Resilience in families with a child living with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Authors: Hanekom, Leché
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Autism in children , Parents of autistic children , Autistic children -- Family relationships
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9905 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/973 , Autism in children , Parents of autistic children , Autistic children -- Family relationships
- Description: In recent years the number of studies on resilience emerging within the field of positive psychology has increased. However, such studies are limited within the South African context and so the proposed study aims to explore and describe the factors that facilitate adjustment and adaptation in South African families living with Autism Spectrum Disorder. McCubbin, McCubbin and Thompson (2001) developed the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation which were used to conceptualise the family’s adaptation. Mothers (n = 19) from 19 families participated in the study. The families consisted of at least three members, of which two are parents and one a child younger than 18 years of age that has been diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. A combination of non-probability purposive sampling and snowball sampling was used to select participants. The study had an exploratory and descriptive aim and employed triangulation of method, including both qualitative and quantitative data collection procedures. A biographical questionnaire and the following seven structured paper-and-pencil questionnaires were used: the Family Attachment and Changeability Index 8 (FACI8), the Family Crisis-oriented Personal Evaluation Scales (F-COPES), the Family Hardiness Index (FHI), the Family Problem-solving Communication (FPSC), the Family Time and Routine Index (FTRI), the Relative and Friend Support (RFS), and the Social Support Index (SSI). Descriptive statistics were used to describe the biographical information. Qualitative data were analysed by means of content analysis. Quantitative data were manipulated by means of correlation and regression analysis. The results from the quantitative analysis indicate three significant positive correlations with the FACI8. These variables were the family hardiness (measured by FHI), family problem-solving communication (measured by the FPSC), and family time and routines (measured by the FTRI). The findings from the qualitative analysis point out that social support, the spousal relationship and family time, togetherness and routines are the most important strength factors that contribute to the family’s adjustment and adaptation. Even though this study had a small sample size and several other limitations, the findings of this study could still assist in guiding specialised institutions toward providing more comprehensive information and support to families living with a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This study also contributes to the studies on family resilience within a South African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Hanekom, Leché
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Autism in children , Parents of autistic children , Autistic children -- Family relationships
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9905 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/973 , Autism in children , Parents of autistic children , Autistic children -- Family relationships
- Description: In recent years the number of studies on resilience emerging within the field of positive psychology has increased. However, such studies are limited within the South African context and so the proposed study aims to explore and describe the factors that facilitate adjustment and adaptation in South African families living with Autism Spectrum Disorder. McCubbin, McCubbin and Thompson (2001) developed the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation which were used to conceptualise the family’s adaptation. Mothers (n = 19) from 19 families participated in the study. The families consisted of at least three members, of which two are parents and one a child younger than 18 years of age that has been diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. A combination of non-probability purposive sampling and snowball sampling was used to select participants. The study had an exploratory and descriptive aim and employed triangulation of method, including both qualitative and quantitative data collection procedures. A biographical questionnaire and the following seven structured paper-and-pencil questionnaires were used: the Family Attachment and Changeability Index 8 (FACI8), the Family Crisis-oriented Personal Evaluation Scales (F-COPES), the Family Hardiness Index (FHI), the Family Problem-solving Communication (FPSC), the Family Time and Routine Index (FTRI), the Relative and Friend Support (RFS), and the Social Support Index (SSI). Descriptive statistics were used to describe the biographical information. Qualitative data were analysed by means of content analysis. Quantitative data were manipulated by means of correlation and regression analysis. The results from the quantitative analysis indicate three significant positive correlations with the FACI8. These variables were the family hardiness (measured by FHI), family problem-solving communication (measured by the FPSC), and family time and routines (measured by the FTRI). The findings from the qualitative analysis point out that social support, the spousal relationship and family time, togetherness and routines are the most important strength factors that contribute to the family’s adjustment and adaptation. Even though this study had a small sample size and several other limitations, the findings of this study could still assist in guiding specialised institutions toward providing more comprehensive information and support to families living with a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This study also contributes to the studies on family resilience within a South African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Resilience in HIV/AIDS' adolescent headed families
- Authors: Beeka, Hershilla A
