Theses and Dissertations

Permanent URI for this collection

http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11837/512

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 56

Prevalance of Substance Use and Abuse Among Black University Students and the Factors Influencing Them: Implications For Substance Abuse Prevention
(University of Fort Hare, 1996-11) Hewana, N.N
Substance use and abuse is widespread throughout the world, including South Africa. Substance abuse constitutes an individual, a family and a social problem. Because of the dearth of information concerning the extent of the abuse as well as conditions associated with it, particularly among Black Youth in South Africa, the present study sought to fill this gap. The present study investigated the prevalence of substance use and abuse among Black university students. Firstly, it examined the extent to which the university students abused various substances such as alcohol, tobacco, spirits, sleeping medicine, hallucinogens, barbiturates, whiffers, mandrax, dagga, amphetamines and heroin. Secondly, it investigated the variables that are associated with use and abuse of these substances. The research design used was a questionnaire- based survey. The questionnaire consisted of both open ended and closed questions, thus it yielded both quantitative and qualitative data. The first part of the survey was essentially descriptive while the second part was analytical. The measuring instrument that was used was a self- report inventory adopted from an existing questionnaire as adopted by Bodisch (1994), Kata (1994)and Stubbs (1994) which was itself based on another questionnaire originally developed by du Tait (1974). A convenient sample consisting of 520 undergraduates Psychology students at the University of Fort Hare was used as participants.
Male perspectives on Gender violence in South Africa: The case of Nkonkobe Municipal Area.
(University of Fort Hare, 2008-11) Danga, Talent
The study explores the experiences of men who perpetrated violence against women in the domestic sphere. The study’s overarching concern is that violence has been largely seen as a women’s problem and not an issue that is Central to men and yet in most cases are the perpetrators of this violence. Consequently‚ men have not been targeted in initiatives that curb domestic violence (Salo, 2005). It is in this frame of reference that this study saw it imperative to focus on the male perspective of gender violence. The study aims to find factors that contribute to male violence and in turn recommend practical and appropriate strategies of dealing with male violence perpetrators.
The Effects of Xenophobia on the South African universities learning environment.
(University of Fort Hare, 2010-03) Wotshela, Nontsikelelo
This study explores the effects of xenophobia on the South African universities learning environment. The xenophobic attacks that have been taking place in the South African communities are the reason this study is conducted. The objectives of the study are to examine how xenophobia affects students at the University of Fort Hare; how the university deals with cases of xenophobia as well as to examine the intervention strategies that social service practitioners employ in cases of xenophobia. The study used the Isolation Hypothesis of xenophobia; Authoritative Personality theory; Conservation of Resources Theory; Social Modelling Theory; as well as Bill of Rights. This study is qualitative in nature and exploratory seeks at examining on how students have been affected by xenophobia. Purposive sampling, non-probability in particular has been utilised to selected participants for individual and focus group participants. The interview schedules were used to collect data for both individual and focus group participants. Triangulation was used for data analysis. The findings established that xenophobia does exist at the university of Fort Hare.
Exploring the experiences of district officers on decentalization and its impact on child welfare in Lilongwe and NTCHISI District of Malawi.
(University of Fort Hare, 2010-10) Kansinjiro, Benson Laurent
In line with the Malawi Government Decentralisation policy adopted in 1998, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Community Development also devolved its core functions in 2005. This research explores the experiences of district officers on decentralisation and its impact on child welfare in Ntchisi and Lilongwe districts of Malawi.
Ecotherapy in post-conflict healing: a study of the experiences of ex-combatants in the Eastern Cape township of Mdanstane
(University of Fort Hare, 2011) Mbona, Sifingo
During this research project, an attempt was made to understand the role of ecotherapy as a therapeutic model in post conflict healing. The aim was to evaluate the application and significance of ecotherapy as an intervention strategy for post conflict healing for individuals who were exposed to violent encounters during the liberation struggle. Eight respondents (involved in the arms struggle) from Mdanstane Township in the Eastern Cape, were taken through a series of workshops as part of an ecotherapy healing process. The research concluded that all the participants had suffered from some form of traumatic stress because of their exposure to violence and violent experiences. Moreover, on closer examination the situation of ex-combatants proved to be more complex and often volatile, due to the absence of social support, loss of social status, absence of economic, employment opportunities, and the dislocation from their families and communities. Subsequent to the ecotherapy intervention, a positive outlook amongst the participants was recorded. Furthermore, there was an indication of a significant increase in their sense of self-worth and personal development, which influenced the manner in which the participants viewed the world, related to their families or communities and responded to life in general. Essentially, the research findings, conclusions, and recommendations contributed towards a better understanding of ex-combatants and the value that could be derived from ecotherapy as a post conflict healing method for individuals and groups exposed to violence and trauma.
Community engagement and community development: exploring the role of higher education institutions in sustainable community development through service learning
(University of Fort Hare, 2011-01) Chanakira, Sinikhiwe
