Theses and Dissertations

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Exploring the Rape Survivor's Experiences of the South African Criminal Justice System
(University of Fort Hare, 2009) Daniel, Nyameka
Until recently, little attention was paid to victims of crime and violence in South Africa. Moolman (1997) argued that within the framework of the Criminal Justice System (CJS) the victim is totally marginalized. Geis also maintains that the victim of crime experiences a number of problems with each subsystem of the CJS (Cited in Galaway and Hudson, 1981). They further argue that the CJS is mainly offender orientated and they also claim that previously within the South African CJS, the focus was primarily placed on the offender of the crime, with the victim viewed as a complainant and/or witness at best. Not surprisingly therefore, research has pointed out that victims of crime and violence are often victimized twice - first by the offender and second by the insensitive treatment meted out by members of the criminal justice system, the health care system and support services (Davis and Snyman: 2005). However, with the introduction of democracy in South Africa in 1994, and the inclusion of the Bill of Human Rights in the South African Constitution (Act' 108 of 1996), the rights of victims have finally been recognized and accentuated in terms of legislation.
Family disconnection and lack of belonging as a contributor to adolescent substance abuse
(University of Fort Hare, 2013-12) Beaumont, Samantha; Rautenbach, J.V.
Adolescence, the family, sense of belonging and substance abuse, are areas of discussion that can contribute to a compilation of knowledge. When integrated, these areas can be correlated and analysed with the purpose of evolving towards a fully functioning society. This study added to the knowledge base and contributes to the empowerment of families in dealing with adolescent substance abuse. Fifteen adolescents, who have or who are using cannabis, participated in this exploratory descriptive study. These participants were chosen as a result of completing a drug awareness program through a non-governmental organisation called NICRO (National Institute for Crime prevention and Reintegration of Offenders). Their thoughts, feelings and experiences were explored with regards to their substance use in relation to their sense of belonging and disconnection within their family environment. This allowed the researcher and the participants to explore whether feelings of belonging and disconnection within the family contributed to adolescent cannabis abuse. The major findings related to this study included: the waterpipe; sense of belonging and disconnection; the family's response to adolescent substance abuse; quality family time; substance use as a coping mechanism; the development of a 'don't care' attitude; and family attributes concerning structure and substance abuse. These seven major findings emerged as a result of this research study.
The Psychological impact of imprisonment in South Africa : a case study in Nkonkobe municipality
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Sinefu, Akhona
The study tries to explain the psychological effects of imprisonment as adjustment to incarceration is at all times a difficult matter and, it creates a tradition of thinking and behaviour which can be dysfunctional in times of post-prison adjustment. The psychological effect of confinement varies from individual to individual. Not everyone who is confined is psychological harmed by it, but a few people are completely unchanged by the experience. It can be argued that everyone who enters detention centre is subjected to pressures of institutionalization, and that inmates respond in various ways with different levels of psychological changes associated with their adaptations.
The Psychological impact of imprisonment in South Africa : a case study in Nkonkobe municipality
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Sinefu, Akhona
The study tries to explain the psychological effects of imprisonment as adjustment to incarceration is at all times a difficult matter and, it creates a tradition of thinking and behaviour effect of confinement varies from individual to individual. Not everyone who confined is psychological harmed by it, but a few people are completely unchanged by the experience. It can be argued that everyone who enters detention centre is subjected to pressures of institutionalization, and that inmates respond in various ways with different levels of psychological changes associated with their adaptations. The objective of the study is to examine how imprisonment affects the offender during and after imprisonment. What effect does have on the offender. What are the sociological effects of imprisonment. What effects does imprisonment have on the family of the offender as they are an important influence of many aspects of prisoner's life. The aim of the study are to check what the social integration challenges that face ex-offender. Examine what are the factors that contribute the stress in the prison environment.
Coping with poverty : a study of strategies adopted by single mothers in Chiredzi town , Zimbabwe
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Mafa, Itai; Sumbulu, A.
