Caregivers’ experiences with HIV infected orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) at a Non- Governmental Organisation (NGO) in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Majokweni, Oscarina
- Date: 2013-11
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons--Care--South Africa--Eastern Cape , Orphans--Services for--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25140 , vital:63981
- Description: HIV and AIDS epidemic has caused much devastation and has left many children destitute and in need of care and supervision. The present study investigated the psychological experiences of caregivers caring for HIV infected orphans and vulnerable children (OVC). The context of working and living in orphanages is accepted as challenging for all concerned, yet the number of studies examining the challenging experiences of caregivers The study was informed by a qualitative research method and semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. The theoretical framework that informed this study is the Stress, Burnout and Coping Models. The study made use of a Interpretative Phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of ten caregivers who participated in the study. From the themes that were abstracted it was evident that caring for HIV infected OVC is emotionally, physically and mentally strenuous for the caregivers. It was better recommended that caregivers be given recognition for their challenging work and be included in the planning and development of programmes that affect their caregiving role. Furthermore, emotional, psycho-social, and income-generating skills support programmes including training and educational programmes should be implemented. This will alleviate the distress inherent to the caregiving role and to equip them with the necessary skills for handling the demands of their work. , Thesis (MSoc (Psy)) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2013
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- Date Issued: 2013-11
Sources of advertisement messages and their impacts on purchasing behaviour: a case study of Walter Sisulu University students
- Authors: Oladimeji, Olawumi Kate https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6577-0140
- Date: 2013-11
- Subjects: Mass media -- Social aspects , Advertising -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24824 , vital:63599
- Description: The purpose of this research was to investigate the sources of advertisement messages and the impacts they have on the buying behaviour of students of Walter Sisulu University (WSU), and examine whether traditional mass media advertising still influences the students’ decision to buy and whether advancement in communication technology affects how the students receive information. This study also investigated the impact of traditional mass media advertising in comparison to new media advertising. Questionnaires were administered to students of WSU, Mthatha campus. The survey was conducted within the period of February 2013 – March 2013. The desired sample size was 270 students. A final sample of 220 valid responses was analysed, representing 81percent of the desired sample. The study revealed that majority are aware of television while billboards and direct mails have the least awareness. The results also revealed that 78percent of the respondents felt that traditional mass media still influences their buying behaviour, (90percent) of the respondents prefer the traditional mass media advertising. This study demonstrated that the students of WSU are aware and exposed to the various sources of advertisement messages. In addition, existing literature and this research report have shown that the various mediums have distinctive characteristics which make them unique. In spite of the advent of modern technology, the traditional mass media still influences buying behaviour with television being the most influential media. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2013
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- Date Issued: 2013-11
Sources of advertisement messages and their impacts on purchasing behaviour:A case study of Walter Sisulu University students
- Authors: Oladimeji, Olawumi Kate https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6577-0140
- Date: 2013-11
- Subjects: Mass Media -- Social Aspect , Advertising -- Social Aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23203 , vital:55898
- Description: The purpose of this research was to investigate the sources of advertisement messages and the impacts they have on the buying behaviour of students of Walter Sisulu University (WSU) and examine whether traditional mass media advertising still influences the students’ decision to buy and whether advancement in communication technology affects how the students receive information. This study also investigated the impact of traditional mass media advertising in comparison to new media advertising. Questionnaires were administered to students of WSU, Mthatha campus. The survey was conducted within the period of February 2013 – March 2013. The desired sample size was 270 students. A final sample of 220 valid responses was analysed, representing 81 percent of the desired sample. The study revealed that majority are aware of television while billboards and direct mails have the least awareness. The results also revealed that 78 percent of the respondents felt that traditional mass media still influences their buying behaviour, (90 percent) of the respondents prefer the traditional mass media advertising. This study demonstrated that the students of WSU are aware and exposed to the various sources of advertisement messages. In addition, existing literature and this research report have shown that the various mediums have distinctive characteristics which make them unique. In spite of the advent of modern technology, the traditional mass media still influences buying behaviour with television being the most influential media. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2013
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- Date Issued: 2013-11
School feeding programmes in Chimutu, Malawi: opportunities, benefits and challenges
- Authors: Yasin, Janerose
- Date: 2013-12
- Subjects: School children , Children -- Nutrition , Food relief
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27462 , vital:67330