Community Engagement (CE) has recently been identified as a core function of higher education institutions in South Africa by a number of South African higher education policy papers. The White Paper 3 (Department of Education, 1997) lays the basis for a variety of CE, including service learning (SL), as integral and core parts of South African higher education. What differentiates SL from other forms of CE is that course objectives are linked to meaningful human, health; educational, and environmental concerns that are co-determined with community partners and their clients. Students involved in SL programmes work on real problems that make academic learning relevant while simultaneously enhancing their social skills, analytical ability, civic and ethical responsibility, self-efficacy, and career development.
Are child social grants creating dependency culture among beneficiaries? A case study of Nkonkobe Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
(University of Fort Hare, 2011-09) Gutura, Priscilla
The aim of the study was to investigate whether beneficiaries of child social grants (CSG and FCG) in Nkonkobe Municipality are dependent on the grants. Using the triangulation method, two hundred beneficiaries were administered questionnaires and twenty-five in-depth interviews were conducted. The major findings of this study outline the greatest level of discretionary spending of child grants on school fees, labour force participation, nutrition and health in addition to investments in human and physical capital. It is also acknowledged in the study that child grants impact positively, beyond individual recipients, on household members. It can be concluded that social grants have certainly alleviated suffering.
Understanding the sexual risk behaviours of people living with different mental illnesses and their vulnerability to HIV infection.
(University of Fort Hare, 2013) Ndlovu, Deogracious
This study was primarily carried out in order to assess the sexual risk behaviours of people living with mental illnesses as well as their vulnerability to HIV infection. It sets out the basic realities of the interaction between mental illness and HIV/AIDS and its impact on individuals and communities. This study explores the implications for health policy and practice, and suggests how to provide better support and assistance in the empowerment of people living with mental illness as far as HIV and AIDS is concerned, including community support. It was also the aim of this study to look into the factors that expose this group of people to HIV infection as well as to understand the link between HIV/AIDS and mental illness. It also tested the inclusion of people with mental disabilities in HIV and AIDS prevention and education programmes. The research was conducted on the basis of a qualitative research design. A semi-structured interview schedule was used in broad based interviews to gather information from caregivers or guardians of people with mental disabilities as well as the professionals in the mental health sector. The results of the research revealed that people who are living with mental illnesses are a vulnerable group as regards HIV infection. It also conveys that this group of people presents with sexual risk behaviours, which increase their vulnerability to HIV and AIDS. In addition, there are many barriers against the inclusion of this group of people in HIV and AIDS prevention and education programmes and, as a result, they are often excluded from participating in such programmes. Importantly, the findings of this study acknowledge that there is a two-fold relationship between mental illness and HIV/AIDS. It indicates that mental illnesses are still regarded as mysterious in the community and there is much stigma and discrimination towards the mentally ill, increasing their vulnerability to HIV infection.
The role of marriage preparation programs in preventing divorce :narratives of recently married individuals in Baffalo city municipality
(University of Fort Hare, 2013) Mujoko, Rumbidzai
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% of the divorces came from the African population group and 5, 2% 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 perceptions of the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) Housing beneficiaries in South Africa on the extent to which the project meet their Housing needs. The case of Golf Course Estate in Alice Town, Eastern Cape Province.
(University of Fort Hare, 2013) Manomano, Tatenda
The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of RDP beneficiaries on the extent to which the RDP housing project meets their housing needs in South Africa through a case study of Golf Course Estate in Alice Town with the following specific objectives; to assess the extent to which the Alice Golf Course housing project has achieved the RDP programme objectives; to establish beneficiaries‟ perceptions on the extent the RDP Alice Golf Course houses meet their needs; and to explore the level of satisfaction on the RDP houses by beneficiaries. This study utilized triangulation of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies with qualitative as the dominant approach while quantitative was less dominant. The qualitative design took the form of a case study while the quantitative took the form of mini survey. The study sampled 72 participants from the study population. The study utilized an interview guide and a questionnaire as instruments of data collection. The findings indicated that the gender representation of the beneficiaries was skewed. This is because there were more females heading the houses than males; unemployment was also high; most participants were unmarried and most were adults. This study also discovered that most people residing in these houses are not the real owners who were allocated the houses. There were qualitative problems associated with the components of these houses such as poor roofing, doors, windows, floors and walls. Service delivery complaints were based on inadequate access to clean water, small size and spacing of the RDP house. Security was also a challenge because all the houses did not have street lights and the roads were very bad. Though it is commendable that drainage and sewer facilities are available, but they are not serving their purpose since there is no water in these houses. The findings also indicated that there were discrepancies in allocation of the houses; pervasiveness of social ills; inadequate