This research sought to assess the effectiveness of the coping strategies that are employed by single mothers in alleviating and averting poverty in Chiredzi Town, Zimbabwe. The researcher wanted to investigate whether the survival strategies implemented in towns of developing countries are able to rescue single mothers from the grasps of poverty.
Psychological and social consequences of aggravated robberies on victims: Evidence from selected precincts in the Eastern Cape.
(University of Fort Hare, 2015) Zondeka, Fikile Michael
This study concerns the psychological and social consequences of aggravated robberies on victims, with the central aim as of understanding, from a victim’s perspective, the psychological and social impact of being violently robbed. In South Africa, there has been a steady increase in aggravated robberies which had psychological and social consequences on victims. The purpose of this study was to explore on how aggravated robbery disrupts victim’s core assumption of invulnerability, the ability to handle stress after the incident, as well as the kind of support systems employed to overcome the ordeal. The South African nation is struggling to manage with a very high rate of aggravated robberies – a phenomenon that has also increased worldwide. Some aggravated robberies are highly organized in nature (e.g. most cash-in-transit (CIT) and bank robberies, as well as truck and carjacking). This is particularly the case when organized criminals are involved. Other robberies are not as well organized as is the case with the majority of street robberies. The dramatic changes of this crime as highlighted, remains worryingly when figures increase in one sub-trend and decrease in another. It is worrying when street robbery decreases and house robbery increases as if the robbers have moved from the street to residential places. Research data was gathered by means of a structured questionnaire. Forty two (42) respondents (3%) out of 1410 victims covering all subcategories of aggravated robberies were interviewed. Respondents were selected utilizing the principle of purposive sampling to ensure representativity in terms of gender, age, race and marital status. The researcher had used his own judgement about which respondents to choose, and picked only those who best met the purposes of the study and further relied on his experience, ingenuity to deliberately obtain units of analysis in such a manner that the sample obtained had to be regarded as being representative of the relevant population. Three research sites viz. East London, Kwazakhele and Mthatha, were selected because of the highest recorded incidences of aggravated robberies. All participants reported some effects during and after the attacks. As a result of physical and emotional trauma, specifically where firearms or dangerous weapons were used to threaten the victims, the findings revealed that the impact of aggravated robberies on victims, accrued in psychological and social consequences followed by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which prolongs for a long time. Due to the financial losses, ninety eight percent (98%) of victims’ psychological distress appeared, and became very intense. Very few participants received any support and the overwhelming majority of the victims never received assistance or support from the Government during and after the robberies. The Government has not taken measures in preventing robbery cases or visiting crime scenes promptly. This study based on the findings, makes recommendations for ways in which victims of aggravated robberies can be assisted, where it proposed for support at the police stations and/or hospitals by means of availing psychologists, and work shopping police in addressing the perceived lack of service, regardless of the severity of the attacks.
Psychological and Social consequences of aggravated robberies on victims: Evidence from selected precincts in the Eastern Cape
(University of Fort Hare, 2015-09) Zondeka, Fikile Michael; Barkhuizen, J.
This study concerns the psychological and social consequences of aggravated robberies on victims, with the central aim as of understanding, from a victim's perspective, the psychological and social impact of being violently robbed. In South Africa, there has been a steady increase in aggravated robberies which had psychological and social consequences on victims. The purpose of this study was to explore on how aggravated robbery disrupts victim's core assumption of invulnerability, the ability to handle stress after the incident, as well as the kind of support systems employed to overcome the ordeal. The South African nation is struggling to manage with a very high rate of aggravated robberies - a phenomenon that has also increased worldwide. Some aggravated robberies are highly organized . in nature ( e.g. most cash-in-transit (CIT) and bank robberies, as well as truck and carjacking). This is particularly the case when organized criminals are involved. Other robberies are not as well organized as is the case with the majority of street robberies. The dramatic changes of this crime as highlighted, remains worryingly when figures increase in one sub-trend and decrease in another. It is worrying when street robbery decreases and house robbery increases as if the robbers have moved from the street to residential places. Research data was gathered by means of a structured questionnaire. Forty two (42) respondents (3%) out of 1410 victims covering all subcategories of aggravated robberies were interviewed. Respondents were selected utilizing the principle of purposive sampling to ensure representativity in terms of gender, age, race and marital status. The researcher had used his own judgement about which respondents to choose, and picked only those who best met the purposes of the study and further relied on his experience, ingenuity to deliberately obtain units of analysis in such a manner that the sample obtained had to be regarded as being representative of the relevant population. Three research sites viz. East London, KwaZakhele and Mthatha, were selected because of the highest recorded incidences of aggravated robberies. All participants reported some effects during and after the attacks. As a result of physical and emotional trauma, specifically where firearms or dangerous weapons were used to threaten the victims, the findings revealed that the impact of aggravated robberies on victims, accrued in psychological and social consequences followed by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which prolongs for a long time. Due to the financial losses, ninety eight percent (98%) of victims' psychological distress appeared, and became very intense.