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Resilience (Personality trait) in adolescence -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Children of AIDS patients -- South Africa -- Family relationships , Families, Black -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9911 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/922 , Resilience (Personality trait) in adolescence -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Children of AIDS patients -- South Africa -- Family relationships , Families, Black -- Research -- South Africa
- Description: HIV/AIDS has presented humanity with various challenges, one of which is the manner in which it has affected family structure and patterns. Parental illness and eventual death due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic is escalating. One of the major challenges of HIV/AIDS in southern Africa is the increase in the number of orphaned and vulnerable children. As a result new family forms are emerging such as the "skip-generation" family in which children or adolescent siblings head the family. It is anticipated that HIV/AIDS in South Africa will progressively increase the number of such families. During this time of profound family change, the family as an institution has remained remarkably resilient. The present study utilised the Family Resilience Framework and the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation to explore and describe the resilience of HIV/AIDS’ adolescent headed families. A qualitative, exploratory-descriptive research design, which was assessed against Guba’s (1985) model of trustworthiness, was employed and the participants were sampled using non-probability purposive sampling. The Masizakhe Community Project volunteers (an AIDS Community Project in Kwazakhele, Port Elizabeth receiving support from the iThemba AIDS Foundation) assisted in identifying participants according to the predetermined inclusion criteria. The sample consisted of four female, adolescent heads of HIV/AIDS’ affected households, who volunteered at the Masizakhe Community Project and resided in Kwazakhele. The data that was collected via audio-recorded semi structured interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Family resilience factors that emerged included intrafamilial strengths (family cohesion, organisation, hardiness, and adaptability); social support resources (especially from the community project, friends, and community members); family appraisal processes; and problem solving and coping strategies. Extended family support was partial and largely financial. The findings from this study provided insights into the resilience of adolescent-headed families; provided guidance for the development of intervention programmes to assist these families; and affirmed the existing strengths of the families. Furthermore, it has contributed to the research and literature on family resilience and formed the foundation for future research projects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Beeka, Hershilla A
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Resilience (Personality trait) in adolescence -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Children of AIDS patients -- South Africa -- Family relationships , Families, Black -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9911 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/922 , Resilience (Personality trait) in adolescence -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Children of AIDS patients -- South Africa -- Family relationships , Families, Black -- Research -- South Africa
- Description: HIV/AIDS has presented humanity with various challenges, one of which is the manner in which it has affected family structure and patterns. Parental illness and eventual death due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic is escalating. One of the major challenges of HIV/AIDS in southern Africa is the increase in the number of orphaned and vulnerable children. As a result new family forms are emerging such as the "skip-generation" family in which children or adolescent siblings head the family. It is anticipated that HIV/AIDS in South Africa will progressively increase the number of such families. During this time of profound family change, the family as an institution has remained remarkably resilient. The present study utilised the Family Resilience Framework and the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation to explore and describe the resilience of HIV/AIDS’ adolescent headed families. A qualitative, exploratory-descriptive research design, which was assessed against Guba’s (1985) model of trustworthiness, was employed and the participants were sampled using non-probability purposive sampling. The Masizakhe Community Project volunteers (an AIDS Community Project in Kwazakhele, Port Elizabeth receiving support from the iThemba AIDS Foundation) assisted in identifying participants according to the predetermined inclusion criteria. The sample consisted of four female, adolescent heads of HIV/AIDS’ affected households, who volunteered at the Masizakhe Community Project and resided in Kwazakhele. The data that was collected via audio-recorded semi structured interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Family resilience factors that emerged included intrafamilial strengths (family cohesion, organisation, hardiness, and adaptability); social support resources (especially from the community project, friends, and community members); family appraisal processes; and problem solving and coping strategies. Extended family support was partial and largely financial. The findings from this study provided insights into the resilience of adolescent-headed families; provided guidance for the development of intervention programmes to assist these families; and affirmed the existing strengths of the families. Furthermore, it has contributed to the research and literature on family resilience and formed the foundation for future research projects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Resilience in remarried families
- Authors: Robinson, Julie
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Remarried people -- Family relationships , Adjustment (Psychology) , Stepfamilies -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9924 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/659 , Remarried people -- Family relationships , Adjustment (Psychology) , Stepfamilies -- Psychological aspects
