Masters Degrees (Social work)

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The accessibility to social assistance by persons living with HIV/AIDS in the Vulindlela area.
(2008) Mtembu, Maloney Lindiwe.; Kasiram, Madhubala Ishver.
The Social Assistance Act of No. 59 of 1992 was put into place to help in assisting poverty stricken people of South Africa by offering social grants to an aged, disabled person or a war veteran. Due to the devastating effect of HIV/AIDS, people living with HIV/AIDS were entitled to social assistance. However, grave problems exist for this group of persons to access social assistance such as the qualifying criteria for the disability grant being complicated by the medical nature of HIV/AIDS, taking anti-retroviral therapy and problems in the administration procedures. Compounding these, is that rural areas are underdeveloped and lack infrastructure to accommodate adequate service provision. This study aimed to increase understanding of access to social assistance by people living with HIV/AIDS in the rural area of Vulindlela in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The study researched this by hearing the voices of both the service providers (key informants) and people living with HIV/AIDS (patient respondents) by conducting a qualitative study based on a descriptive research design. Data was collected by means of semi-structured, in depth-interviews for both the service providers as well as patient respondents in this study. Findings revealed that the voices of people living with HIV/AIDS were not heard and further that they were not even aware of their rights and entitlements to social security. In fact, in many instances people died without having had any access to their grants whilst others had to wait months before receiving their grants. Findings emphasized the need for education, training and retraining for service providers, recipients and educational institutions as HIV/AIDS poses a major challenge in our society and as it is an ever changing phenomenon. Using an ecosystemic frame of reference, recommendations were multi-fold and included better networking and collaboration amongst the different bodies that are involved in grant administration and revisiting qualifying criteria. Other recommendations included strategies to deal with corruption, the development of pressure and lobbying groups and staff shortages. Given the time it takes to plan and implement changes and given the life threatening nature of HIV and AIDS, a key recommendation was for a newly introduced grant exclusively for the people living with the virus, to lessen the burden of meeting qualifying criteria and thus give dignity to and improve life quality.
Adapting a western model of filial therapy to a locally specific form through a participatory process with kinship carers.
(2002) Petty, Ann.; Sewpaul, Vishanthie.
As social workers are challenged to move away from a preoccupation with direct, clinical practice and move toward developmental interventions, there is concern that vulnerable members of society will be abandoned. It is feared that these members are likely to become the responsibility of their family, friends and neighbours, who themselves may be struggling for their own survival. Kinship carers are left to care for children whose parents are unable to fulfil their parental responsibilities because of illness, death, poverty, or other debilitating social factors . In many instances the children arrive into these placements as a result of tragic circumstances and are thus in need of remedial intervention. The rapid growth of this pheneomenon has superseded the development of relevant services for kinship carers and their wards. Filial therapy is an effective method for helping families in distress as it combines treatment and prevention. It incorporates didactic and dynamic principles where parents are trained to act as therapeutic agents in their children's lives. It is a strength-based intervention that recognises parents' abilities to provide emotional support for their children. Parents are empowered to do this by participating in professionally facilitated group sessions where they learn to develop healthy relationship skills, which may lead to the alleviation of psychosocial difficulties. This study was an exploratory study to establish whether the western model of filial therapy could be adapted for a locally specific group of kinship carers through a participatory process. Using a qualitative research design a group was formed to explore ways in which the model needed to be adapted to meet locally specific needs. There were two phases in this study. The first phase was concerned with identifying the problem. The second phase was the formation of the filial group and the evaluation of members' experiences. The participatory research methodology which underpinned the study is consistent with the person-centred approach and with participatory learning experiences. Over a ten-week period the research participants familiarised themselves with the techniques and assumptions of this intervention, and made recommendations for the adaptation of the model to a locally specific one. The data were collected via semistructured interviews, focus groups, researcher assisted questionnaires, and video recordings of the group sessions. The outcome of this study revealed that filial therapy, as adapted to locally specific needs by participants, provided them with valuable support, enhanced their relationships with the children in their care, provided them opportunities to address unresolved issues from their pasts, and in some cases, resulted in positive behavioural changes in their children. Whilst these findings are tentative in view of the limitations identified in the study, the workbook that evolved from this participatory process is a consolidated outcome which may be used by other practitioners. Recommendations for further research are detailed .