A comparative exploratory analysis of vigilante occurrences in two communities in Port Elizabeth (Kwazakhele and New Brighton).
(University of Fort Hare, 2016) Loqani, Anelisa
The study explores and compares the incidents of vigilantism in two selected communities in Port Elizabeth. However, the word ‘vigilantism’ as utilized in the study can be explained as the group of people in a community who take the law into their own hands and punish alleged societal offenders on the spot. Vigilante activities have become a regular occurrence in many communities in Port Elizabeth and in South Africa as whole. This phenomenon as reported by several authors has destroyed many young men’s lives and ambitions. This is a paradoxical situation that violates human rights because South Africa is a country with a Constitution that prioritizes human dignity for all, and citizens that are totally free from violence of any kind. The aim of the study is to explore, analyze and compare the incidents of vigilantism in New Brighton and Kwazakhele communities in Port Elizabeth. The intention is to educate and enlighten the members of the selected communities, together with the public about vigilantism and its impact on communities. The researcher achieved the aim of this study by asking the following questions: • What are the motives of individuals/communities who take the law into their own hands? • What impact do vigilante incidents have on communities? • Which effective preventative measures can be utilized to combat vigilantism? To answer these questions, questionnaires for data collection were utilized. The study was conducted using a total population of one hundred (100) participants who were divided by two. Each community had a sample of fifty (50) participants. The participants were selected by utilizing purposive sampling technique which is non-probability sampling. The participants were the community members of the selected communities. The researcher applied a qualitative research methodology in order to obtain in-depth information and utilized content thematic analysis and SPSS software for the analysis of the data gathered. Two theories a) Differential Association Theory and b) Social Learning Theory were employed to interpret the findings of the study. The results of the study demonstrate that there has been an escalation in vigilante activities in Port Elizabeth communities since 2000 and 2010. In many vigilante actions that occurred, males (ages between 18 and 30 years) were found to be the majority of the people who were more likely to be victims of vigilantism because of the crimes they commit. The results also demonstrate that an increase in vigilante incidents in New Brighton and Kwazakhele have been reported to be a result of the ineffectiveness of visible policing, easy bail conditions and frustration and anger of the community members, who do not see the criminals being arrested. These vigilante activities have been reported to have negative impact in these communities specifically on children. Based on this issue of vigilantism, several strategies that could assist to combat vigilante actions were made. The participants suggested that government should improve the criminal justice system as a whole in order to reduce vigilantism. The respondents also indicated that government should create jobs for the youths because other people become involved in criminal activities, because of poverty and lack of employment opportunities. Furthermore, the participants proposed that government should enact tough laws on offenders.
An exploratory study on lifestyle and its contribution to personal victimization among students at University of Fort Hare in Alice campus.