- Description: Remarried families are no longer the exception in society. Statistics reveal that this type of family structure is increasing. The need for family resilience research in varying family forms has been highlighted. Given the distinctive structure of the remarried family, there are specific dilemmas and challenges that need to be resolved on the journey towards family integration. Despite these challenges, many families benefit from their new family structure and show marked resiliency and ability to adapt. South African family resilience research is scarce. This study aimed to identify, explore and describe the resiliency factors that enable families to adjust and adapt as a result of being a stepfamily. The Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation (McCubbin, Thompson, & McCubbin, 2001) was used to conceptualize level of adaptation. Participants consisted of both adults and adolescents, in order to gain perspectives of adapting to a remarried family from differing individual family members’ stages of development. Participants consisted of 19 parents and 16 adolescents, equaling a total of 35 participants. Triangulation was employed, with an exploratory, descriptive approach. A biographical questionnaire with an open-ended question, in conjunction with a number of structured questionnaires were used to gather the data. These questionnaires were: The Family Hardiness Index (FHI), the Family Time and Routine Index (FTRI), the Social Support Index (SSI), the Family Problem-Solving Communication (FPSC) Index, the Family Crisis-Oriented Personal Evaluation Scales (F-COPES), the Relative and Friend Support Index (RFS), and the Family Attachment and Changeability Index 8 (FACI8). In this study the FACI8 was used as a measure to determine the level of family adaptation. Non-probability purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the biographical information. Correlation and regression analysis was used to analyze the quantitative data, and content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. The results of the quantitative component of the study indicated that there were three significant positive correlations with the FACI8 for both adults and adolescents. These variables were family hardiness (measured by the FHI), family problem solving communication (measured by the FPSC), and family time together and routines (measured by the FTRI). The Social Support subscale of the F-COPES showed a positive correlation with the FACI8 for the adults. The results of the qualitative component of the study revealed that various common themes emerged between the adult and adolescent participants’ responses. These common themes were spirituality; boundaries; respect, love, understanding, compassion and acceptance; communication; flexibility and tolerance; time together, bonding, and routines; and social support. There were four remaining themes that the adults identified as important factors helping them manage being part of a stepfamily. These four remaining themes were equality; forgiveness and acceptance of the past; commitment and being positive; and financial support. The value of the research was discussed. Finally, limitations of the study were discussed, and suggestions were made for future research involving remarried families.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Robinson, Julie
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Remarried people -- Family relationships , Adjustment (Psychology) , Stepfamilies -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9924 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/659 , Remarried people -- Family relationships , Adjustment (Psychology) , Stepfamilies -- Psychological aspects
- Description: Remarried families are no longer the exception in society. Statistics reveal that this type of family structure is increasing. The need for family resilience research in varying family forms has been highlighted. Given the distinctive structure of the remarried family, there are specific dilemmas and challenges that need to be resolved on the journey towards family integration. Despite these challenges, many families benefit from their new family structure and show marked resiliency and ability to adapt. South African family resilience research is scarce. This study aimed to identify, explore and describe the resiliency factors that enable families to adjust and adapt as a result of being a stepfamily. The Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation (McCubbin, Thompson, & McCubbin, 2001) was used to conceptualize level of adaptation. Participants consisted of both adults and adolescents, in order to gain perspectives of adapting to a remarried family from differing individual family members’ stages of development. Participants consisted of 19 parents and 16 adolescents, equaling a total of 35 participants. Triangulation was employed, with an exploratory, descriptive approach. A biographical questionnaire with an open-ended question, in conjunction with a number of structured questionnaires were used to gather the data. These questionnaires were: The Family Hardiness Index (FHI), the Family Time and Routine Index (FTRI), the Social Support Index (SSI), the Family Problem-Solving Communication (FPSC) Index, the Family Crisis-Oriented Personal Evaluation Scales (F-COPES), the Relative and Friend Support Index (RFS), and the Family Attachment and Changeability Index 8 (FACI8). In this study the FACI8 was used as a measure to determine the level of family adaptation. Non-probability purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the biographical information. Correlation and regression analysis was used to analyze the quantitative data, and content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. The results of the quantitative component of the study indicated that there were three significant positive correlations with the FACI8 for both adults and adolescents. These variables were family hardiness (measured by the FHI), family problem solving communication (measured by the FPSC), and family time together and routines (measured by the FTRI). The Social Support subscale of the F-COPES showed a positive correlation with the FACI8 for the adults. The results of the qualitative component of the study revealed that various common themes emerged between the adult and adolescent participants’ responses. These common themes were spirituality; boundaries; respect, love, understanding, compassion and acceptance; communication; flexibility and tolerance; time together, bonding, and routines; and social support. There were four remaining themes that the adults identified as important factors helping them manage being part of a stepfamily. These four remaining themes were equality; forgiveness and acceptance of the past; commitment and being positive; and financial support. The value of the research was discussed. Finally, limitations of the study were discussed, and suggestions were made for future research involving remarried families.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Retention of medical doctors in the public health sector: a case study of the Port Elizabeth Hospital complex