Alcoholism : understanding natural recovery.
(2001) Dillon, Linda Mary.; Van Rooyen, Colin Collett.
This qualitative study explored the process of recovery from alcoholism as experienced by individuals who recovered from alcoholism without formal treatment or intervention. This study sought to reveal those factors that initiated recovery and those that maintained and supported it, including some of the strategies and skills used by respondents in self-resolution of their alcoholism. Limitations of the study are discussed, as are the requirements for future studies of natural recovery. It is hoped that understanding some of the natural processes involved in recovery from alcoholism may lead to developing more informed and creative treatment approaches which will harness the strengths, knowledges and abilities of individuals. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 participants and their families across a broad range of age, gender, race and socio-economic status. Participants were selected from those individuals who responded to an article in the daily newspapers in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal. South Africa and who fitted the criteria of being alcoholics who had achieved two or more years of sobriety without formal treatment. This study seemed to indicate that natural recovery was the preferred choice of some individuals struggling with an alcohol problem. This choice appeared to have been made because of negative associations with and perceptions of treatment, combined with a belief in the individual's ability to solve their own problems. Reasons for stopping varied, but seemed to be underpinned by a process of cognitive self-evaluation that precipitated abstinence. Maintenance of sobriety was achieved by a variety of skill s, strategies and processes that corresponded, in the main, with similar international studies. There appears to be a strong relationship with spirituality in all stages of the natural recovery process. Finally. it appeared that individuals who possess a variety of personal and social resources appeared to be best suited to and equipped for the natural recovery process, although some exceptions were noted.
An exploration of Black African students’ experiences of whiteness on their Black African racial identity in a South African university.
(2024) Shozi, Masimbonge Praisegod.; Motloung, Siphiwe Maneano.
Racial identity issues have gained significant attention globally, posing ongoing challenges for individuals across different racial backgrounds in different settings, and higher education has not been an exception. Although prior research has addressed race and identity, there is a need to expand the existing literature by examining the specific dimensions of race and identity that impact students in South African higher education. This study aims to address this gap by exploring the experiences of Black African students in a South African university and their encounters with Whiteness, a key aspect of their racial identity. By focusing on the unique context of South African higher education, this research seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding race and identity within this specific setting. The study examined the experiences of Black African students with Whiteness and its impact on their Black African racial identity within a South African university. The research aimed to explore their encounters with Whiteness, their experiences of African racial identity, and their coping mechanisms and recommendations related to issues of Whiteness and Black African racial identity challenges. Using a qualitative design and interpretive research paradigm, 15 social work students were interviewed. Interviewees included undergraduate, postgraduate Masters, and Ph.D students. To analyze the interviews thematic data analysis was employed. The findings highlighted that Black African students’ experiences with Whiteness encompass multiple dimensions and pose challenges to their adaptation, mentally, economically, socially, emotionally, and academically, within the university context. These experiences often lead to the normalization of Eurocentric standards and the suppression of their Black African racial identity. The study also underscored the interconnection between Whiteness and other social categories, such as race, class, and gender. Hence the study recognizes a need for additional research to explore the impact of the intersectional interplay between the experiences of racial issues and other social categories on Black African students within the university environment.
An exploration of the experiences of social workers and nurses treating HIV/TB patients during the COVID-19 pandemic at King Dinuzulu Hospital in Durban.
(2023) Thabethe, Thandiwe Bonisiwe.; Seepamore, Boitumelo Khothatso.
The outbreak of COVID-19, a global health pandemic, created a tsunami of problems resulting in lockdowns as the world grappled to understand and contain its spread and save lives. For King Dinuzulu Hospital, a specialised healthcare centre for the treatment of TB, its designation as a COVID-19 health facility in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, turned it into a facility managing three epidemics, COVID-19, TB and HIV. The main aim of this study was to explore the experiences of public social workers and nurses caring for and treating TB/HIV patients during the COVID-19 pandemic at King Dinuzulu Hospital. This study utilised a qualitative research methodology. Data were collected from 15 HCWs (seven public social workers and eight nurses) selected using a purposive sampling methodology. One-on-one in-depth interviews were conducted. These were guided by an interview guide with open-ended questions, and the collected data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The study revealed that COVID-19 negatively affected the delivery of social work and nursing services at King Dinuzulu Hospital, and HCWs experienced psychological distress due to fear of being infected, infecting their family members and seeing some of their colleagues and patients at KDH die from COVID-19 pandemic. The mitigation measures that were put in place to blunt the full impact of COVID-19 on HCWs providing services to TB/HIV patients, went some way in preventing a total disaster from happening. KDH needs to resolve the shortage of HCWs, provide sufficient PPEs, repair and provide access to telephones/ mobile phones, and provide adequate and conducive offices.