(University of Fort Hare, 2016) Vaphi, Yanga Yandisa
This study is based on student lifestyle and its contribution to personal victimization at University of Fort Hare in Alice campus. Social Science researchers such as Fisher, Sloan, Cullen, and Lu (1998) claim that there are many incidents of criminal victimization occurring on and off university campuses. The main purpose of this study is to find out whether there is any correlation between student lifestyle and personal victimization. There are many theories, concepts and available information regarding the issue of personal victimization among students, however, this notion is thriving, especially in higher institutions. The study examined the research objectives through lenses of theories such as lifestyle exposure theory, routine activities theory, rational choice theory which serve to elaborate more about the research topic. In this study data was collected using interviews and self-administered questionnaires for triangulation purposes. Some of the findings in this study were that there is vast majority of students who suffer from personal victimization on and off-campus due to students’ different lifestyles and lack of legal responsibility by the institution. First year females were found to be the majority of students who suffer from personal victimization due to their vulnerability in their residences. Based on these findings, recommendations such as tightening security measures around campus, educating students regarding victimization, and collaboration of the university with police officials were made.
Police and community trust in an organisation in transition : the case of Mbare-Musika metropolitan province of Zimbabwe
(University of Fort Hare, 2017) Singende, Matildah
The focus of this study was to explore the relationship between the police and the community in terms of trust considering that the Zimbabwe Republic Police is in transition. Underpinned by the Procedural Justice Theory and the Social Exchange Theory, the study used a mixed methods approach. The sample was stratified and purposefully drawn from the community and the police respectively. Focus groups were carried out with 30 police officers of the rank of sergeant and constable. The questionnaires were administered to 200 members of the Mbare-Musika community, who were stratified as touts, bus drivers, commuter omnibus drivers, vendors and residents who spent most of their time in the market and around the Mbare termini. Ten (10) interviews were carried out with key informants from the chosen strata. Qualitative data were analysed through thematic data analysis and quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The major findings were that the police and the community in Mbare have challenges in terms of trust in their relationship. Crime was found to be on the increase despite efforts made to reduce it. Corruption was found to be rampant in society and in the organisation too although the Mbare community legitimises the police as they cooperate with them comply with police orders and obey the law. The study recommends that the police be funded to allow them to boost their human and material resources. This in turn will help to improve and increase their training and education programmes in different areas including those that build, enhance and maintain trust. This will also allow the police to meet set standards and keep promises which were endorsed in the Client Service Charter. A model of enhancing trust was suggested.
Experiences of homeless adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on Oxford Street in East London, Eastern Cape
(University of Fort Hare, 2021) Gxekwa, Alfred; Lupuwana, V.P.P.
The unprecedented arrival of COVID-19 Disease in South African evoked panic and hasty reactions from the government. The South African government introduced measures to curb COVID-19 infections, and this move ended up infringing on the rights of those who live on the streets. The researcher became aware that the homeless adolescents in East London, in the Eastern Cape Province were left without basic means of survival. The goal of this study was to get information on how the homeless adolescents survived during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on the streets where there were no people to get short term jobs or to beg from. The main aim of the study was thus to explore the experiences of homeless adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on Oxford Street in East London, Eastern Cape. This research study applied the qualitative research design, simply because the type of data the research needed was narrative and visual. A sample of 20 homeless adolescents were selected and the sampling technique used was purposive sampling. Snowball sampling was also applied to help the researcher get the right participants for the study as the prospective research participants were pointing the researcher towards the next possible homeless adolescent. The criteria for the selection of participants were the gender, age, educational background, number of years being homeless, socio-economic background, place of birth, and number of years living and sleeping on Oxford Street, East London. The research domain was Oxford Street in East London, Eastern Cape. In-depth interviews with homeless adolescents and focus group discussions comprising different professionals who worked directly with homeless adolescents were used to collect data. The study was guided by the resilience theory and the stress and coping theory. All the collected data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The study found that the homeless adolescents faced various challenges including economic, social, psychological, financial, physiological, and health challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. The study also established that most of the homeless adolescents are continuously being deprived of their constitutional rights to be sheltered, fed, and educated. Furthermore, the findings of the study indicate that if left unattended, the challenges faced by the homeless adolescents will always hinder progress, development and growth of the adolescents and deprive them of a fair chance to change. This study recommends that preference be given to homeless adolescents who are eligible for social relief grants, which was introduced to help the unemployed youth survive the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and the post COVID-19 challenges. The study also recommends that the government could register the community organisations and issue them with licenses of operating in the street where homeless people are found during crises moments like national state of disaster. The study concludes that the South African government must ensure that a professional bond and partnership are maintained between departments and organisations whose mandate is to serve the homeless groups, particularly homeless adolescents. The researcher believes that the departments working with homeless adolescents re-visit their planning processes and use this information to help improve the effectiveness of services rendered to homeless adolescents and homeless communities at large.
