Theses and Dissertations
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Item Poverty alleviation and faith based organizations (FBO's) in the Sundays river valley municipality.(University of Fort Hare, 2016-09) Mpiyane,MzwabantuThe purpose of the study was to evaluate the role played by FBO in poverty alleviation using a case study of Churches in Sundays River Valley Municipality. The study made use of mixed approach that is qualitative and quantitative. The study employed both in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to collect data from diverse community members such as church leaders, community leaders, youth leaders and professionals. These were the most appropriate for obtaining the relevant information and rich contribution. The process of data analysis was followed in both qualitative and quantitative and the results were presented in both textual and statistical.Item Informal enterpeneurship and poverty alleviation among poor household in Chitungwiza municipality, Zimbabwe.(University of Fort Hare, 2016-06) Gunhidzirai, ConstanceThe aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of informal activities in alleviating household poverty in Chitungwiza high density suburb located close to Harare the capital city of Zimbabwe. Many households are vulnerable to poverty; therefore, they are embarking on informal activities as sources of livelihoods. The Sustainable Livelihood Approach and Resilience theory were used as theoretical frameworks that underpin this study. The triangulation approach of both qualitative and quantitative was used in soliciting data. Questionnaire and interview guides were instruments used in collecting data from a sample of 133 informal entrepreneurs and six key informants (social workers, municipal officials and community development practitioner) from Chitungwiza Municipality.Item Perceptions on governmental intervention strategies towards youth unemployment in Zimbabwe.(University of Fort Hare, 2015-01) Mafa, DennyfordThe aim of the study was to evaluate the perceptions of citizens of Zimbabwe on governmental interventions towards youth . unemployment in Zimbabwe Chinhoyi. The specific objectives central to the current study are as follows: governmental intervention strategies set to curb youth unemployment; the perceptions of the youth pertaining to informal employment as well as on the services rendered. The study has used the qualitative research paradigm which dwells beneath a social phenomenon in order to draw substantiated findings.Item Vulnerability of old age pensioners to micro-lending schemes: The case of Mlungisi location in Lukhanji Municipality in Queenstown(University of Fort Hare, 2015) Hola, ZukiswaThe study investigated the vulnerability of old age pensioners from micro lending schemes, a case study of Mlungisi location in Queenstown. A qualitative approach was employed in this study, which was carried out among -20 participants, 10 old age pensioners, which comprises of both male and female from Mlungisi Location, 5 Micro lenders from the same area and 5 government service practitioners from Queenstown. Non-probability sampling methods and purposive sampling techniques were employed to select the sample. The data was collected by means of one-to-one in-depth interviews and a once-off focus group discussion.Item The experiences faced by lesbian,gay,bisexual,and transgender students at the University of Fort Hare.(University of Fort Hare, 2014-11) Nyakwima, Esther RutendoItem Exploring the quality of life of single mothers: The case of Marondera Town, Zimbabwe(University of Fort Hare, 2014-06) Munzara, MemoryThe aim of the study was to explore the quality of life of single mothers in Marondera town. The study intended to achieve the following objectives: (i) determine the extent to which single mothers were satisfied with their lives (ii) investigate the challenges that single mothers' experience (iii) examine the coping mechanisms adopted by single mothers in the face of challenges (iv) investigate any form of support that single mothers' access from any quarter/stakeholder. Using the quantitative method, one hundred and ninety-nine questionnaires were administered to single mothers in Marondera town and 186 were returned fully answered. The major findings of this study outlined that financial challenge is one of the greatest problems that single mothers face, which in turn affects other areas of their lives and that of their children.Item 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 SimphiweAdolescent 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.Item 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, SinikhiweCommunity 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.Item 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.NSubstance 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.Item Male perspectives on Gender violence in South Africa: The case of Nkonkobe Municipal Area.(University of Fort Hare, 2008-11) Danga, TalentThe 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.Item 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 FranceThe 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.Item Vulnerability of old age pensioners to micro-lending schemes : the case of Mlungisi location in Lukhanji municipality in Queenstown(University of Fort Hare, 2015) Hola, ZukisaThe study investigated the vulnerability of old age pensioners from micro lending schemes, a case study of Mlungisi location in Queenstown. A qualitative approach was employed in this study, which was carried out among 20 participants, 10 old age pensioners, which comprises of both male and female from Mlungisi Location, 5 Micro lenders from the same area and 5 government service practitioners from Queenstown. Non-probability sampling methods and purposive sampling techniques were employed to select the sample. The data was collected by means of one-to-one in-depth interviews and a once-off focus group discussion.The findings of the study revealed that most of the 100% old age pensioners are customers of micro-lending schemes: only 30 percent made use of cash loans when they were employed and after retirement they make use of extra financial support from their employed children, unemployment fund and old age pension grant. The study found out that some of the old age participants go to micro lenders voluntarily and it is their lifestyle to make use of micro lenders.Item Reintegration of ex-offenders on community : a case study of Whittlesea township in Lukhanji municipality(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Ndike, GcobaniThis 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.Item Coping with poverty : a study of strategies adopted by single mothers in Chiredzi town , Zimbabwe(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Mafa, ItaiThis 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.Item Perception of males on the relationship between sexual risk taking behaviors and HIV/ AIDS in Nkonkobe Municipality(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Sonjani, Zolani MarioThe 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.Item The experiences of cultural marriage practice( "Ukuthwala ") amongst young african women : a case study of Libode , Eastern Cape(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Ndindwa, ThunyiswaThe 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.Item Exploring the phychosocial challenges associated with traditional male circumcision practice from the lenses of the newly initiated men :the case of Lusikisiki Phondoland area - Eastern Cape, South Africa(University of Fort Hare, 2015) Nomngcoyiya, ThanduxoloThis research study explored psychosocial challenges associated with traditional male circumcision (TMC) practice from the lenses of the newly initiated men, their families, traditional nurses and the communities in Lusikisiki, Phondoland region. The study intended to achieve the following specific objectives: (i) examine the psychosocial impact of traditional male circumcision practice on newly initiated men, (ii) establish the families, communities and traditional nurses’ concerns on the extent of damage caused by traditional male circumcision practice, (iii) establish the psychosocial support systems provided by the government and community networks on traditional male circumcision practice victims and their families.Item 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 ConstanceThe 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.Item 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 MunyaradziThe 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.Item An exploration of the practice of cross- Racial adoption South Africa, East london(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Kausi, NyashaThe 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.