- Description: Developing countries have the highest dropout as well as non enrollment rates among primary school pupils. However there are efforts to reverse the situation through interventions like school feeding programme to improve schooling outcomes. The aim of this study was specifically to find out the details of why school participation is still a problem among primary school children despite provision of food in primary school. This was achieved through discussions on community members’ participation, benefits and challenges of the school feeding programme. Data collected from key informants and community members using in-depth interviews revealed the benefits and challenges as well as perceptions on community participation. Data was collected from 46 respondents of whom 14 were key informants from government and NGO implementers and 32 community members who are benefiting from the intervention in the area of Traditional Authority Chimutu in Lilongwe District, Malawi. The study found out that although school feeding programme is beneficial through provision of at least a meal a day, it is not meeting some of its objectives. In summary the findings revealed community members acknowledgement that the school feeding programme encourages school attendance and high pupil enrolment. However, the findings revealed that meal provision in school can neither prevent school dropout nor malnutrition due to challenges like inconsistency in feeding frequency, porridge purchase expenses and monitoring and evaluation inadequacies. It was also found that community participation in the school feeding programme does not go beyond porridge preparation. Overall, the study revealed the need for community members involvement at all levels in the feeding programme to achieve sustainable development because the community members are key in identifying and addressing their livelihood challenges. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2013
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- Date Issued: 2013-12
Secularization processes in Malawi and Great Britain: a comparative inquiry
- Authors: Gama, Billy Lickson
- Date: 2013-12
- Subjects: Secularization (Theology)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25644 , vital:64346
- Description: The major purpose of the study was to critically examine the applicability of manifestations and factors of secularization in Britain to Malawi. In examining the manifestations and factors the study had to examine the process of secularization in Britain and its causal factors using theoretical frameworks and examine manifestations and causal factors of secularization in Malawi using field research work as a major source supported by the theoretical frame works of secularization. The study was guided by the key research question, “Are the manifestations and factors of secularization in Britain applicable to Malawi?” The question was supported by other follow up questions, namely, “What were the factors that contributed to the rise of secularization in Britain?” “What is the connection between Britain and Malawi?” “To what extent does secularization in Britain affect that in Malawi?” “Does Malawi have unique factors that are specific or are the same factors at work that have contributed to the process of secularization in Britain?” The conceptual framework for this research was derived from the literature on “secularization” from different scholars, in particular, the work of Dobbelaere (2002) whose analysis of secularization provided the theoretical frame work for this study. Learning from Dobbelaere (2002) the study used three types of secularizations, namely, societal, organizational and individual. Dobbelaere (2002:24ff) distinguishes the three types of secularization in a very simple way: individual secularization, the lack of individual practice, societal secularization, the loss of influence on society, and organizational secularization as the effect on religious organizations by changes in society. The methodological approach to the study was the mixed methods approach that involved three types of research methodologies: the qualitative, quantitative and case studies approaches. Data was collected through personal and focus group interviews. It was supported by secondary sources which include books, minutes of meetings in various institutions and the internet. The study notes that all the three types of secularization are being experienced in Malawi; societal secularization has been manifested by the removal of religious connected syllabus in schools, suspension of homosexuality laws and involvement of religious leaders in different immoral issues just like non-believers. Organizational secularization has been manifested by fights among religious institutions e.g. boarder disputes that have been given as case studies in chapter five and finally the individual secularization is being manifested in Malawi as membership records indicate that there is a big decline in church attendance and participation in religious activities. New knowledge that this study is proposing is that secularization is manifested in Malawi through the partial influence from Britain because of strong links between the two countries and the effects of modernization. The study further proposes that donor influences, Islam, lack of well educated religious leaders and African Traditional Religion are the unique factors of secularization in Malawi, while modernization, urbanization, industrialization are factors that are partially applicable to Malawi, and religious pluralism is fully applicable to both Britain and Malawi as a factor of secularization. Finally the study proposes that a proper training of religious leaders is vital for the sustainability of the church as it experiences the manifestations of secularization. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2013
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- Date Issued: 2013-12
The power dynamics between traditional leaders and councillors: implications for development at Tyolomnqa- Ncera in the Eastern cape
- Authors: Khowa, Thandeka https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4561-2994
- Date: 2013-12
- Subjects: Tribal government , Political leadership -- Africa , Local government -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26775 , vital:66000
- Description: This research study examined the extent to which the Eastern Cape local government has succeeded in integrating the institutions of traditional leadership into the existing structures of local government and the nature of relations between the traditional leaders and ward councillors and its impact on the delivery of development services. The study further examined the allocation of roles and responsibilities between the two categories of authority. The was conducted in the East London village of Tyolomnqa-Ncera in the Eastern Cape Province.The data for study was collected through focus group discussions with community members; in-depth interviews with the two Traditional leaders and the ward Councillor of the studied area; and key informant interviews with the Speaker of the Council and the Deputy Director of (South African Local Government Association (SALGA).The main findings of the study are that there is still a great deal of confusion regarding the different roles and functions of traditional leaders versus those of ward councillors particularly with regard to co-operation in the delivery of development services. The study further reveals that persistent power struggles among the officials of the two institutions are the order of the day as both sides clamor for recognition, relevance and operational space. The underlying factor behind these power struggles tends to be a lack of policy that clearly defines the roles and functions of each institution with the result that development services and processes are hindered. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations are made that concern among others, the development of a policy framework that will clearly outline the roles and functions of each of the two institutions and hopefully bring an end to the destructive competition and hostile relations between the two interest groups. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2013
