Theses and Dissertations

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

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Old age grant and food security in South Africa: The case of Goshen Village community, Amathole Municipality.
(University of Fort Hare, 2014-06) Ncube, Ntombizehlile
The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the Qld Age Grant on boosting the food security of the rural-household dwellers in the Goshen community in the Amathole Municipality in South Africa. The study investigated the extent to which the Old Age Grant ensures the food security of its beneficiaries at the household level. This study was conducted in the Goshen Community, a· rural area in the Eastern Cape. Methodological triangulation was adopted for this study, in that a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods of collecting data was employed. The data was collected by making use of household survey questionnaires and focus group discussions. The findings show that inhabitants of this rural area face numerous challenges, as the grant is not sufficient to provide food security to their households. The results revealed that the grant contributes towards household food security to a certain extent, but that it does not eliminate poverty. It was found that although the Old Age Grant does have its positive aspects, as it helps to provide people with food, its main drawback was made evident by the fact that it does not enable its beneficiaries to achieve independence from the grant system, as most of them never attain food security.
Ramifications of drug abuse among female adolescents in Mission Location, Mnquma Municipality, Eastern Cape.
(University of Fort Hare, 2016) Bala, Samkelo
Substance abuse among adolescents is a major problem in South Africa and the whole world. The trend of using substances among adolescents in both genders is increasing in South Africa. Currently in South Africa, the females are also abusing substances equally to their male counterparts. This study explored the ramifications associated with substance abuse among female adolescents in Mission Location at Butterworth. The study intended to achieve the following specific objectives: (i) to document the types of substances used by female adolescents; (ii) To establish the behaviors associated with excessive substance abuse among the female adolescents, and (iii) To examine socio-emotional and psychological disorders caused by substance among the female adolescents. The study used a qualitative approach, was explorative and descriptive in design used a case study as the specific research design. For data collection, the study employed in-depth interviews, focus groups, secondary data and key informants methods. The study used non-probability methodology of sample selection, but specifically, purpose sampling technique, and sampled (26) participants, which comprised of (7) female adolescents, (9) guardians or parents and community members, and (10) key informants. Data was analysed qualitatively through content thematic analysis.
The development of an innovative strategy to address child sexual abuse investigations in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
(University of Fort Hare, 2024-11) Nqaphi, Sivuyile
The research concentrated on establishing an approach to examine child sexual abuse cases in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The aim of the study was to identify the causes of delays in the investigation processes of child sexual abuse cases. The study further analysed the disputes among the child sexual abuse (CSA) actors, primarily concentrating on the duties and functions each fulfilled throughout the investigation of child sexual abuse cases. Additionally, the ecosystem theory was employed as a theoretical framework to dissect the major core issues within the study. A qualitative research methodology employing a case study design was implemented within an Intervention Research paradigm. The study utilised a purposive sampling strategy to recruit individuals with specific competence and knowledge of child sexual abuse investigations, providing a diverse cohort comprising law enforcement personnel, social workers, legal experts, and healthcare specialists. A total of 68 people were interviewed, comprising 30 from the SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Investigations Unit, 14 from governmental stakeholder groups, 4 from non-governmental organisations, 3 from private social workers and psychologists, and 17 participants in focus group discussions. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, followed by thematic analysis. The study found that several participants expressed apprehensions over the lack of social workers to aid the forensic assessment of the victims. In contrast, others highlighted issues related to DNA collection and the absence of crime kits for procuring buccal samples (cheek swabs). The researcher discovered that the NPA and SAPS possess investigative aids; , there is a deficiency in these aids, which are also inadequately maintained. In such instances, it obstructs the investigative process. Many interviewees identified the scarcity of human and physical resources as a challenge, citing insufficient personnel and vehicles for investigating child sexual abuse cases. The extended duration required to get DNA forensic results is a significant obstacle despite the substantial dependence of prosecutors and courts on such evidence, especially in cases involving juvenile victims. Interviews with participants revealed inadequate directives, policies, or protocols to guide the stakeholders. They further underscored the deficiency of collaboration and comprehension among stakeholders, which complicates the provision of services such as counseling and placement for sexually assaulted children. It is possible to draw the conclusion that there are difficulties in addressing the issue of child sexual abuse due to a confluence of factors, one of which is a deficiency of resources to address the issue. In addition, it is suggested that there should be a collective coordination among the various actors that can be found within the value chain in order to ensure the proper implementation of the procedure that is required to speed up investigations. The proposal of a joint child sexual abuse investigation model to be developed from the study. Thus, the research recommends that a pilot study be conducted to implement the proposed model.
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.
Information communication technology access, usage and impact in primary schoolteaching and learning: The case of Nkonkobe area, Eastern Cape.