- Authors: Guvava, Dorothy Dorica
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Employee retention -- Port Elizabeth -- South Africa , Physicians -- Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Hospitals -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8221 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/976 , Employee retention -- Port Elizabeth -- South Africa , Physicians -- Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Hospitals -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The Port Elizabeth (PE) hospital complex is one of the public hospital groups in South Africa facing a critical shortage of medical practitioners, with reference to doctors in particular. In the quest of finding how to retain doctors in the hospital complex, the aims of this research were to survey doctors’ career intentions; to investigate factors that could be contributing to these career intentions so as to uncover some of the reasons why doctors are leaving the public sector; and to identify effective ways in which the government and hospitals might improve retention by pointing out areas that need improvement. The factors that influence doctors’ career intention included income, work conditions, risk of contracting infection, risk of injury at work, hours of work, work load, work related stress, paid leave days, resources, personal growth and development opportunities, ongoing training opportunities, advancement and promotion opportunities, relation with co-workers, relations with supervisor/superiors, and sense of meaning. Findings revealed that even though the tendency to leave’ group (43%) was smaller than the ‘tendency to stay’ (57%), the majority (85%) of those who intended to leave were younger doctors. Despite some significant differences in responses between the two groups, results revealed that both groups were dissatisfied with almost all conditions of work apart from relationships with supervisors and co-workers. To a large extent, both groups revealed that work conditions are better in the private hospitals than in their current hospitals. viii The fact that some doctors could stay in the public hospital sector despite intense dissatisfaction with conditions of work, and despite the perception that that there are better options in the private hospitals could be attributed to the fact that most of these doctors are older and are at their retirement stage . Adding to this is that most of these doctors, who indicated willingness to say, scored high in sense of meaning as a factor influencing their career intention. This research was based on the assumption that there was no retention strategy put in place to solve the problems facing PE hospital complex. However, during this research a strategy was being developed and implemented by the Eastern Cape Department of Health. Therefore, evaluation and recommendations of the strategy are provided in the conclusions of the study. These recommendations relate not only to the implementation of the strategy, but improving it to accommodate all problems currently facing the doctors and finding ways and means of making the strategy sustainable; creating private-public partnerships; focusing on creating a sense of meaning amongst the doctors (especially the younger ones) and focusing on retaining the risk group which was the younger doctors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Guvava, Dorothy Dorica
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Employee retention -- Port Elizabeth -- South Africa , Physicians -- Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Hospitals -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8221 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/976 , Employee retention -- Port Elizabeth -- South Africa , Physicians -- Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Hospitals -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The Port Elizabeth (PE) hospital complex is one of the public hospital groups in South Africa facing a critical shortage of medical practitioners, with reference to doctors in particular. In the quest of finding how to retain doctors in the hospital complex, the aims of this research were to survey doctors’ career intentions; to investigate factors that could be contributing to these career intentions so as to uncover some of the reasons why doctors are leaving the public sector; and to identify effective ways in which the government and hospitals might improve retention by pointing out areas that need improvement. The factors that influence doctors’ career intention included income, work conditions, risk of contracting infection, risk of injury at work, hours of work, work load, work related stress, paid leave days, resources, personal growth and development opportunities, ongoing training opportunities, advancement and promotion opportunities, relation with co-workers, relations with supervisor/superiors, and sense of meaning. Findings revealed that even though the tendency to leave’ group (43%) was smaller than the ‘tendency to stay’ (57%), the majority (85%) of those who intended to leave were younger doctors. Despite some significant differences in responses between the two groups, results revealed that both groups were dissatisfied with almost all conditions of work apart from relationships with supervisors and co-workers. To a large extent, both groups revealed that work conditions are better in the private hospitals than in their current hospitals. viii The fact that some doctors could stay in the public hospital sector despite