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- Date Issued: 2013-12
The role of marriage preparation programs in preventing divorce: narratives of recently married individuals in Baffalo city municipality
- Authors: Mujoko, Rumbidzai https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8505-9890
- Date: 2013-12
- Subjects: Marriage counseling , Communication in marriage , Divorce
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26186 , vital:64952
- Description: The study explores the perceptions of recently married individuals on the role of marriage preparation programs in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The study’s concern is that despite the fact that marriage preparation programs have been conducted in most parts of the world, some South African marriages are still affected by divorce. In 2009, 34.2 percent of the divorces came from the African population group and 5, 2 percent from the Indian/Asian population group. (StatsSA, 2009). Consequently, many marriages are affected by marital distress and divorce which has detrimental effects on the individual, family, communities and the nation as a whole. Marriage preparation programs are set up with the main aim of preventing divorce. It is in this frame of reference that this study saw it imperative to focus on the role of these programs. The study aims to examine what recently married individuals perceive as the role of marriage preparation programs and in turn recommend practical preventative and treatment strategies that can be employed by service providers of marriage preparation programs. The research drew its theoretical framework from the adult attachment theory, which developed from John Bowlby’s attachment theory in children. Guilford (2005) states that the application of attachment theory to adult relationships is a revolutionary event for the modality of couple therapy which gives the therapist a coherent, relevant, widely applicable and well researched framework for understanding the complex phenomenon of the adult love relationships. The study also drew from Jonathan Smith’s Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, a qualitative research approach which is committed to the examination of how people make sense of their major life experiences. Semi-structured interviews were utilized during data collection. A purposive sampling method was used to select fifteen recently married (3-5 years) individuals who attended a marriage preparation course before their marriage. The results of this study revealed that marriage preparation plays a major role in divorce prevention through improving good communication skills, helping in managing finances, addressing some cultural beliefs that might affect the marriage negatively, alerting individuals about potential marital challenges, encouraging seeking for help from professional counsellors, providing ways to deal with marital problems, improves marital commitment and increasing the level of marriage readiness. However, the study also found out that some marriage preparation programs in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality exclude some topics that are perceived as important by participants. In addition, some participants who attended a marriage preparation programs still have difficulties in implementing some of the topics. Recommendations and implications for social work practice are documented in the research. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2013
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- Date Issued: 2013-12
A pastoral-theological approach to teenage pregnancy of the church of Central Africa Presbyterian, Blantyre Synod in Malawi
- Authors: Stephens, Chaplain N
- Date: 2014-01
- Subjects: Teenage pregnancy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26403 , vital:65302
- Description: Unwanted teenage pregnancy is one of the ongoing challenges affecting society. This issue affects the unborn child, the teenage mother, the family and the wider society. It is a problem of both the developed and developing countries. Thirty six per cent of girls in Malawi become mothers before twenty years. Among other factors that contribute to teenage pregnancy are curiosity, pressure from peers, economic survival, coercion and cultural practices. The aim of the study was to establish a pastoral-theological approach to teenage pregnancy in the C.C.A.P Blantyre Synod, in Malawi.- The study revealed that teenage mothers are faced with many challenges such as lack of financial, social and spiritual support. They also curtail their education and although some do return to school, many do not. Teenage mothers are regarded as outcasts by society and the church and as such they feel stigmatized. The stigma has in some cases ensued in unsafe abortion. Although the church disciplines the teenage mothers for falling pregnant out-of-wedlock the responsible man is left free. The following five major themes emerged from the data: Social factors, social problems, economic problems and social and spiritual support. Nine focus groups with parents of teenage mothers were conducted. Twenty (Official church elders and counsellors) were interviewed in the three Presbyteries of Thyolo Highlands, Blantyre North and Blantyre City. , Thesis (MTh) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
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- Date Issued: 2014-01
Radio broadcasting, policy and local language revitalisation in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Mabika, Memory https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4499-6300
- Date: 2014-01
- Subjects: Broadcasting -- Zimbabwe , Broadcasting policy -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25789 , vital:64479