Assessing funding and support for development projects : a comparative study of Kenya and South Africa.
(2003) Kiilu, Florence Ndilo.; Mazibuko, Ntombifikile.
The purpose of the study was to assess funding and support provided for development projects in Kenya and South Africa. The focus was to identify comparisons and differences in development, funding and national development priorities in both countries. The study was carried out in Kenya and South Africa. Through purposive sampling, six organizations were selected as the units of analysis. Data was collected by means of questionnaires, interviews, national policies and written records. Six major themes emerged from the data collected. They included (a) the purpose and internal structure of the organization (b) programs and projects supported (c) sustainability and continuation (d) internal and external factors affecting the organization (e) conditions (f) the aid-chain. The findings indicated that despite the differences in both countries, poverty remained a national priority. In both countries, factors such as inflation rates, conditions tied to aid and internal and external factor affected the development organizations and their operations. Suggestions were made to development organizations for optimal development.
Assessing the role of street traders' organisations in empowering street traders in Durban-CBD.
(2009) Mulume-Oderwa, Chorivu.; Kaye, Sylvia.; Mtapuri, Oliver.
Whether in the rich Western countries, or the Southern Hemisphere developing countries, street trading is a socio-economic phenomenon which provides employment to millions of poor and marginalised communities, allowing them to survive despite socio-economic and political constraints. Well aware that their empowerment cannot come or be initiated except by themselves, they find in organising an empowerment will-power which triggers collective action toward influencing change of institutional practices and processes which often marginalise and put them under unnecessary pressure. In this environment, street traders’ organisations’ role tends to be limited to meeting the direct causes of their current concerns as crises arise and therefore leave in the oblivion deep causes which lead to their marginalisation. Weakened by their constituencies’ economic situation, they often fall into fatalism and often become easy-targets and victims of non-inclusive municipal processes. By organising and building strong organisations they are likely to emancipate themselves from exploitative practices and processes and to claim a share in matters concerning their interests as equal stakeholders without any discrimination or exploitation but for the sake of empowering disadvantaged communities. Therefore the choice of this study was instructed by the feeling that empowered street traders’ organisations in Durban-CBD can play a major role towards the integration of street traders in the city socio-economic framework.
Belly dance as a strategy for women's self care.
(2008) Sookoo, Ashika.; Kasiram, Madhubala Ishver.
The focus of this study was the exploration of belly dance as a form of female self care. The specific facet of self care explored was female health and well being as impacted on by belly dance. There is a limited amount of existing scholarly studies t hat focus on the value of belly dance in self care. Therefore this study followed a qualitative format which promoted exploration of th is under researched field. This study occurred in a context where women’s lives are busier than ever before as a result of their involvement in both the home and the workplace. Thus there is a need for them to engage in self care activities that effectively restore and replenish body, mind and soul in order to enable them to continue to meet their multiple responsibilities in a functional manner. Facets of self care explored were psychical, mental and social health and well being as impacted on by belly dancing. To achieve this, data collection tools of focus groups and interviews, following a semi-structured format were used. The results showed that belly dance plays a significant and positive role, not only in female self care but in enjoyment as well. Some specific aspects of belly dance found to be useful to female self ca re was its liberating use of the female form, its non-discriminatory aspect that unites all women in enjoyment of the dance, the absence of men, the supportive presence of women, the music, the feminine aspects, a secure environment and the opportunity that belly dance presents for women to pl ay a different role. Conclusions point to women viewing society as androcentric and providing little opportunity for feminine expression. A major conclusion is that women are non-verbally strong, relational beings who are predisposed to the language of dance and music. They are effectively revitalised by dance and music as presented by belly dance. This has implications for social work service delivery to women on multiple levels.