Psychosocial factors and mediating role of spiritual intelligence as cursors to marital satisfaction among married Christian couples in selected churces in Abeokuta Metropolis, Ogun State, Nigeria
(University of Fort Hare, 2023-12-06) Emehinola, Gbadebo Oluwafemi; Kheswa, J.G.
God Almighty ordained marriage, which signifies the ideal union between a man and a woman. This union gives rise to family, an extremely important social social group. Hence, it is referred to as the cornerstone of society, which provides stability and support and enhances the continuity of societal values. Therefore, going by the philosophy of an ideal family make-up, marriage and divorce become unique issues that must be seriously considered. The effect of divorce is a contending issue affecting the generality of Nigerians, be it in the Christian and Islamic faiths or other religions. Marital satisfaction, a concept used to assess happiness and stability in marriage, is most sought after by all couples. Therefore, selecting the ideal spouse is most desirable, though often confusing and difficult. However, where incompatibility occurs, marital satisfaction may be achieved when remedial counselling tools are applied. This present research investigated the psychosocial factors of economic status and couples’ family background and the mediating role of level of spirituality as cursors to marital satisfaction among married Christian couples in selected churches in Abeokuta metropolis, Ogun State, Nigeria. The effect of the psychosocial factors of economic status and couples’ family background with the mediating role of the level of spiritual knowledge on marital satisfaction among married Christian couples was examined in this present study. This would enable us to come up with recommendations that can proffer solutions to the problems of marital dissatisfaction, instability, separation and outright divorce and to propose a psycho-educational programme intended to restructure the mediating position of spiritual level and psychosocial factors on satisfaction maritally among Christian couples in Abeokuta. The study is a descriptive survey design that used the ex-post factory type self-developed instruments of the Family Economic Scale (FES), Couples Family Background Inventory (CFBI), Spiritual Intelligence Scale (SIS) and Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ), which have a coefficient value of 0.87. A total of 1200 respondents participated. Regression, standard deviation, and mean analysis methods were employed to analyse the data collected. Results obtained from this present study show a significant predictive impact of psychosocial factors of socioeconomic status and couples’ family background on marital satisfaction. Spiritual intelligence contributed 68.6 per cent to the difference in the prediction of marital satisfaction among couples in the study area, indicating a significant predictive influence. Besides, spiritual intelligence facilitated the correlation between socioeconomic status, couples’ family background, and marital satisfaction. Also, spiritual intelligence was more potent in predicting marital satisfaction than psychosocial factors of socioeconomic status and couples’ family background among the respondents in the study area. The study recommends that social and religious values be strengthened to encourage marital stability and satisfaction through programmes on moral and religious persuasions.
The effectiveness of university policy in managing genderbased violence within a selected South African university: stakeholders’ percetions
(University of Fort Hare, 2024) Gwiza, Memory; Hendricks, E.
Gender-based violence (GBV) has become a growing concern within university settings. To manage gender-based violence, several universities worldwide implemented specific genderbased violence policies. This study focuses on examining the effectiveness of university policy in managing gender-based violence within a selected South African university. Qualitative data was obtained through the use of semi-structured interviews, with the survivors of gender-based violence and the staff members employed within the support systems who implement the adopted university policy when addressing gender-based violence. Nonprobability sampling was used - both purposive sampling and snowball sampling. The collected data was analysed thematically, supported by the rational choice theory and relevant literature. The findings reviewed that the adopted university policy failed to effectively and completely manage gender-based violence within the selected university. Lastly, the study recommends that universities should establish clear guidance on policies managing gender-based violence, educate all personnel handling GBV, implement concrete and fair punishment to perpetrators of GBV, conduct ongoing policy evaluations, and enact a multi sectorial approach when addressing GBV within the university.