- Description: The media as disseminators of news are considered the principal institutions that have the mandate to provide relevant information to the citizenry; from which members of the public get a better understanding of their society. Communicating in indigenous languages, in particular, facilitates interaction and the preservation of African languages. Studies have shown that radio is the most effective channel of mass communication which can help in the usage and preservation of indigenous languages. This is because it is affordable and accessible in more peripheral areas than other media. However, due to radio’s ideological and hegemonic functions, many governments in most African countries and in Zimbabwe, in particular, have continued to closely monitor and control its day to day running. Zimbabwe radio, due to the previous and current political contexts, has continued to create an atmosphere where minority languages are not given necessary recognition leading to their exclusion from most of the existing radio stations. This has come to threaten indigenous minority languages and to weaken the long established cultures. The research springs primarily from the desire to unearth the truth behind the failure by ILRBSs and government to protect indigenous languages in Zimbabwe, a sovereign nation. The electronic colonialism theory and globalisation approach (specifically its cultural globalisation strand) were utilised in this study. The research adopted a mixed method design. Data was collected using four instruments namely, Interviews, Focus groups discussions, questionnaire and document analysis. The study revealed that minority languages in Zimbabwe have never been developed beyond their oral use by speakers in their confined locations. This makes any effort to use these languages for broadcasting a serious challenge since speakers and non-speakers do not value these languages. The government’s stringent media laws and policies have made the usage of radio broadcasting in preserving indigenous languages an almost impossible task. The ambiguous BSA and its various vague policies are nothing but a fallacy to minority indigenous languages’ revitalization efforts. In addition, the existing education system is worsening this problem because of its failure to develop educational materials in minority indigenous languages. The study concludes with the observation that in multilingual and multicultural Zimbabwe, the language stance of the government, education system and the media particularly radio are destructive to indigenous languages preservation and revitalisation. In order to ensure effective indigenous languages preservation and revitalization in Zimbabwe, there is need to revise the various language policies enshrined the BSA and to open up the broadcasting landscape to reflect the multiplicity and diversity of voices existing in the country. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
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- Date Issued: 2014-01
The role of indigenous knowledge in agriculture and environmental conservation: the case of Gutu District Zimbabwe
- Authors: Wutete, Obert
- Date: 2014-01
- Subjects: Traditional ecological knowledge , Conservation of natural resources , Nature conservation
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26526 , vital:65520
- Description: Indigenous Knowledge IK is an emerging area of study that focuses on a community’s ways of knowing, seeing and thinking, developed over a long period of time. The knowledge is passed down orally from one generation to the other. Therefore, this study highlights a number of important factors that are associated with the use of IK in rural communities such as Gutu district. The major importance of IK include the following: it reduces costs through the use of locally available resources, acts as the basis of local-level decision making, is familiar and acceptable to the communities in which the knowledge exists and also that IK helps communities to develop their own sources of livelihoods. The objectives of the study were; to identify the types of IK peculiar to agriculture practices and the conservation of the environment within Gutu district; establish the challenges confronting IK utilization in communities; identify the constraints affecting the sharing, transfer and preservation of IK; determine the measures which should be adopted in order to promote the appreciation and value placed on IK in agriculture practices and the conservation of the environment; and to propose recommendations on how IK should be utilized for sustainable livelihoods in agriculture and environmental conservation in Gutu district and other rural communities. The study employed the survey method which was premised on the use of multiple data gathering tools, also referred to as triangulation. A total of 100 interviewees were sampled from Gutu communities for face-to-face interviews, 48 participants for focus group discussions, with each group comprising of 6 participants. The researcher collected data using a set of interview guide questions for individual participants as well as for the focus group discussions. In order to be comprehensive in data collection, the researcher also utilized observations and transects walks (these are random walks done in an area under study in order to have a better understanding of activities of the area). The triangulation of data gathering tools assisted with diverse information on the crops cultivated by residents, cultivation methods, harvesting and the preservation of the crops. The researcher also gathered information on how residents interacted with the environment, established reasons which contributed to the deterioration of the environment, established the sacredness associated with certain areas in Gutu district and the use of taboos as a way to safeguarding natural resources. The traditional practices have become a thing of the past to the present generations. The research had four major findings: First, it was found out that Indigenous Knowledge which was the basis of traditional lifestyles is no longer a major practice by Gutu residents. The gradual decline of traditional indigenous practices contributed among other factors to the decline in agriculture output. Residents have abandoned traditional farming methods such as conservation farming. The latter practice kept the soil intact and rich in fertility unlike the use of ploughs and tractors which weakens the soil. More so, residents have opted for the cultivation of crops which do not give them good harvests. Maize is one such crop which suffers from droughts as opposed to small grain crops, comprising of finger millet, pearl millet and sorghum. These endure dry conditions with limited rainfall. Gutu residents also revealed that there is overlooking of the sacredness associated with certain areas and the use of taboos to conserve the environment. It was further established that while residents have knowledge of sacred places and prohibitive taboos which are meant to safeguard the environment, residents no longer respect the prohibitions due to the influence of modernity and Christianity which regard some of the practices as backward or wayward beliefs. Second, the study established that the influence of colonial policies influenced a number of changes to the continued utilization of Indigenous Knowledge in agriculture and the management of the environment. For example, Gutu residents no longer practice shifting cultivation which used to be practice in the 1920s backwards. Residents are now confined to small pieces of land which are continuously cultivated on a yearly basis. Therefore, soils have become exhausted and production has gone down since the