consultative meetings between the RDP Administrator or social worker and the beneficiaries; as well as the pervasiveness of HIV/AIDS among other issues. This researcher recommended that the government needs to promote economic empowerment to deal with unemployment; to improve the quality of the material building the houses; improvement on service delivery gaps; to beef up infrastructure; renovation and revamping of current houses; to establish commissions of inquiry to deal with corruption; to honour and monitor waiting lists. Partnership with other stakeholders was also critical, in addressing access to social services and helps deal with social ills and run behaviour modification campaigns. This researcher also recommended that there is a need to carry out further research on the role played by the municipalities in the RDP housing project as well as conducting a purely qualitative research to further explore the perceptions of other stakeholders, NGOs, traditional leaders, church leaders, and police on the implementation of the housing project. This researcher advises that such a research could be carried out through focus group discussions and also since this study was bound by a case study it is also necessary for similar research to be carried out in different places in South Africa.
The role of marriage preparation programs in preventing divorce : narratives of recently married individuals in Baffalo city municipality
(University of Fort Hare, 2013) Mujoko, Rumbidzai
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% of the divorces came from the African population group and 5, 2% 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.
Livelihoods in child-headed households and state intervention: a case study of the Orphans and Vulnerable Children's Project in-East London.
(University of Fort Hare, 2013) Ngconjana, Unati
Research literature indicates that the rise of mortality rates among adults due to poverty, HIV/AIDS, crime, violence and motor-vehicle accidents has led to the increase of orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC). This increase of orphaned and vulnerable children has in turn contributed to the increase in numbers of child-headed households (CHH). In the face of this increase of orphaned children, extended families' resources have become depleted, resulting in their inability and reluctance to take in their relatives' orphaned children once the parents pass away.
Care dependency grants in a South African township: An assessment of access, challenges and contradictions in Bophelong,Gauteng.
(University of Fort Hare, 2013) Dimhairo, Patricia
The condition of disability has been part and parcel of many societies, yet the attention given to the issue has been minimal. Most focus on social and economic intervention has been directed on the person living with disabilities and largely ignoring the role played by the caregivers who are involved in the day to day upkeep of the disabled. This has left the caregivers with challenges that remain largely unexplored. The care dependency grants that are offered by the government have been helpful but insufficient. Most families raising children living with disabilities are unemployed thereby shifting their financial dependency to the caregiver grant. This compromises the quality of life of the intended beneficiary.
The perception of the effectiveness of sexual education as a means of reducing pregnancies in the Bue Crane Route Municipality
(University of Fort Hare, 2013-01-29) Hendricks, Eleanor Leslie Simphiwe
Adolescent pregnancy among students across South Africa is a growing concern. The high incidence of dropping out of school results in greatly diminished chances of success and independence for many. Sex education forms part of the life orientation curriculum, and it has been put in place by the Department of Education as a measure to reduce the prevalence of adolescent pregnancy. Parents of adolescents play a vital role in educating their children on sexual matters, secondary to that is community educations on sexual matters in aid of uplifting communities. The aim of the study was to explore the perception of how effective sex education could be a means of reducing pregnancies in the Blue Crane Route Municipality. To achieve this aim, three objectives and three research questions were articulated. The objectives were to explore the course content of life orientation provided to adolescents, to investigate by questioning adolescents concerning the importance of life orientation in their lives and to examine the factors responsible for the escalation of adolescent pregnancies in the municipality.
An evaluation of the life centre model at King William's Town 'children's Child and Youth Care Centre(Phandulwazi).
(University of Fort Hare, 2013-12) Mazibuko, Vuya
This study seeks to identify the success and/or failures (including constraints and barriers) of the Life Centre Model (LCM) that is implemented at the King William's Town Child and Youth Care Centre. This evaluation is viewed in light of the greater context of the developmental approach in the field of child and youth care in South Africa. Furthermore, the study focuses on youth that have received none to limited mainstream education and how the LCM can serve as positive contributor to skills and economic development in a country where there are well documented socio/political/economic challenges.
Reintegration of ex-offenders on community : a case study of Whittlesea township in Lukhanji municipality
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Ndike, Gcobani
This research is an exploratory study on the challenges that offenders face upon release from prison which in turn contribute to recidivism. The study utilized labelling theory.Furthermore, the qualitative methodology used for this research included in-depth interviews and focus group discussion in order to gather information on the challenges that contribute to recidivism.
Coping with poverty : a study of strategies adopted by single mothers in Chiredzi town , Zimbabwe
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Mafa, Itai
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.
An exploration of the practice of cross- Racial adoption South Africa, East london
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Kausi, Nyasha