The impact of self-efficiancy and burnout on the practice of community policing by the Nigerian police
(University of Fort Hare, 2024-06) Okoka, Happiness; Kheswa, J.G.
The Nigerian police's adoption of community policing 18 years ago has been criticized for its ineffectiveness in curbing crime. Factors such as unemployment, poor health, hunger, and ethnoreligious conflicts contribute to the rising crime rate. This study explored the impact of psychological factors of self-efficacy and burnout dimensions on the practice of community policing within the Nigerian Police Force. Using the cross-sectional design data was collected from a sample of 360 Nigerian police officers with a mean age of 36.6 years (SD = 8), comprising 266 males and 94 females. The General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE), the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and the Community Policing Inventory (CPI) were used as measures of the variables in the study. Hypotheses were tested in the study with the use of the multiple linear regression. Results revealed that self-efficacy significantly positively predicts the practice of community policing among officers of the Nigerian police (β = .339, t = 6.815, p <.001); emotional exhaustion did not significantly predict the practice of community policing (β = -.087, t = -1.332, p = .184); personal accomplishment did not significantly predict the practice of community policing (β = 113, t = 1.951, p = .052). Depersonalization significantly negatively predicts the practice of community policing (β = -.275, t = -4.425, p <.001). The study concluded that self-efficacy is pivotal in shaping officers' embrace of community-oriented approaches, and that depersonalization tendencies has inhibitory impact on the implementation of community policing within the Nigerian law enforcement context. The study recommended the development and implementation of targeted training programs and supportive mechanisms aimed at bolstering officers' self-efficacy, and the formulation of strategies to mitigate depersonalization tendencies among officers.
The implementation of integrated support system in reintegration of offenders: A case study of East London management area
(University of Fort Hare, 2024-08) Nyameka, Daniel; Magadze, T.O.
This qualitative study explored the implementation of the Integrated Support System for offenders. The study was done at the Department of Correctional Services in the East London Management Area, Eastern Cape province, South Africa. As a qualitative exploratory study, in-depth interviews with managers and focus group discussions with offenders, community leaders and community members were conducted to reveal their understanding based on the programmes available for offenders using a sample of fifty participants. A study of related literature was made to focus on Integrated Support System for offenders. Various theories were explored; systems and reintegration views were discussed, and the existing parole board, nationally and internationally, were investigated. The findings suggest that there are programmes implemented by different stakeholders focusing on reintegration of offenders. In reintegration, the Case Management Committee develops and implements individualised case plans for each inmate to address their needs, facilitate rehabilitation, and encourage successful reintegration into society upon release. Psychologists play a vital role in assessing, diagnosing, and tending to the mental health needs of offenders. Social Workers address the social, emotional, and practical needs of individuals, while Spiritual Care covers interventions and support provided to address the spiritual needs, beliefs, and values of offenders. In addition, community corrections play an important role in the reintegration of offenders into the community. However, there are challenges that the correctional centres face, for example, high-risk and complex clientele, limited resources, overcrowding and understaffing, resistance to treatment, stigma, and lack of support. Various recommendations have been postulated. The study indicates that there is need for different stakeholders to work together for effective offender reintegration and prevention of recidivism.
Exploring the consequences of inadequate sexual education among female adolescents in Joza Location Makhanda
(University of Fort Hare, 2024-12) Bower, Libona Blossom; Makupula, M.; Notole, M.
This study examines the effects of inadequate sexuality education among female adolescents in Joza, Makhanda, focusing on contributing factors, impacts on wellbeing, and intervention strategies. Using a qualitative, interpretive approach, data from focus groups of girls aged 13–19 were analysed thematically. Results highlight high teenage pregnancy rates, inadequate sexual health knowledge, and mental health issues stemming from cultural taboos, religious constraints, and lack of parent-child communication. The study underscores the need for comprehensive sexual education and collaborative efforts among schools, families, and communities to improve adolescent sexual health and decision-making.