intense dissatisfaction with conditions of work, and despite the perception that that there are better options in the private hospitals could be attributed to the fact that most of these doctors are older and are at their retirement stage . Adding to this is that most of these doctors, who indicated willingness to say, scored high in sense of meaning as a factor influencing their career intention. This research was based on the assumption that there was no retention strategy put in place to solve the problems facing PE hospital complex. However, during this research a strategy was being developed and implemented by the Eastern Cape Department of Health. Therefore, evaluation and recommendations of the strategy are provided in the conclusions of the study. These recommendations relate not only to the implementation of the strategy, but improving it to accommodate all problems currently facing the doctors and finding ways and means of making the strategy sustainable; creating private-public partnerships; focusing on creating a sense of meaning amongst the doctors (especially the younger ones) and focusing on retaining the risk group which was the younger doctors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Rhodes University during the segregation and apartheid eras, 1933 to 1990
- Authors: Greyling, Sean Andrew
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Rhodes University -- History Post-apartheid era -- South Africa -- History College students -- South Africa -- Political activity South Africa -- Race relations -- History -- 20th century South Africa -- Politics and government -- 20th century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2545 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002397
- Description: In 2004 Rhodes University celebrated its centenary. At a Critical Tradition Colloquium opportunity was given to explore the university’s past. In particular, its liberal image was questioned and its role during apartheid brought under scrutiny. This thesis investigates the questions raised at the Colloquium. It aims to cover the whole apartheid era in one coherent narrative by addressing the history of Rhodes during that era and how it handled issues of race and politics. It begins in 1933, when the first black student applied to Rhodes, and ends in 1990, when apartheid was drawing to a close.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Greyling, Sean Andrew
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Rhodes University -- History Post-apartheid era -- South Africa -- History College students -- South Africa -- Political activity South Africa -- Race relations -- History -- 20th century South Africa -- Politics and government -- 20th century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2545 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002397
- Description: In 2004 Rhodes University celebrated its centenary. At a Critical Tradition Colloquium opportunity was given to explore the university’s past. In particular, its liberal image was questioned and its role during apartheid brought under scrutiny. This thesis investigates the questions raised at the Colloquium. It aims to cover the whole apartheid era in one coherent narrative by addressing the history of Rhodes during that era and how it handled issues of race and politics. It begins in 1933, when the first black student applied to Rhodes, and ends in 1990, when apartheid was drawing to a close.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
State sovereignty and alternative community in southern Africa: exploring the Zion Christian Church as the building block for deeper notions of regional community
- Authors: Radebe, Zandisiwe
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Zionist Christian Church Southern African Development Community Community development -- Africa, Southern Regionalism -- Africa, Southern Sovereignty -- Africa, Southern Africa, Southern -- Economic integration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2824 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003034
- Description: Regional community in southern Africa has been limited to the region’s states. As a result, deeper notions of community emanating from non-state actors, particularly transnational social movements, continue to be ignored. In an attempt to transcend state centrism, this thesis highlights alternative forms of regional community by exploring the Zion Christian Church (ZCC), one of southern Africa’s biggest and fastest growing cross-border movements. The ZCC is a potential agent for developing regional community from the bottom-up, driving a people-oriented regional integration approach in southern Africa. The ZCC, with its extensive following among the region’s poor, offers a compelling example of a grassroots and truly bottom-up approach to regional community. This thesis explores the possibility of the ZCC as a model of alternative community and identity centred on people’s daily experiences and grounded in a shared history and solidarity. It seeks to highlight the significance of transnational movements like the ZCC to policy makers in the region and it argues that grassroots communities are marching ahead of SADC member states and politicians in the area of integration. There exists a transnational cooperation amongst followers of the ZCC and other grassroots communities across the region and this cooperation transcends the traditional notion of state sovereignty, thereby highlighting deeper notions of what it means to be a community at regional level.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Radebe, Zandisiwe
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Zionist Christian Church Southern African Development Community Community development -- Africa, Southern Regionalism -- Africa, Southern Sovereignty -- Africa, Southern Africa, Southern -- Economic integration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2824 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003034