Challenges and coping mechanisms of parents of teenage mothers in a pregnancy crisis centre, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa: an exploratory-descriptive study.
(2023) Manyawu, Vimbai.; Mzinyane, Bongane Morris.
Teenage pregnancy is a social problem that has been affecting South Africa and many other countries across the world. Teenage pregnancy has long been viewed as affecting both the teenager and their family. Besides the effects on the teenagers themselves, parents of teenage mothers also face multiple and related challenges that are associated with the pregnancy of their teenage daughters and the child-rearing of their grandchildren. However, there is a research gap on the subject of parents of teenage mothers, their unique challenges and coping strategies are not well documented in social work research. This study aimed to explore and describe the challenges and coping mechanisms of parents of teenage mothers. The study adopted a qualitative approach and an interpretivist paradigm, where the participants were selected using a non-probability purposive sampling technique. Due to data saturation, the study reached ten (10) research participants who had accessed the services of Zoe Pregnancy Crisis Centre. Thematic data analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data collected from semi-structured interviews which were conducted individually and face-to-face. The study results show that the causes of teenage pregnancies are diverse. Participants stated that teenage pregnancy is caused by television and social media influence; lack of parental guidance and involvement; poverty; lack of sex education; peer pressure and sexual exploitation. In relation to challenges faced by parents of teenage mothers, the study revealed that they often-experienced financial challenges; family conflicts; stigma and discrimination; and psychological distress. The parents were coping through the use of social support and problem-solving skills. The findings of the study indicated the need to extend support to parents of teenage mothers to minimise the effects of the challenges they face owing to teenage pregnancies. The study contributed to the existing body of knowledge by exploring and describing the challenges faced by and coping mechanisms utilised by parents of teenage mothers. The study has policy implications. The study showed the causes of teenage pregnancies which policymakers should aim to address in order to reduce the prevalence of teenage pregnancies.
The challenges confronting social workers in meeting the objectives of permanency planning at children's homes in the magisterial district of Durban.
(2006) Moodley, Rajeshree.; Kasiram, Madhubala Ishver.
The main aim of this study was to understand the challenges of social workers in meeting the obligations of permanency planning when rendering services at Children's Homes in the Magisterial District of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Permanency planning is guided by policy and prescribed in practice but the challenges have not been studied. The descriptive study was qualitative (focus groups) with elements of a quantitative nature (checklist) that targeted the population. Respondents included participants from 15 children's homes, 5 Child and Family Welfare Societies and 2 State District Offices. The checklist of 25 items was completed by 12 principals of children's homes. Results confirmed that permanency planning was not practiced according to policy even though social workers had a good understanding of what was required of them. Children's homes, although recognized as temporary accommodation for children, were sometimes used as an option for permanency planning. Creative efforts towards permanency planning, despite their challenges of limited resources and institutional barriers were evident. However, programmes and activities towards promoting permanency planning needed in-depth evaluation. If used inappropriately, for example leave of absence and the host programme could increase insecurity, instability and unpredictability rather than promoting permanency planning. Recommendations were for social workers to make a significant difference by addressing their negative perceptions, values, attitudes and .beliefs towards parents, to apply solutions found in this study and to play an advocacy role especially with regard to policy and resources. It became apparent that unless the challenges of the social workers were addressed, they would not be able to meet the objectives of permanency planning, even though it is a statutory requirement. Although social workers hold the primary responsibility and accountability for permanency planning, in practice its implementation and effectiveness depended on the interconnection and co-operation of various systemic influences.
Challenges experienced at NGO crisis shelters for women in the eThekwini region : perspectives of centre managers and social workers.
(2016) Schreiner, Henrene Gerda.; Raniga, Tanusha.
This qualitative research study used data source triangulation incorporating in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with Centre Managers and Social Workers respectively to explore intra-organisational and structural factors affecting service delivery at crisis shelters for women in the eThekwini region. Key findings which emerged under intra-organisational factors include role confusion pertaining to functions of Boards of Management relative to that of Centre Managers as well as functions of Centre Managers in relation to those of Social Workers; human and other resource limitations. The identified structural factors include: undesirable aspects of new managerialism; unequal power relationship between centres and funders; as well inadequate service by law enforcement as far as domestic violence is concerned. Based on the main findings, the key recommendation made is capacity building for Boards of Management; Centre Managers; as well as law enforcement agents.
