Theses and Dissertations

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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.
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.
Are child socila grants creating dependency culture among beneficiaries? A case study of Nkonkobe Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2014-09) 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. However, confirmation of the existence of an unintended effect, that of a dependency culture emerging among child social grants in Nkonkobe municipality or the increase thereof, could not be established through the quantitative data analysis. The issue of possible pervasive incentives with a qualitative study was positive.
Bio-psychosocial challenges facing undocumented Zimbabwean migrants living with HIV in Hill brow, Johannesburg, South Africa.
(University of Fort Hare, 2015) Ndlovu, Mpumelelo
Migration as a single variable is a stressful process. Living with HIV furthers ruins the bio-psychosocial functioning of undocumented migrants. Hillbrow was selected to be the research site because it has been identified as a heart of foreign undocumented migrants. The main aim of this research is to show the bio-psychosocial challenges facing undocumented Zimbabwean migrants living with HIV. The study used the biopsychosocial model to theoretically explain the bio-psychosocial challenges facing undocumented Zimbabwean migrants living with HIV in Hillbrow.
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.
Challenges faced by traditional healers when treating people living with HIV and AIDS : the case of Intsika municipality, Eastern Cape Province
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Zimba, Zibonele France
The aim of the study was to examine the procedures followed by traditional healers treating people living with HIV and AIDS in the Instika Municipality and the challenges faced by them in this endeavour. Using the qualitative research method, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with twenty traditional healers. Among the significant findings of this study were the hardships encountered by traditional healers in terms of finance, the transport needed to collect medicinal plants, the shortage of medicinal plants, the lack of co-operation from the formal health care sector and the discrimination and abuse suffered at the hands of members of the community, with Christians and members of the SAPS being among the chief antagonists. It is also acknowledged in this study that traditional healers have been trained by the Department of Health concerning issues of hygiene and that traditional healers have knowledge of the symptoms of HIV and AIDS. It can therefore be concluded that traditional healers have a significant role to play in preventing the spread of HIV and AIDS if they employ preventative measures such as the use of protective gloves and limiting the use of a blade to one patient only. However, traditional healers are not supplied with safety kits or condoms to distribute to patients who consult them for treatment of STIs.
Child Support Grant and Child Poverty Alleviation: Experiences of Caregivers in Alleviating Child Poverty
(University of Fort Hare, 2016) Vaaltein, Sive
Patel (2015) argues that "social security policies address structural problems or an underlying cause of poverty and inequality in the society. In addition it creates a minimum standard of living below which the population should not fall". This dissertation explores the experiences of caregivers who receive the Child Support Grant (CSG - a social assistance or social security policy) to alleviate child poverty in Buffalo City Metropolitan (BCM). The question this study seeks to address is: How does the CSG address child poverty in BCM? International instruments regulating South Africa on policy issues relating to child poverty are at the back drop of the discussion and exploration of the CSG as means to alleviate child poverty in a context such as BCM. Theoretically framing the study using the Social Development Approach (SDA) assisted in viewing the CSG from a developmental contribution point of view, when examining the caregiver's experiences of using the CSG to alleviate child poverty. The child focused multidimensional model (CFMDM) further brought into perspective aspects of child poverty, which became the focus for this study.
Child support grant and child poverty alleviation: experiences of caregivers in alleviating child poverty.
(University of Fort Hare, 2016) Vaaltein, Sive
Patel (2015) argues that “social security policies address structural problems or an underlying cause of poverty and inequality in the society. In addition it creates a minimum standard of living below which the population should not fall”. This dissertation explores the experiences of caregivers who receive the Child Support Grant (CSG - a social assistance or social security policy) to alleviate child poverty in Buffalo City Metropolitan (BCM). The question this study seeks to address is: How does the CSG address child poverty in BCM? International instruments regulating South Africa on policy issues relating to child poverty are at the back drop of the discussion and exploration of the CSG as means to alleviate child poverty in a context such as BCM. Theoretically framing the study using the Social Development Approach (SDA) assisted in viewing the CSG from a developmental contribution point of view, when examining the caregiver’s experiences of using the CSG to alleviate child poverty. The child focused multidimensional model (CFMDM) further brought into perspective aspects of child poverty, which became the focus for this study. A qualitative research method was utilised to explore the experiences of caregivers who use the CSG to alleviate child poverty in BCM. Research participants were drawn based on a non- probable sample of BCM caregivers receiving the CSG, with which semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted. This study discovered that due to high unemployment of the caregivers living in BCM the CSG was not directly improving the lives of children living in poverty, as the caregivers solely depended on the receipt of the CSG to care for their children and other sources of income were not available for the participating care givers.
