the nature and character of consensus and contentions around the discourse of community engagement in a South African university context. This is against the background of the growing body of literature that advocates for the need for universities to make their impact felt in communities in more direct ways than through teaching and research. The examination is also against the background of the assumption that the success or failure of community engagement initiatives is, in part, a function of how stakeholders agree/disagree on the meaning and purpose of community engagement. The University of Fort Hare is used as a case study. Interviews and Focus Group Discussions were used for qualitative data collection, whilst a survey was conducted for gathering quantitative data. The study revealed that stakeholders attach different meanings to community engagement, with those possessing power and influence acting as key decision makers. Thus powerful stakeholders (in this case, the university and donor organizations) are at the core of the decision making process, while beneficiaries are pushed to the periphery. Moreover, both the meanings and the activities within which they cohere have important implications for the way beneficiary communities perceive university-community partnerships.
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- Date Issued: 2011
Consensus and contentions around community engagement in a South African tertiary institution: University of Fort Hare
- Authors: Mudefi, Elmon (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3448-5432)
- Date: 2011-02
- Subjects: Community and college , Education Higher
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23487 , vital:57937
- Description: This study examines the nature and character of consensus and contentions around the discourse of community engagement in a South African university context. This is against the background of the growing body of literature that advocates for the need for universities to make their impact felt in communities in more direct ways than through teaching and research. The examination is also against the background of the assumption that the success or failure of community engagement initiatives is, in part, a function of how stakeholders agree/disagree on the meaning and purpose of community engagement. The University of Fort Hare is used as a case study. Interviews and Focus Group Discussions were used for qualitative data collection, whilst a survey was conducted for gathering quantitative data. The study revealed that stakeholders attach different meanings to community engagement, with those possessing power and influence acting as key decision makers. Thus powerful stakeholders (in this case, the university and donor organizations) are at the core of the decision making process, while beneficiaries are pushed to the periphery. Moreover, both the meanings and the activities within which they cohere have important implications for the way beneficiary communities perceive university-community partnerships. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2011
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- Date Issued: 2011-02
Grappling with food and livelihood practices in the context of socio-ecological displacement: The case of 2014 Tokwe-Mukorsi flood victims in Chingwizi, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Mudefi, Elmon https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3448-5432
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Food security , Households , Natural disasters -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22056 , vital:51979
- Description: This study sought to examine how the socio-ecologically displaced Tokwe-Mukorsi community in southern Zimbabwe grappled with adverse circumstances that threatened to obliterate their age-old food and livelihood practices after five years of being resettled 150km away in Chingwizi. The investigation is done against the backdrop of the dominant narrative on resilience, which often overlooks resilience outcomes associated with specific contextual experiences of socio-ecological disadvantage. The study examined the nature and character of emergent food and livelihood practices in Chingwizi, with a view to establishing how they were impacted by socio-political dynamics encountered vis-à-vis displacement, resettlement and in processes of attempting to recover. The study also examined how local narratives about the new food and livelihood practices in Chingwizi intersect with dominant resilience discourses, especially those related to climate change adaptation, sustainability and food security. A triangulated research design was utilised. It consisted of survey, focus group discussion, in-depth interview, and key informant interview. Qualitative research participants were selected based on their knowledge and experience on food and livelihood practices before and after displacement. This included the displaced flood victims that met this criterion, local leaders, government officials and local opinion leaders. The findings revealed that food and livelihood practices in Chingwizi had deteriorated over the five-year period under investigation. This was reflected in a diminution in livestock herds, crop production, income streams and average household monthly incomes. As a result, food insecurity was very high, and households were forced to rely more on donations. The displaced flood victims, however, adapted to the harsh conditions by engaging in a variety of livelihood alternatives, including food vending, buying and selling, craftwork, small livestock rearing, and migrating to neighbouring South Africa to seek employment opportunities. Nevertheless, efforts to rebuild food and livelihood practices were hampered by socio-political dynamics. This resulted in the loss of key livelihood assets, a situation aggravated by compensational injustice, contestations over land and resources by the host communities, dysfunctional social networks, and victims’ cultural ‘fixations’. The study concludes from these and other findings that achieving transformation in the form of adaptation, food security and sustainability following involuntary displacement and resettlement is more than just a question of resilience, and that displacement and resettlement are complex processes that create invidious dynamism for the stakeholders concerned. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04