- Description: Regional community in southern Africa has been limited to the region’s states. As a result, deeper notions of community emanating from non-state actors, particularly transnational social movements, continue to be ignored. In an attempt to transcend state centrism, this thesis highlights alternative forms of regional community by exploring the Zion Christian Church (ZCC), one of southern Africa’s biggest and fastest growing cross-border movements. The ZCC is a potential agent for developing regional community from the bottom-up, driving a people-oriented regional integration approach in southern Africa. The ZCC, with its extensive following among the region’s poor, offers a compelling example of a grassroots and truly bottom-up approach to regional community. This thesis explores the possibility of the ZCC as a model of alternative community and identity centred on people’s daily experiences and grounded in a shared history and solidarity. It seeks to highlight the significance of transnational movements like the ZCC to policy makers in the region and it argues that grassroots communities are marching ahead of SADC member states and politicians in the area of integration. There exists a transnational cooperation amongst followers of the ZCC and other grassroots communities across the region and this cooperation transcends the traditional notion of state sovereignty, thereby highlighting deeper notions of what it means to be a community at regional level.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
That-has-been a discussion on the body cast as that which fixes a subject in time, in relation to notions surrounding the photograph
- Authors: Maree, Christine Fae
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Barthes, Roland. Camera Lucida Photography, Artistic Photography -- Philosophy Photographic criticism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2412 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002208
- Description: Much like a photograph, a casts creates a replica of its referent, thereby immobilising the subject in time. While the subject continues in time and hence ages and inevitably dies the replica does not. With this basic notion of fixing a subject, I have built an argument to contextualise my sculptures, which are made using casts of elderly people. In this discussion I have looked at my works through the ideas of different theorists. The main theorist I have cited is Roland Barthes, specifically with regards to his notion of the photograph as discussed in his book Camera Lucida. I have also referenced three particular artists: Rachel Whiteread, Diane Arbus and Churchill Madikida, as I have found each of their works relate to my work in various ways, creating a different reading from each viewpoint.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Maree, Christine Fae
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Barthes, Roland. Camera Lucida Photography, Artistic Photography -- Philosophy Photographic criticism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2412 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002208
- Description: Much like a photograph, a casts creates a replica of its referent, thereby immobilising the subject in time. While the subject continues in time and hence ages and inevitably dies the replica does not. With this basic notion of fixing a subject, I have built an argument to contextualise my sculptures, which are made using casts of elderly people. In this discussion I have looked at my works through the ideas of different theorists. The main theorist I have cited is Roland Barthes, specifically with regards to his notion of the photograph as discussed in his book Camera Lucida. I have also referenced three particular artists: Rachel Whiteread, Diane Arbus and Churchill Madikida, as I have found each of their works relate to my work in various ways, creating a different reading from each viewpoint.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
The "other" Africans : re-examining representations of sexuality in the work of Nicholas Hlobo and Zanele Muholi
- Authors: Makhubu, Nomusa
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Hlobo, Nicholas Muholi, Zanele Women in art Photography, Artistic Homosexuality in art Sex in art Performance art Art, African
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2410 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002206
- Description: Nicholas Hlobo, a sculptor and performance artist, and Zanele Muholi, a photographer and activist, explore different ways of representing sexuality, particularly homosexuality. It is extremely difficult to discuss African sexuality in light of the stain of colonial attitudes that have exoticised and ascribed hypersexuality to African bodies. Moreover, sexuality is often not discussed in the construction of so-called African traditions and this has contributed to rendering African-ness as an exclusive identity. Tensions within and between categories of African-ness are compounded by constituted regulations. For example, Hlobo investigates the obligation of circumcision which seems to contrast the lifestyle and contexts in which he works and resides, and Muholi represents the existence of homosexual and transgender relations, even within conservative categories. The visual imagery of these two artists investigates the boundaries set by different social constructs. These set boundaries have also affected crimes against bisexual, transgender and homosexual individuals, which are reaching an alarming rate. Hlobo questions the validity of structures that marginalise homosexual individuals through drawing attention to the ambivalence of certain statutes. Muholi seeks to publicise the injustices imposed upon homosexual individuals in order to demonstrate the weight of that crisis. Although the South African legal system condones liberated expressions of sexual identity, due to social prejudices homosexual individuals are still treated as if they are not entitled to basic human rights. As a result, hate-crimes are not reported, and when they are they are not taken seriously. Hlobo and Muholi not only bring these issues to light, but also point out the dilemma inscribed in the social and political history of (South) Africa with regards to collective and individual identities. This thesis seeks to provide an analysis of the visual language used by Hlobo and Muholi to subvert the notion that homosexuality is “un-African” and to complicate concepts of gender, sexuality and identity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Makhubu, Nomusa
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Hlobo, Nicholas Muholi, Zanele Women in art Photography, Artistic Homosexuality in art Sex in art Performance art Art, African