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.
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.
Coping with poverty: A study of strategies adopted by sigle mothers in Chiredzi town Zimbabwe.
(University of Fort Hare, 2014-09) Mafa, Itai
This research sought to assess the effectiveness of the survival 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. A qualitative inquiry was utilized in this research due to its ability to delve beneath what the physical eye can see. Also, purposive sampling, which is a non-probability sampling method was used for both in-depth interviews and the focus group since the researcher optimized two methods of data collection. Triangulation in this research project assisted to increase the trustworthiness of the findings, thereby substantiating the results thereof. An interview guide was used as a data collection tool while responses were captured with an audio recorder.
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.
An evaluation of the role of child and youth care centres in the implementation of South Africa's Children's Act
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Agere, Leonard Munyaradzi
The aim of this study was to evaluate the role played by CYCCs to provide support and protection to children who have been found to be in need of care, according to the criteria given in the Children’s Act No. 38/2005 as amended. The study made use of a qualitative approach and the research design was provided by the case study. Data was gathered by means of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The most important findings to emerge from the study were that the factors which affect the operation of CYCCs are either institutional, or else challenges arising from issues pertaining to infrastructure and human resources. However, it was also acknowledged that, despite the challenges which affect their ability to provide their services to young people, the CYCCs had also made progressive steps to halt the suppression of the fundamental rights of children. It has been recommended that the government should apply comprehensive funding to the objectives of the Children’s Act, which would entail increasing the subsidies to CYCCs. It has also been recommended that the Policy on Financial Rewards should call for the same benefits and salary scales to apply for professional staff working in the government and to those working in the CYCCs. The repercussions from failing to adjust to these recommendations will inevitably lead to the employment of a remedial model of care.
The experiences of adolescents preparing to leave foster care on the grounds of age in East London.
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Tarisai, Mugove Kadungure
Adolescents in the process of leaving foster care often have personal histories characterized by instability and one or more related factors such as poor parenting, separation from their families, poverty, abuse, neglect, abandonment, personal loss and disruptions resulting from displacement. As a result, these adolescents are often unprepared to be released from the support provided by government institutions. As few studies have investigated the experiences of children in foster care in South Africa, the principal aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of adolescents leaving the foster care system in East London, South Africa when they reach the age requiring them to do so. The qualitative method was adopted for this study, and thirty-five in-depth interviews were conducted. The study found that for children in foster care the adolescent stage is the most crucial. It was also learned that the foster care process itself is long, arduous and complex. The adolescents experience stress and uncertainty and are not given any support from the government or social workers as they approach the age at which they will be required to leave foster care. It is recommended that support be extended at least until after secondary schooling has been completed and the adolescents are able to fend for themselves.
The experiences of cultural marriage practice( "Ukuthwala ") amongst young african women : a case study of Libode , Eastern Cape
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Ndindwa, Thunyiswa
The study set out to investigate the experiences of young African women in Libode village in Eastern Cape regarding Ukuthwala cultural marriage practice. The objectives of the study included; to find out the experiences of the young African women who have been forced to go through Ukuthwala; to examine the kind of support these young African women receive from their social networks; to examine the kind of assistance that the social service professionals could provide to these young African women and lastly to find out from them the kind of empowerment services they require. Qualitative method was used whereby in-depth interviews were conducted with fifteen participants and five service providers and data was analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings revealed that Ukuthwala is an immense challenge and has affected many of the women in Libode, educationally, health wise, emotionally, physically and psychologically. The study recommends that the parents, community and government should be the major stakeholders in the fight against Ukuthwala practice. Parenting and awareness programmes should be held as to educate parents about the rights of their children and counselling should be offered to those who would have been the victims of this practice.