(University of Fort Hare, 2014-01) Chita, Silas Mlulami
This study examines ICT access, usage and impacts in primary school teaching and learning in Nkonkobe in the Eastern Cape Province. One of the major motivations for this study was that while the general advantages of ICT are well established and known, it however remains unclear whether South African schools, especially Eastern Cape primary schools have access to ICT hardware and software for teaching and learning. If they do have access to ICT, do they use it? For what? How frequent do they use it? Are teachers skilled enough to use this ICT in teaching and learning? Are learners benefiting from ICT usage? Against this background and questions, this research looks at whether selected urban, peri-urban, and rural primary schools in Nkonkobe Municipality have access to ICT. It also examines the role and impact of ICTs in primary school teaching and learning in Nkonkobe, Eastern Cape. The results of the study show that while urban and peri-urban primary have access to ICT, rural primary schools lack basic ICT hardware such as desktop computers and laptops. The urban and peri-urban primary schools are utilizing ICT in their daily teaching and school administration activities. Learners in urban primary schools also use ICT for their educational development. On the other hand rural primary schools are deprived of full ICT access and usage. Some of the rural schools only rely on television sets and cellphones for use in teaching and learning activities. Learners in rural primary schools are thus not benefiting much from ICT usage in teaching and learning.
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.
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.
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.
Intra-household decision making dynamics in the use of social grants: A case study of Tyutyu Village in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.
(University of Fort Hare, 2016) Makozsa, Nigel
The aim of this study was to investigate intra-household decision-making dynamics in the usage of social grants, particularly the Child Support and Foster Care grant. The area of study was Tyutyu village where the research sample and participants were drawn. The data were collected with semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The principle behind this survey is that, besides the government handing out social assistance to an increased number of beneficiaries, they is an increment in the number of allegations of families misusing grant money because of poor decision-making. It emerged in the study that women are the prominent decision makers in terms of the usage of the Child Support and Foster Care grant. In addition, women are the decision makers because of the high rates of divorce, and children end up being raised by a single parent (mother).
Exploring the Psycho-Social Challenges Facing Children living in Child- Headed Households: A Case Study of Sithebe Administrative Area, Mthatha
(University of Fort Hare, 2016-09) Majiza, Virginia Nneheleng
The study focused on the perpetual issues and the psychosocial challenges facing children living in child-headed households at Sithebe Administrative Area -Ward 20 in Mthatha. The high number of cases reported to the Department of Social Development - Mthatha was what primarily triggered the researcher's interest in exploring the phenomenon of Child-headed households. Children living in Child-headed households continue to face numerous challenges which affect their psychosocial life and the rate of Child-headed households has been viewed as one of the concerns due to high number of parental deaths and abandonment around Ward 20- Sithebe A/A. Furthermore, the study seeks to examine the strategies used by social service professionals and their level of commitment in assisting child-headed households cope in the midst of adversity, through service delivery.
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.
Exploring the lack of adherence to antiretroviral treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS linked to Victoria Hospital, Eastern Cape.
(University of Fort Hare, 2015-06) Mboto, Yandisa C
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, stigmatization and discrimination negative influence of alcohol consumption, forgetfulness, and lack of knowledge about ARVs and separation and divorce.
The implications of Stigma towards People Living with HIV/AIDS in the Township of Dimbaza, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality.
(University of Fort Hare, 2014-08) Xabendlini, Sindiswa
HIV/AIDS-related stigma is still a stumbling block to HIV/AIDS prevention strategies in many communities. The phenomenon of stigma affects the social functioning of HIV positive individuals and their mental state as well. This study, therefore, sought to explore the implications of stigma towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in the Township of Dimbaza. Multiple sources of data or data triangulation were employed. The study made use of individual in-depth interviews which consisted of 10 individuals who were HIV positive from an organisation working with PLWHA in the township and a focus group discussion comprising of 8 practitioners. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse data and the strengths perspective was used as a lens for discussing the research findings.
Psychosocial experiences of children living in children's homes: The case of East London children's homes.
(University of Fort Hare, 2014-06) Makuyana, Abigail
Institutional care for orphaned and vulnerable children stirs lots of debates in the contemporary child welfare discourse. The vulnerability of children in institutional care to physical, sexual and in some instances psychological abuses has been well documented. Therefore, this study aimed to establish the impact of the psychosocial experiences of OVCs living in institutionalized care. The data in the study was collected qualitatively through a case study investigation in which the management, primary caregivers and institutionalized children in two East London Children's Homes were interviewed.
The experiences of adolescents preparing to leave foster care on the grounds of age in East London.
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Kadungure, Tarisai Mugove
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.
Exploring the vulnerability of black women to HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe: A case of Masvingo urban area.
(University of Fort Hare, 2014-06) Chikono, George
The problem question that this study seeks to address is the perpetual defenselessness 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 AID 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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