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2410 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002206
- Description: Nicholas Hlobo, a sculptor and performance artist, and Zanele Muholi, a photographer and activist, explore different ways of representing sexuality, particularly homosexuality. It is extremely difficult to discuss African sexuality in light of the stain of colonial attitudes that have exoticised and ascribed hypersexuality to African bodies. Moreover, sexuality is often not discussed in the construction of so-called African traditions and this has contributed to rendering African-ness as an exclusive identity. Tensions within and between categories of African-ness are compounded by constituted regulations. For example, Hlobo investigates the obligation of circumcision which seems to contrast the lifestyle and contexts in which he works and resides, and Muholi represents the existence of homosexual and transgender relations, even within conservative categories. The visual imagery of these two artists investigates the boundaries set by different social constructs. These set boundaries have also affected crimes against bisexual, transgender and homosexual individuals, which are reaching an alarming rate. Hlobo questions the validity of structures that marginalise homosexual individuals through drawing attention to the ambivalence of certain statutes. Muholi seeks to publicise the injustices imposed upon homosexual individuals in order to demonstrate the weight of that crisis. Although the South African legal system condones liberated expressions of sexual identity, due to social prejudices homosexual individuals are still treated as if they are not entitled to basic human rights. As a result, hate-crimes are not reported, and when they are they are not taken seriously. Hlobo and Muholi not only bring these issues to light, but also point out the dilemma inscribed in the social and political history of (South) Africa with regards to collective and individual identities. This thesis seeks to provide an analysis of the visual language used by Hlobo and Muholi to subvert the notion that homosexuality is “un-African” and to complicate concepts of gender, sexuality and identity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
The African Peer Review Mechanism : towards Africa's governance audit
- Authors: Molete, Nathan Teboho
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: African Peer Review Mechanism New Partnership for Africa's Development Peer review -- Africa Auditing -- Africa Africa -- Politics and government -- 1960-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2867 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007681
- Description: The concept of accountability has grown to become an integral part of a broader political and socio-economic transformation. Closely associated to it is the concept of "auditing" which has established itself as a main driving force of accountability and a core means of delivering it. The extent of the rise and expansion of "auditing" has subsequently come to influence every aspect of modern life and this has led to a situation in which practices have had to adapt to the principles of "auditing" processes. Auditing has become prevalent in both the public and private spheres and this impact has far reaching consequences. The concept of "auditing" is evident in the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and is central to its review process. This thesis focuses on the concept of "auditing" in order to illustrate how the APRM has borrowed and applied insights from other disciplinary practices so as to enhance an understanding of accountability and transparency as features of "good governance" and to explicate how these concepts are conceived within the framework of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). It also clarifies the relationship that exists between "peer review" and "auditing" and argues that rather than being considered as two poles marked by distance from each other "auditing" and "peer review" are closely related and mutually constitutive.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Molete, Nathan Teboho
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: African Peer Review Mechanism New Partnership for Africa's Development Peer review -- Africa Auditing -- Africa Africa -- Politics and government -- 1960-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2867 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007681
- Description: The concept of accountability has grown to become an integral part of a broader political and socio-economic transformation. Closely associated to it is the concept of "auditing" which has established itself as a main driving force of accountability and a core means of delivering it. The extent of the rise and expansion of "auditing" has subsequently come to influence every aspect of modern life and this has led to a situation in which practices have had to adapt to the principles of "auditing" processes. Auditing has become prevalent in both the public and private spheres and this impact has far reaching consequences. The concept of "auditing" is evident in the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and is central to its review process. This thesis focuses on the concept of "auditing" in order to illustrate how the APRM has borrowed and applied insights from other disciplinary practices so as to enhance an understanding of accountability and transparency as features of "good governance" and to explicate how these concepts are conceived within the framework of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). It also clarifies the relationship that exists between "peer review" and "auditing" and argues that rather than being considered as two poles marked by distance from each other "auditing" and "peer review" are closely related and mutually constitutive.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
The applicability of the motivated strategies for learning questionnaire (MSLQ) for South Africa
- Authors: Somtsewu, Nolwazi
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa -- Evaluation , Motivation in education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9925 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/657 , Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa -- Evaluation , Motivation in education -- South Africa