The experiences of women leaving an abusive marriage.
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Thompson, Merise Clare
The focus of this study is to determine the experiences of women leaving an abusive marriage. These experiences are classified in terms of support factors and challenges when leaving. Included in this study are the circumstances that contributed to making a decision to leave the abusive situation and the long-term effects on the participants. Domestic violence is a highly prevalent phenomenon that is found all over the world, including South Africa. According to some research, the extent of family violence warrants an urgent solution to be devised, as a comparison is drawn between family violence and human rights violations. This study was conducted, using Interpretative Phenomenological Methodology. Fifteen women were interviewed by way of using semi-structured questions. The scope of this study included investigating: the types of abuse; childcare issues; the process of leaving – including the role of the justice, medical and religious institutions; long-term effects of abuse and the role of self-worth in deciding to leave. It was found that there was a significant correlation between the literature and the evidence found through this study in terms of challenging and support factors. Challenging factors for participants included: isolation; financial dependence on the abuser; perceived or real lack of social support; a lack of awareness around the effects of the abuse on the children and a diminished sense of self. In contrast to this are the support factors which included: family support, financial independence, evidence of harm to the children and a renewed sense of value in the ‘self’. Recommendations for practice describe ways in which the medical, justice and social service departments can enhance their services to families who are living in abusive circumstances by using a strengths-based approach.
An exploration of the effectiveness of community home -based care programmes in mitigating the effects of HIV and AIDS in rural areas in Zimbabwe : the case of Shurugwi district
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Mangwiro, Vongai Patience
The aim of the dissertation was to explore the effectiveness of Community Home-based Care programmes in mitigating the effects of HIV and AIDs in rural areas in Zimbabwe in Shurugwi. Triangulation method was used to collect and analyze data from one hundred and sixty four respondents using survey questionnaires and in-depth- interviews. Theoretically, the study was underpinned by the Basic Needs Approach which supports that every human being needs food, shelter and health in order for one to have a meaningful life. The findings of the study showed that CHBC programmes are effective in improving the conditions of the patients and also in mitigating the effects of HIV and AIDS in societies. Nevertheless, the findings show that patients still suffer in the long-run to improve their conditions because of lack of resources and food, shortage of funds and CHBC kits, and donor fatigue. Resultantly, this gives a double burden to all the caregivers when they provide palliative care to patients. Conclusively, more should be done to improve the conditions of the patients because they still face problems in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
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 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.
Exploring the lack of adherence to antiretroviral treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS linked to Victoria Hospital, Eastern Cape
(University of Fort Hare, 2015) Mboto, Yandisa Constance
The research was based on exploring the lack of adherence to antiretroviral treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS in the case of Victoria Hospital, Eastern Cape. The main research objectives were to explore factors contributing to Lack of adherence on ARVs. To determine the role of the family in supporting PLWHA on adhere on ARVs. Investigate why women living with HIV/AIDS were more likely to adhere to treatment. The study was qualitative, exploratory and descriptive in nature, with 22 participants which compromised male and females. The research tool was in-depth interviews, utilised semi structured (open –ended) questions to gain insight into the experiences, feelings and opinions of the participants. Data analysis was conducted using coding and themes. The research findings revealed that PLWHA in Alice and the surrounding rural areas are faced with many challenges concerning adherence to ARVs, namely: poverty, experience disfiguring side effects, financial constraints, and transport related factors, experience of lack of support, stigmatisation and discrimination negative influence of alcohol consumption, forgetfulness, and lack of knowledge about ARVs and separation and divorce. Recommendations were made with regard to increasing the rate of adherence of PLWHA to antiretroviral treatment.

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