Challenges facing parents of diabetic children.
(2009) Pillay, Kumeshini.; Sathiparsad, Reshma.
The study aimed to explore, describe and interpret the challenges of the parents who care for diabetic children. The study aimed to attempt to highlight relevant issues that may assist the diabetic team in developing guidelines in managing diabetic children. The data were collected by engaging in face to face in depth interviews with parents of diabetic children who attended the outpatient clinic at a hospital in Durban. The interviews were guided by an interview guide, which allowed the researcher to cover all relevant areas of interest in a logical and uniformed way. The sample consisted of 16 participants, which was racially mixed. The findings of the study revealed that parents who have diabetic children experience many challenges while some are able to incorporate it into their daily lives others continue to experience problems despite the team involvement and education. Diabetes is a life long disease that requires continued management which includes ongoing education, family support, finances and support from the diabetes team. The study also revealed that caring for a diabetic child is expensive and many families struggle to meet their dietary needs due to financial constraints. The finding further revealed that diabetic children are often affected by the diagnosis and many withdraw from family, friends and social activities. Healthy siblings sometimes do not understand the child’s diabetes. In some instances, the parents’ relationships are affected as couples do not have couple time and the family’s lives are altered and most schools have minimal knowledge of diabetes. Based on these findings, recommendations regarding the required information and assistance to be given to the diabetic patients and family members were formulated. Schools have a role to play and the larger communities require diabetes awareness.
Child and youth care workers’ perceptions of inappropriate sexual behaviours among boy children in child and youth care centres.
(2016) Varaden, Hannah Annie.; Ngcobo, Nolwazi Pearl.
Childhood sex and sexuality is a sensitive topic, and one that people are often reluctant to discuss. The denial of childhood sexuality is still pervasive, and many cultures want to believe that children are non-sexual. However, inappropriate sexual behaviours (ISBs) among children are a reality, and, not only do adults sexually abuse children, but child-on-child sexual abuse is an increasing phenomenon both in South Africa and in countries around the world. A review of literature on the experiences and perceptions of child care workers in South Africa regarding the sexualized behaviours of male children in their care revealed that research in this area is limited. Understanding this phenomenon is essential if we want to effectively care for children, and to develop appropriate prevention and intervention strategies. The quotation by Frederick Douglass (1855) that “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men” is very apt. This study is unique because it focuses on the role and experiences of the child and youth care workers in South Africa; who are often neglected in the child care profession, in spite of the fact that they spend a substantial amount of time with the children. This study aims to explore and describe how child care workers perceived inappropriate sexual behaviours among boy children in two CYCCs in South Africa. Furthermore, it also explores the methods and approaches used by CCWs to manage the boy children. This includes their challenges and needs for training, supervision and support. Guided by a social constructionism framework, the study adopts a qualitative approach; and twelve child care workers from two centres in KZN were interviewed to gather rich, in-depth data. The sample was a non-probability, purposive sample. The findings reveal many complex issues that child and youth care workers experience whilst caring for boy children with ISB’s and clearly shows that child care workers play a fundamental role in the lives of children, by virtue of the amount of time they spend together in the residential home; and demonstrates the potential impact and influence they could have on children’s development and healing. This research shows that we need to develop a South X African response that is relevant to the realities of our country. All the issues identified in this study represent gaps in our South African context, as well as a dire need for training and support of professionals who care for vulnerable children such as child and youth care workers. It is through a study like this that these gaps become visible; greater research needs to be conducted and policies changed and created, and programs developed to create a safer and more supportive environment for both children and professionals caring for children. Finally, the study makes recommendations for practice and further research. It is recommended that further research is needed to explore the level of compassion fatigue in CCWs and their response to consistent debriefing; as well as the impact of relevant and consistent training and supervision on their management of challenging children in CYCCs. Furthermore, it is recommended to research how CCWs could practically spend more time with their own families, and the impact this has on their child care work. Further research is also needed to explore how to ensure the safety of children in CYCCs, as well as the development and evaluation of training, supervision and debriefing programs for CCWs; and therapeutic and safety programs for children with inappropriate sexual behaviours.