An exploration of the factors contributing to the high rates of Gender-Based Violence in the Chris Hani District Municipality: Towards a multiple-stakeholder framework, Eastern Cape, South Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2025) Jobela, Zizo; Dlamini, S.; Magadze, T.O.
Gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa could be considered as a new pandemic affecting the young, old, rich, and the poor. It has become a national outcry in all social classes. The COVID19 pandemic has been perceived as a catalyst in the increase of gender-based violence incidences leaving many distraught. The government has implemented strategies in an effort to curb GBV but in vain. The ineffectiveness of collaboration within government sectors to curb the phenomenon is attributed to the continued rise of GBV. This study sought to explore the aggravating factors of GBV in the Chris Hani District Municipality in order to develop a multi-stakeholder framework to address it. This is the mixed approach study, meaning that it merged both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection and analysis in a single method of inquiry. The basic premise of the study to use this methodology was to integrate the two approaches to permit a more complete and synergistic exploitation of different data sets in one, than doing a separate quantitative or qualitative data collection and analysis (Mertens, 2014). The study endeavoured to achieve the following objectives: (1) to explore different stakeholders` perspectives on the factors influencing the high rates of gender-based violence perpetration in the Chris Hani District Municipality Area; (2) to determine the societal elements that predispose victims to gender-based violence in the Chris Hani District Municipality Area; and (3) to develop a multi-stakeholder framework that would help to mitigate GBV in the Chris Hani District Municipality Area. Several theories inclusive of differential association theory, social exchange theory and victim precipitation theory informed the study. The pragmatic paradigm used in this study has what Ihuah & Eaton (2013) discovered as intuitive appeal, which means it permitted the researcher to study areas of interest, embracing methods that are appropriate and positively using findings in harmony with the value system held. This paradigm is pluralistic and is based on a rejection of the forced choice between post-positivism and constructivism (Panhwar, Ansari, and Shah, 2017). It, therefore, recognized the importance of eclecticism and pluralism whereby different, even conflicting theories and perspectives are useful to gain an understanding of people and the world. Methodologically, a parallel sequential mixed method was adopted in which, both qualitative and quantitative data was collected and analysed separately. The study employed different methods to gather information, all of which fall into two categories, i.e., primary, and secondary data. Primarily, the qualitative data were collected through one-on-one face-to-face in depth interviews with participants and the sample was purposely selected with the total number of 40 participants. Meanwhile, quantitatively, the study employed random sampling with homogeneous clusters internal, yet heterogeneously external from different departments. The study distributed 25 questionnaires for data collection from each municipality with the total sum of 100 questionnaires delivered. Secondary data was obtained from the literature, newspapers, governments gazettes, the internet, different published accredited journals and documented literature and archives. The qualitative data was analysed through thematic content analysis where themes were formed from coding, while quantitative data were analysed by means of the Statistical Program for the Social Sciences (SPSS software). The findings are discussed and tabulated in diagrams, figures, and tables.
Support services rendered to social workers employed by the Department of Social Development under Foster Care Division: A case of Raymond Mhlaba Municipality, Eastern Cape.
(University of Fort Hare, 2025-11-15) Jereko, Believe; Lupuwana, V.P.P.
Social workers in Foster Care Division face detrimental challenges when undertaking foster care services. These challenges are overwhelming, leading to their rendering unsatisfactory services to clients. This necessitated this research’s goal of investigating support services rendered by the Department of Social Development in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality to capacitate social workers in the Foster Care Division. To obtain the findings, twenty-one participants including seventeen social workers who undertake foster care services and four members of the focus group were interviewed utilising the in-depth interview approach. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select participants of the study. The collected data was analysed thematically. Findings revealed that, while some support services are present, there are recognised gaps which hamper the social workers’ ability to effectively render quality services to clients and manage their well-being. The researcher made several recommendations for enhancing support services, such as policy guidance, regular supervision, equal access to resources by social workers and improved access to mental health resources. These recommendations will capacitate social workers, resulting in better outcomes for foster care.

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