ResearchSpace
ResearchSpace is the institutional repository of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, unlocking knowledge, empowering impact, and preserving UKZN's research legacy.
Communities in DSpace
Select a community to browse its collections.
Recent Submissions
COVID-19: understanding the pandemic, mitigating the risks, and building a resilient future.
(2023) Magwaza, Nkululeko.; Magwaza, Duke.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the world, necessitating a deep understanding of the virus, mitigation of risks, and the establishment of a resilient future. In this article, authored by John Smith, the focus is on comprehending the nature of the pandemic, including its origin, transmission, and impact.
Furthermore, the article explores the importance of mitigating risks through individual responsibility, public health measures, and global solidarity. Building a resilient future is also discussed, with an emphasis on strengthening healthcare systems, diversifying economies, and promoting education and awareness. The article concludes by highlighting the need for collective efforts in navigating this crisis and emerging stronger as a global community.
Keywords: COVID-19, Pandemic, Global health crisis, Transmission, Public health measures.
An investigation of indigenous knowledge systems as a survival strategy for the displaced Tokwe Mukosi flood Victims in Chingwizi Camp, Zimbabwe.
(2023) Mverecha, Kainos.; Khan, Sultan.
Abstract available in PDF.
Challenges in developing and integrating community clinical psychology services in non-urban areas of KwaZulu-Natal.
(2023) Siyothula , Evy-Terressah Busisiwe.; Pillay , Anthony Lingum.
Abstract available in PDF.
Psychosocial factors and trauma in Rwandese refugees living in Lusaka, Zambia.
(2021) Mwanamwambwa, Victor.; Pillay , Basil Joseph.
Abstract available in PDF.
Critical analysis of foster care services: relationship between foster care drift and transitioning out of foster care (adulthood)
(2021) Mhlauli, Nolusindiso.; Sithole, Mbongeni Shadrack.
Foster care provides substitute care for children in need of care and protection. This category of children mainly involves those who cannot be cared for within their families and who are not available for adoption. While foster care is meant to be a temporary service aimed at providing permanency, most children in foster care are often not removed from the system and linger in care without permanency. This study examined the influence of foster care drift on transitioning out of foster care. Its ultimate goal is to contribute to bridging the gap in practice and literature on foster care around lack of insight and reporting on the extent of foster care drift and transitioning into adulthood. The need for this study was based on the observation and reporting that a number of foster care children cycle through various temporal placements, drifting in care until they age out. In this study, foster care service is viewed as developing through various stages of life-span development. The quantitative research method was used to collect and analyse data, with a descriptive cross-sectional design used as a specific design to study the influence foster care drift on transitioning out of foster care. Questionnaires were used to collect data from youth who aged out of foster care. The sample was applied to select 167 respondents from six child welfare organisations responsible for administration of foster care in Ugu District Municipality. The findings revealed that the welfare system is overburdened with orphans who are unable to exit the system; as a result, they find themselves drifting in care until they age out. Adequate social support from the family of origin, foster family and romantic relationships, did not buffer the respondents from foster care drift and negative transition outcomes. As a result of the deficiency in the system, majority experienced negative transition outcomes and they were not equipped or skilled to effectively navigate the transition passage. Therefore, during the transition out of care the majority struggled to cope with realities of adulthood and to live independently as the majority experienced negative transition outcomes. Exit strategies should be developed, regulated and appropriate funding be made available for the implementation of such strategies to aid the young people to effectively transition from care. To ease the overburdened foster care system, the implementation of the kinship grant is recommended as previously proposed by the child’s rights organizations.