Child malnutrition : perceptions and experiences of mothers of children admitted at St. Patrick's hospital in Bizana, Eastern Cape.
Macabela, Ndileka.; Simpson, Barbara.
Malnutrition refers to the condition caused by an improper balance between what an individual eats and what he requires to maintain health. This can result from eating too little (sub-nutrition or starvation) but may also imply dietary excess or an incorrect balance of basic foods staff such as protein, fat, and carbohydrate. Child malnutrition is a serious problem and worldwide. Mothers play an important role in child care and this is preventing and dealing with child nutrition. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of mothers whose children with malnutrition were admitted to a public hospital in a rural district of Bizana in the Eastern Cape. Bizana is the very disadvantaged area with high rates of poverty and unemployment. The study addressed four questions: How do the mothers understand malnutrition? What are the mothers’ experiences of caring for their child who is malnourished? How do the mothers access and experience various government and other structures in addressing malnutrition? How do they think that medical, social and economic support structures should assist them? A qualitative research paradigm guided the study and the research design was exploratory and descriptive. Ten mothers of children admitted to children’s ward participated in this research. The participants were between 20 and 41 years of age and were “long stay” patients at the ward. Data was collected by in depth interviews using an in-depth-interview guide. The results demonstrate that the mothers came for poor socio-economic backgrounds. They were dependent the social security and had little family support. The lack of resources on the environment also impeded their ability to care for their children. Poor education and a lack of knowledge had resulted in them not feeding the children correctly. The mothers were distressed about the ill health of their children and worried and anxious about coping. The study makes recommendations for more support to be provided to mothers, especially in this rural area.
Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder needs and experiences of parents/caregivers receiving services from a public sector hospital.
(2010) Naidoo, Preneshnee.; Matthias, Carmel Rose.
The focus of this study was the exploration of parents and caregivers experiences of raising children with ADHD and their experiences of services at a public sector hospital. There is a paucity of scholarly studies conducted on this topic in South Africa. The context of the study is the public sector hospital where the researcher is employed as a social worker. Through her interactions with the parents and caregivers of ADHD affected children she became aware of the challenges that they were exposed to and this prompted her to undertake the study. This was a qualitative study and a purposive sample was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 participants and one focus group was conducted as a method of triangulation, with six participants. This study was guided by two theoretical frameworks, namely the bio-psychosocial and ecosystems approaches. The main conclusions drawn from the findings of the study were that many participants experienced a lack of support from their families and from the hospital. Participants did not have sufficient knowledge of the comprehensive treatment plan available in the management of ADHD. Health care professionals failed to engage in mutual decision making with participants, related to ADHD treatment and they neglected to address the concerns of participants regarding their children. A further finding was that the referral process to allied health professionals was inconsistent. Participants also experienced difficulties with the hospital administrative processes. Based on the findings, the recommendations include the need for more comprehensive support which includes medical and psychosocial support for participants. The limited knowledge base of participants with regard to the nature, causes and the use of medication for ADHD should be addressed by the health care providers. This could be achieved through participant education on the disorder at the initial stages of diagnosis. ADHD should be managed in a more collaborative and co-ordinated manner at the health care facility through an actively interdependent team.
Community development approaches in provision of sanitation services to the poor : a comparative study of the urine diversion sanitation programme in South Africa (Mnini) and Zimbabwe (Chihota)
(2007) Mafoea, Pulane.; Xaba, T.
Providing sanitation to poor communities entails delivering services to people that are marginalized in many aspects; the social, economic and political. The challenge to design sanitation projects that address the utmost need of the poor and are economically and environmental sound is enormous. Urine Diversion (UD) system is a sanitation technology that separates urine from human excreta. UD technology, offers potential solutions for some of the economic and ecological challenges generated by the conventional sanitation technologies. However, to make this technology work and acceptable effective sanitation approaches that work well at grassroots are required. This thesis highlights fundamental processes and principles that can help in designing and implementing effective UD sanitation projects.
Community gardening as a poverty alleviation strategy in rural areas : Ngcolosi community, Emahlabathini area.
(2011) Mkhize, Mbekezeli Comfort.; Sithole, Pearl Nthombizethu Phumzile.