majority of residents are not able to replenish the soil through the use of fertilizer whose cost they cannot afford. It was also established that the environment has deteriorated continuously due to over use by an ever-increasing population. Third, the study found out that traditional platforms such as the dare men’s meeting place are no longer in existence. The dare is a set-up in which males sit around a fire place and shared ideas on different subject areas as a way of teaching one another life lessons and grooming the future generations. On the other hand, women use the round hut in which food is prepared to address a number of teachings to the girl child. Elderly women took the opportunity to induct young girls into adulthood along the duties expected of women in the society. Nowadays, both males and females share the hut used for preparing food and this is disrupting the traditional set-up of inducting young males and females in separate and appropriate platforms. The situation was worsened by colonialism which came along with Christian teachings, part of which were not in tandem with traditional indigenous practices. For example, the sacredness of places and the use of taboos are regarded by the youths as old and outdated beliefs with no relevance in today’s modern world. To make matter worse, there is limited contact time between the youths and the elders due to work commitments in urban areas. This has limited the opportunities for the sharing, transfer and preservation of IK as opposed to the traditional times in which shared communal lives allowed constant interactions and appreciation of indigenous ways of life. Fourth, there are no tangible strategies for the preservation of IK for posterity. While general information on traditional IK can be shared by residents, there are individuals who possess rare knowledge but made it their preserve after they realized that the knowledge offered them competitive advantages and benefits. Another aspect is that the youths have lost interest in IK of the past since they feel that the knowledge has lost relevance to their present interests due to the dynamism of culture. In the youths’ views, IK which is useful and relevant to their generation will continue to exist while practices which are no longer useful will fall by the way side. The research utilized interviews in order to establish the manner in which Indigenous Knowledge is acquired, shared, transferred and even retained for use by future generations. The findings of the study formed the basis for recommendations, of which if adopted, could contribute significantly to the revival of indigenous knowledge practices in Gutu district. The use of indigenous knowledge, peculiar to people in a given locality, can contribute to the promotion of sustainable livelihoods and development of rural communities in Gutu district. Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations can be considered there is need for the establishment of Indigenous Knowledge Resource Centres IKRCs in communities so that individuals with interest in traditional IK can acquire the knowledge free of charge. It may also be beneficial if IK can be introduced to become part of the tertiary level curricula. Since Zimbabwe is an agro-based economy and also the fact that rural communities rely on the environment for provisions such as firewood, production and conservation measures being part of the curricula. This will assist decision makers to appreciate and value IK in decision making and development projects, not only in agriculture and the conservation of the environment, but also in other sectors that promote people’s livelihood. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
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- Date Issued: 2014-01
An evaluation on the impact of Forte FM's HIV/AIDS campaign programmes on listeners : a case study of Golf Course and Ntselamanzi residents, Alice
- Authors: Jeke, Christopher
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) in mass media Mass media in health education--South Africa Health promotion--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Communication
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17417 , vital:40966
- Description: HIV/AIDS has rapidly spread globally since its inception more than three decades ago and almost every sort of communication media have been utilised to disseminate information helpful to reduce its spread. This research is based on a case study of Forte FM’s HIV/AIDS campaign programmes in the reduction of the spread of HIV/AIDS in Golf Course and Ntselamanzi areas in Alice, Eastern Cape. To explore and evaluate the effectiveness of Forte FM’s HIV/AIDS programmes, the researcher employed a descriptive qualitative research paradigm whereby convenience and purposive non-probability sampling methods were used to draw samples of participants for focus groups and in-depth interviews. Bearing in mind the total population of Golf Course and Ntselamanzi residential areas, the researcher perceived it applicable to establish two focus groups in each area consisting of at least eight participants in each focus group, making a total of four focus groups for both areas. Additionally, the radio programmes manager was also interviewed for her views. The collected data were analysed thematically to infer the meaning and present the findings. The findings revealed that the station disseminates influential information towards socio-behavioural change in the reduction of the spread of HIV/AIDS in Golf Course and Ntselamanzi. The research participants expressed that the station’s programmes on HIV/AIDS awareness are easily understood and influence their behaviour as they enlighten and educate them about the dangers of HIV/AIDS and how to reduce its spread. Another critical finding of this study as highlighted by the participants is the use of local language in these programmes which listeners view as a contributing element towards the reduction of the spread of this epidemic disease. The findings also showed that the station’s radio programmes have been effective for the fact that the station depends more on two-way participatory communication whereby listeners are involved and participate in the development and running of these programmes.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The challenges facing the National Rural Youth Service Corps' (NARYSEC) skills development programme implementation in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa : a case study of O.R. Tambo district municipality
- Authors: Magwentshu, Kanyisa
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Youth -- Employment Vocational guidance Youth development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12803 , vital:39363
- Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate the challenges facing the National Youth Service Corps’ (NARYSEC) skills development programme implementation in the OR Tambo District in the Eastern Cape Province. A secondary aim was to determine whether the actual NARYSEC implementation matches the desirable needs of the poverty-stricken unemployed NARYSEC beneficiary participants and their communities. The study, which was framed within Amartya Sen’s Capability and Entitlement Approaches (1985), used multiple data collection instruments – (1) semi-structured survey questionnaire, (2) face-to-face semi-structured interviews, (3) semi-structured telephonic interviews and (4) key expert informant in-depth face-to-face interviews – to collect data from 73 NARYSEC participants and three expert informants (N=76). The study used purposive and snowball sampling strategies in selecting the participants. Data was analysed using thematic data analysis technique and the results suggested that the NARYSEC skills development programme offered to unemployed youth in the resource depleted former homeland districts of the former Transkei of the Eastern Cape Province, did not achieve the NARYSEC objectives and the desirable needs of the NARYSEC beneficiaries and their communities. The evidence suggested that failure of the NARYSEC programme could be attributed to the implementation methods as well repeated cycles of mismatch between the official NARYSEC objectives of recruiting and developing rural youth to perform community service in their own communities and the actual NARYSEC implementation results. The study showed that one of the challenges NARYSEC programme faced was from the poorly structured implementation mechanisms, which were manned by untrained civil servants and not by skills development experts who were capable of implementing the programme successfully. The research findings also seemed to suggest that two of the major factors responsible for the NARYSEC programme failure in the Eastern Cape were the chronic implementation weaknesses stemming from the historical and contextual constraints dating back to the apartheid era. To enhance the NARYSEC objectives and the desirable needs of the unemployed rural youth and their communities, the study suggests the following: Firstly, it was recommended that policy planners and implementers should incorporate the desirable needs and aspirations of the youth and their communities into the NARYSEC programme design and implementation process. This recommendation is informed by the divergence that characterized the NARYSEC programme implementation. Secondly, it is suggested that the NARYSEC Monitoring &Evaluation process must be revamped in order to reverse the general trend of the poor monitoring and evaluation performance that characterised the NARYSEC programme implementation.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The challenges of re-skilling former prison inmates in the 21st century: a case study of Nkonkobe municipality, Eastern Cape - South Africa
- Authors: Ralasi, Nolusindiso
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Criminals -- Rehabilitation , Prisoners -- Education , Alternatives to imprisonment
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25687 , vital:64432
- Description: The main aim of this study is to investigate challenges of re-skilling former inmates in South Africa in the 21st century. This is a case study of the Nkonkobe Municipality, Eastern Cape - South Africa. The objectives of this research are: to identify the current skills and education programmes offered by the DCS, to establish perceptions of inmates regarding the role of the DCS in skills training and education, to find out whether the current former inmates feel the support of society, to ascertain the offenders’ education levels, professional skills and job experience before and after prison, to identify the status of the offenders’ rights and rehabilitation programmes, to provide recommendations on ways to cement policy loopholes that have a deleterious effect on the government’s drive to create a whole new world for the ex-inmates and their holding communities. A qualitative research design was used to collect data from the participants in order to obtain in-depth information concerning the perceived impact of the life skills programmes on the behaviour and conduct of former inmates who participated in the programme. The findings reveal that the life skills programmes had an impact on the behaviour of former inmates because the life skills that they had gained from the programme mostly helped them desist from committing the offences that they used to commit. The life skills also curbed their anti-social behaviour tendencies. The factors that contributed to the success of the project included the approaches that the facilitators used to run the project, such as, motivating the inmates in everything that they did and the cooperation between the facilitators, the prison and the community. The findings also reveal that the good team work that occurred between the former inmates, support from the community, as well as the support from the Department of Correctional Services contributed to the success of the project. It was also suggested that the project should include all youths in the community; imprisonment should not be a passport to empowerment. The final suggestion was that the project should include all stakeholders in the community. The life skills projects should target unemployed youths in the communities so that they can gain skills that can help them become self-employed. The study also recommends that the life skills programmes should be implemented in all prisons in South Africa to provide inmates with life skills that can help them face day-to-day life challenges. This study culminates in the realisation that no life skills programmes can be successful in any society if they exclude the core social members who are law-abiding citizens. This is key to ensure that these programmes do not polarise the society due to empowerment being erroneously viewed as a preserve of those who did not abide by societal laws. This would set a wrong precedence that this study seeks to forestall. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
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- Date Issued: 2014
The role of records management in the sustainability of small micro medium enterprises (SMMEs) in the Eastern Cape, South Africa: a study of Alice and Fort Beaufort
- Authors: Ajibade, Patrick https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8608-8378
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25259 , vital:64122