The purpose of this research was to explore the practice of cross-racial adoption in South Africa using a case study of East London. The study was qualitative in nature and employed both in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to collect data from six social workers, two managers, seven adoptive parents and five community members. These were most appropriate for eliciting relevant, valuable and rich information for analysis. The process of collecting data also made use of observations. Data was analysed qualitatively, using thematic analysis of the content of the data, which employed an interpretative approach, resulting in a presentation of data, which is textual rather than statistical. The study found that the practice of cross- racial adoption (CRA) in South Africa is a controversial, yet an increasing phenomenon in which most Black children are being adopted by White parents. In addition, race and culture were found to have a great impact on shaping the practice of CRA. The roles of social workers, managers and adoption agencies were examined in the following contexts: determining the adoptability of children; recruiting and selection of prospective adoptive parents; the provision of necessary information and counselling to biological and adoptive parents before consenting to the adoption of a child; helping with placement transitions and providing post-adoption services to ensure lasting and strong adoptive relationships. In addition, perceptions of issues such as cultural genocide, the well-being and the best interests of adopted children, racial identity, a colour-blind society, acculturation, racial consciousness and role modelling were also examined. The study concluded that although the practice of CRA is an acceptable form of custody for children in need of care and protection, despite any legislation pertaining to it, it is still an area which requires more attention from scholars and researchers. It should be a matter of national importance from relevant officials and policy makers in order to overcome the legacy of racial segregation, which characterised the era of apartheid rule, in which race was of great significance. On the basis of the findings of the study, pertinent recommendations have been made to various stakeholders, including social workers, the Department of Social Development and policy makers.
Exploring the vulnerability of black women to HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe :a case of Masvingo urban area
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Chikono, George
The problem question that this study seeks to address is the perpetual defencelessness of women to HIV and AIDS. The study was greatly influenced by personal concern on the circumstances of predominantly black women in the 21st century as they continue to lag behind in many aspects of life. They continue to be the custodian of poverty and it is so perturbing that on top of being marginalised again they constitute lamentable statistics of HIV and AIDS infection. Hence, in the quest to understand the life dynamics which influence black women vulnerability qualitative research methodology was implemented so as to examine the subject matter. Purposive sampling technique was applied to select participants from various support groups in Rujeko and Mucheke High density suburbs as well as practitioners from pre-HIV test and post-HIV test counselling centres within Masvingo urban area. Findings unanimously pinpoint the economic hardships and series of dry seasons that the nation has been experiencing. Tilted public terrain forced women in Masvingo urban area and girls as young as 10years of age survive by selling sex for subsistence. Lack of industrial activity, poor infrastructure, sky rocketing living standards, low educational attainment and high level of unemployment are indicators of poverty and prime determinants of high HIV prevalence among most black women. It is because of above mentioned life circumstances that women encounter which makes them more prone to HIV infection as they end up indulging in transactional sex in order to provide food on the table. Moreover, HIV and AIDS prevalence has soared among women due to the fact that the patriarchal system is still instrumental in the mainstream resulting in women being side lined. The vicious system does not only condone women domination but it fuels women exploitation signified by exclusive male hegemony in the public sphere. Interestingly, Masvingo urban area is the second city from Beitbridge border post but despite of its proximity to the port of entry it is still underdeveloped since most of manufacturing industries are concentrated in Harare. Notably, the government response to women vulnerability has been substantial in the free provision of antiretroviral treatment (ART) but this has done little to transform the livelihood of People Living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA). However, there have emerged some NGOs which try to cushion the burden especially for those suffering to the disease by helping them form support groups as well as equipping them with life skills. Ironically, men who are regarded as perfect transmitters of the scourge due to their biological make up continue to be onlookers in prevention campaigns. The study recommends that men have to spearhead the acceptance of voluntary counselling and HIV testing as well as becoming instrumental in prevention campaigns. Also there is need for laws which instil follow-ups and accountability particularly service delivery to People Living with HIV and AIDS. Ignoring the circumstances of black women in the mainstream outweighs the possible achievement of an HIV free generation.
Perception of males on the relationship between sexual risk taking behaviors and HIV/ AIDS in Nkonkobe Municipality
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Sonjani, Zolani Mario
The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of males on the relationship between sexual risk taking behaviours and HIV/AIDS in Nkonkobe Municipality with the following objectives: to explore the risk taking behaviours relevant in Hogsback Township and Msobomvu location; to explore the perceptions of males regarding the relationship between sexual risk taking behaviours and HIV/AIDS; to determine the perceptions of males towards HIV/AIDS test; to suggest strategies to ameliorate the lives of males in Hogsback Township and Msobomvu location. A research method that was employed in this study was quantitative and it took the form of mini survey.

Browse

Browsing Theses and Dissertations by Issue Date

Results Per Page

Sort Options