The study seeks to assess the impact of community gardening in alleviating poverty in a rural area, namely, KwaNgcolosi, Mahlabathini. The community gardening in this study is used as a coping or defence mechanism which is used to eliminate poverty. Further, the study aimed to answer some research questions. These were: what is the significance of community gardening? Are community gardens effective in alleviating poverty in a rural area? What are economic and social benefits? In achieving this goal, the study relied solely on using a quantitative research method – namely, a questionnaire. For convenience purposes, selfadministered questionnaires were used where the researcher filled in the questionnaires for respondents because a majority of respondents could not read and write, and semi-structured focus group interviews along with individual interviews to investigate this from the members of community gardens and other members of the community who do not participate in gardening activities. The existing literature shows that ‘gardening’, regardless of whether it is home or community, has various benefits that often accrue to the farmers. These include, amongst other things, social, economic, and environmental benefits, respectively. Interestingly, the literature has been underpinned and strengthened by the key findings of the research. Indeed, key findings have pinpointed social and economic benefits as the reliable end products of gardening. Not surprisingly, the key findings also identified several weaknesses of community gardening that ultimately dissuade people from entering. Lack of resources, and support from relevant structures were amongst the key weaknesses identified. More strikingly, the lack of cooperation between local councillor and farmers was also key challenge. Similarly, the study applied the sustainable livelihoods theory because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the situations under which poor people live. The sustainable livelihoods theory places strong emphasis on poor rural people and what they often do in order to survive. Furthermore, there are policies in place that have sought to measure access to food. Food security has been used to further determine what it means to be poor. Despite the existing policies such as food security, people continue to be subjected to poverty particularly in rural areas. The study, therefore, aims to show the significance of community gardening in fighting poverty.
Coping with ischaemic heart disease : views and experiences of key participants, their partners and medical practitioners.
(2012) Vahed, Roxana Ismail.; Sewpaul, Vishanthie.
Ischaemic heart disease (IHD), which is a Chronic Disease of Lifestyle, has been rated as one of the key illnesses that have progressively materialised as a threat across the wide demographic spectrum of South Africa’s population. Internationally, literature is relatively scarce on the psychosocial consequences of the disease for the ill person, but limited information does exist on these consequences as they affect South African individuals and their families. This study sought firstly to understand the experience of persons with IHD, their partners and medical practitioners and secondly how they coped with the illness. Participants were selected with the assistance of cardiologists at a private hospital in KwaZulu-Natal. Theoretical sampling determined the number of persons who participated in the study. Data was collected using in-depth interviews in accordance with the qualitative descriptive design and narrative inquiry that underpinned the research. Participants (13) were determined once data-saturation was reached. The data revealed that spousal support and religion/spirituality played important roles in helping people manage the illness. Genetics and lifestyle choices contributed to participants’ IHD. Not recognising their symptoms, owing to misinformation by the medical fraternity, contributed to participants not realising they were having a heart attack. Religious/spiritual coping mechanisms were among those mentioned by participants, and depression (not clinically assessed), anxiety and sadness were noted among the consequences for them. Two of the cardiologists did not acknowledge depression; nevertheless research studies have linked depression with major cardiac attacks and to surgery following cardiac problems. The data points to the lack of communication between participants and their health practitioners and the belief held by participants that the medical personnel were not particularly interested in their psychosocial wellbeing. This seems to be borne out by the limited data obtained from health practitioners. Social workers can play important roles in the health team by ensuring that the psychosocial needs of persons experiencing IHD and their families are attended to. Social workers can publish in health journals to make the medical fraternity aware of the contribution that social workers skills can make to persons who are ill.
Crime prevention programmes : experiences and perceptions of crime prevention managers in the uMgungundlovu District Municipality.
(2012) Sibande, Dorah Kholisile.; Simpson, Barbara.
The study was conducted to explore the experiences and perceptions of crime prevention managers on crime prevention programmes. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive investigative study was conducted in Umgungundlovu District Municipality. Interviews were conducted with eleven crime prevention managers, ten from South African Police Service and one from Umgungundlovu District Municipality. Data were analysed using content analysis. All crime prevention managers had a variety of crime prevention programmes implemented in their areas of operation. Generally, the crime prevention managers viewed their experiences as positive. Certain challenges were identified. Based on the findings, recommendations in terms of policy, practice and research are made.
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.

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