- Description: The study sought to investigate the role of records management in the sustainability of the Small Micro, Medium enterprises (SMMEs) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa with focus on Alice and Fort Beaufort towns. The objectives of the study were to identify the types of records that are kept by SMMEs; evaluate the infrastructure for the SMMEs records management; determine the compliance of SMMEs with the existing RM legal and regulatory requirements; and identify the challenges related to SMMEs records practices. Twenty three (23) respondents from SMMEs were interviewed. Findings revealed all the respondents could not confirm adoption of any systemic way of records management to support business functions and operations. Majority of the SMMEs due to their inability to maintain records could not identify potential benefit of business RM with an exception of three SMMEs. The respondents were not aware of any compliance and regulatory framework most especially on business records management. The challenges facing SMMEs include; inability to capture/create maintain, preserve business records systematically in its lifecycle. The SMMEs lack needed training especially in records management to allow them the benefit of maintaining business records. It is recommended that SMMEs should acquire skill that would enable them manage their business records that may help improved decision making. There should be legislative and regulatory framework that ensures compliance. And assistance should be rendered to train SMMEs on basic RM skills that could improve their business operations. , Thesis (MLIS) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
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- Date Issued: 2014
Christian teaching and learning methodologies on the social life of children: a case study of the children's ministry of the church of Central Africa Presbyterian, Blantyre Synod, Malawi
- Authors: Mulele, Dennis Kanthunkako
- Date: 2014-05
- Subjects: Sociology, Biblical , Christian sociology , Religious aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26470 , vital:65420
- Description: The escalation of antisocial behaviour among Christian children of the CCAP Blantyre Synod is a major threat for the future of the church community and the nation of Malawi, at large. This upsurge is a growing concern among Christian parents especially during this century. Through research interviews that were conducted with Christian adults, this dissertation seeks to establish the causes of antisocial behaviour among the Christian children of the CCAP Blantyre Synod. This dissertation also aims to find out whether the Christian teaching and learning methods used by Blantyre Synod are effective in addressing the escalation of antisocial behaviour. This study also analyses the challenges faced by Blantyre Synod and the effects on Christian children. A multi-method research strategy included a qualitative research approach and case study. Data were collected from multiple sources in 8 congregations of the CCAP, Blantyre Synod. Documentary evidence; guided interviews with participants in the CCAP Blantyre Synod and questionnaires were used. The interviews were conducted with Christian parents, church leaders and Sunday school teachers. Some of these interviews were recorded. This research explores the factors that influence the escalation of antisocial behaviour and the effects on Christian children. This research revealed that the escalation of antisocial behaviour arises because of a lack of parental modeling, use of technology and globalization, poverty, lack of understanding human rights, environment in which a Christian child lives, lack of well trained Sundays school teachers, westernization practices, peer grouping and political influences. The study concludes that the utilization of Christian teaching and learning methodologies on the social life of children in CCAP, Blantyre Synod will help in the fight against antisocial behaviour and close the gaps that facilitate the escalation of antisocial behaviour. Therefore the use of effective Christian teaching and learning methodologies provide an opportunity to tailor policies to be used in Christian teaching and learning of Christian children. , Thesis (MTh) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
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- Date Issued: 2014-05
An investigation into identity formation of school- going adolescents : application of the neo- eriksonian paradigm in an urban African context
- Authors: Vasi, Shirlee
- Date: 2014-06
- Subjects: Adolescence , Identity (Psychology) in adolescence , Youth
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26503 , vital:65482
- Description: The study drew on two approaches on identity formation, each postulating differing but complementary exploration components style and status in an effort to better understand the dimensions of identity formation as measured by the EOM EIS 2 and the ISI3. The sample of the study N 111 was socio/demographically diverse with respect to gender, age, race and language, with participants drawn from an urban high school setting in the Eastern Cape. Overall patterns of results revealed by Analysis of Variance ANOVA suggested that significant differences exist between adolescents with respect to gender and age in a South African context. No significant results were noted for the identity variables of race and language, with the identity variables of the EOM EIS 2 and the ISI3. Inter-correlations among the identity variables of the EOM EIS 2 and the ISI3 for the sample of school-going adolescents in this study were investigated. The findings provide evidence that the two instruments to a large extent carry a similar meaning theoretically within an African setting. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
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- Date Issued: 2014-06
The challenges faced by orphans and vulnerable children in cluster foster homes in South Africa: the case of Ekhaya losizo in Grahamstown
- Authors: Nyamutinga, Dudzai
- Date: 2014-06
- Subjects: Foster home care -- South Africa , Social work with children -- South Africa , Orphans -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27402 , vital:67291
- Description: The aim of the study was to investigate the challenges faced by orphans and vulnerable children in cluster foster homes . The case of Ekhaya losizo Cluster home. The study intended to bring out the challenges that children who have been abandoned, neglected and orphaned face after they are found in need of care and protection and then are placed in institutional care. The first objective was to explore the different kind of challenges that orphans and vulnerable children encounter in a cluster foster home. The research study concluded that children face physical, emotional and psychological challenges. The research also examined the effects of these physical, social and emotional challenges on the wellbeing and welfare of these orphans and vulnerable children. According to the research study, most children in the cluster home faced a number of social, emotional and psychological wellbeing which affect normal development. The research focused on investigating the kind of support that is offered by community members to such orphans and vulnerable children. According to the findings, children are provided with emotional support, financial, social and educational. The study findings revealed that there is much support provided by the community. The last objective which is the fourth one is aimed at examining services that are offered by social service practitioners in the care of orphans and vulnerable children in cluster foster care. The study findings managed to document that social workers are very much instrumental in the welfare of children. This is because they are involved in identifying the child in need of care and protection as stipulated in the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, they do placements of children in cluster homes, monitoring and also identifying suitable caregivers who are able to provide proper nurturance to children. Psychologists are also instrumental in providing counselling to these children. They help those children that are traumatized, orphaned, abandoned and those that are having adaptation challenges as well as attachment challenges. The study utilized a qualitative method in order for the researcher to understand the challenges faced by orphans and vulnerable children. Purposive sampling which is non- probability was used with both in-depth interview as well as focus group discussion. The researcher purposely selected those people who are relevant in providing the relevant information for the research. The study utilized an in-depth interview guide as well as focus group discussion to gather information from respondents. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
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- Date Issued: 2014-06
Perceptions of social media as a tool for research: a study of postgraduate students, University of Fort Hare, Alice campus
- Authors: Abolanle, Ogunnubi Adeyemi
- Date: 2014-10
- Subjects: University of Fort Hare , Media literacy , Internet research
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26381 , vital:65299
- Description: The study aimed at examining the perceptions of social media as a tool for research among postgraduate students at the University of Fort Hare, Alice campus. Data were collected using a quantitative research approach by administering structured questionnaires to 310 postgraduate students under the cluster sampling across different faculties and departments, and analysed by SPSS Statistical software and Chi-square test. 264 questionnaires were returned for analysis and these respondents maintained that they utilized social media platforms for their academic research. The findings further revealed that social media has to a large extent improved students‟ research activities as they frequently seek practical knowledge for demonstration and tutorship. Furthermore, the respondents regard social media as a good platform for research topics in audio and video formats, scholarly articles, journals and books. This study concluded that since students explore the social media platforms and search engines for various reasons, academic research inclusive, it therefore becomes imperative to create more links within the social media for students to explore books, scholarly journals and articles necessary for research and academic purposes. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
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- Date Issued: 2014-10
An investigation of poverty as a contributory factor to sexual risk-taking behaviour among female adolescent scholars: a case study of Mbuzini Village Mpumalanga province
- Authors: Mahlalela, Vusi Zakhele
- Date: 2014-11
- Subjects: Risk-taking (Psychology) in adolescence , Sexually transmitted diseases , College students -- Sexual behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26548 , vital:65584
- Description: The study investigated poverty as a contributory factor to risky sexual behaviour among female adolescent scholars. A qualitative approach was employed in this study, which was carried out among 27 participants, 21 of whom were females between the ages of 14 and 27 years. 6 of whom were drawn from the ranks of social workers, community development practitioners, community leaders and parents who formed the school governing body. Non- probability sampling methods and purposive sampling techniques were employed to select the sample. The data was collected by means of one-to-one in-depth interviews and a once-off focus group discussion. The findings of the study revealed that most of the participants were sexually active: only one was sexually inactive and some had children. The study also found that some of the participants received money from their sexual partners. These findings are discussed in the conclusion to the study and appropriate recommendations are made. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
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- Date Issued: 2014-11
Exploring the usefulness of learning management system (LMS) in higher education learning development at a historically disadvantaged Eastern Cape University
- Authors: Holmberg, Lorraine
- Date: 2014-11
- Subjects: Instructional systems--Management , Education, Higher--Management , Universities and colleges--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24216 , vital:62443
- Description: This case study aims to explore how using a Learning Management System (LMS*) to mediate learning, impacts learning development (LD) at a historically disadvantaged university (HDU) in the Eastern Cape (EC). Massification and the technological revolution have together changed the way that teaching and learning takes place, more especially in higher education institutions (HEI). Due to the increased demand for higher education (HE), computers have been used to mediate the learning space, altering the skills teachers and learners are required to have. The LMS under exploration provides a multitude of tools for managing both administrative and academic tasks. This study has drawn extensively from the framework of Activity Theory (AT), and Vygotsky’s theory of learning development to develop understandings and guide data analysis in preparation for discussion and for conclusions to be drawn. The study mostly investigated student interaction patterns with the various tools of the LMS in an effort to determine how these activities impact learning development. A mixed methods approach was used to address data that was automatically generated by the LMS; quantitative analysis using descriptive and inferential statistics was applied to numeric data, while thematic analysis was applied to textual data obtained from the threaded discussion that transpired between members of the learning community. Findings show the impact which context has on learner development and how, unless all the tools of the LMS are formally integrated for learning purposes, learners can become distracted by the functions these tools offer. This in particular pertains to learners struggling to integrate and assimilate new information. Further to this, the discussion tools serve social purposes, and have the potential to benefit constructionist learning principles, on condition that activity on the tools is structured and has clear outcomes. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
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- Date Issued: 2014-11