- Description: Admissions assessment batteries at most South African higher education institutions augment matriculation results with assessment data from cognitive and non-cognitive measures, in order to identify potentially successful students. The Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) is a non-cognitive measure, developed in the United States of America to assess the motivational orientation and use of learning strategies among college students. Numerous international studies have confirmed the reliability and validity of the MSLQ. Presently only three quantitative studies have been conducted in the South African higher education context, and in these, researchers have focused on the predictive validity, construct validity and reliability of the MSLQ when used with multicultural and multilingual groups of test-takers. An overview of these studies revealed a confirmation of adequate reliability of the MSLQ, and whereas it was established that nine of the fifteen subscales of the MSLQ are significantly related to the academic success of undergraduate students, limited support was found for the construct validity of the measure. As a result of these findings, a lack of qualitative methods for confirming or disconfirming the quantitative results was noted. The general aim of this study was to explore the applicability of the MSLQ in a higher education South African context, with respect to aspects related to bias, through assessing the item content with specific reference to language and cultural appropriateness. This was to ensure that items on the MSLQ did not favour or disadvantage any cultural and language groups. Investigations in this regard are a necessity in a country like South Africa in an effort to promote fair assessment practices. In order to achieve the above-mentioned aim, a quantitative and qualitative approach was utilised following an exploratory-descriptive research method. The researcher employed a non-probability, purposive sampling procedure to select post-graduate participants employed at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) to act as expert reviewers. A Bias Review Form was the primary mode of data collection and this enabled the researcher to collect the biographical details of the expert reviewers, their ratings of the language and cultural appropriateness of each item, and their comments, suggestions and recommendations for improving identified problematic items. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the reviewers’ responses to the short biographical questionnaire included on the Bias Review Form, while frequency counts were calculated based on the reviewers’ responses to the language and cultural appropriateness of each item. The reviewers’ comments were analyzed into themes using Tesch’s model of content analysis. Three main themes relating to potential bias were identified, namely, language, culture and item characteristics. Guba’s model was employed for assessing the trustworthiness of the qualitative data and for data verification.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Somtsewu, Nolwazi
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa -- Evaluation , Motivation in education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9925 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/657 , Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa -- Evaluation , Motivation in education -- South Africa
- Description: Admissions assessment batteries at most South African higher education institutions augment matriculation results with assessment data from cognitive and non-cognitive measures, in order to identify potentially successful students. The Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) is a non-cognitive measure, developed in the United States of America to assess the motivational orientation and use of learning strategies among college students. Numerous international studies have confirmed the reliability and validity of the MSLQ. Presently only three quantitative studies have been conducted in the South African higher education context, and in these, researchers have focused on the predictive validity, construct validity and reliability of the MSLQ when used with multicultural and multilingual groups of test-takers. An overview of these studies revealed a confirmation of adequate reliability of the MSLQ, and whereas it was established that nine of the fifteen subscales of the MSLQ are significantly related to the academic success of undergraduate students, limited support was found for the construct validity of the measure. As a result of these findings, a lack of qualitative methods for confirming or disconfirming the quantitative results was noted. The general aim of this study was to explore the applicability of the MSLQ in a higher education South African context, with respect to aspects related to bias, through assessing the item content with specific reference to language and cultural appropriateness. This was to ensure that items on the MSLQ did not favour or disadvantage any cultural and language groups. Investigations in this regard are a necessity in a country like South Africa in an effort to promote fair assessment practices. In order to achieve the above-mentioned aim, a quantitative and qualitative approach was utilised following an exploratory-descriptive research method. The researcher employed a non-probability, purposive sampling procedure to select post-graduate participants employed at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) to act as expert reviewers. A Bias Review Form was the primary mode of data collection and this enabled the researcher to collect the biographical details of the expert reviewers, their ratings of the language and cultural appropriateness of each item, and their comments, suggestions and recommendations for improving identified problematic items. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the reviewers’ responses to the short biographical questionnaire included on the Bias Review Form, while frequency counts were calculated based on the reviewers’ responses to the language and cultural appropriateness of each item. The reviewers’ comments were analyzed into themes using Tesch’s model of content analysis. Three main themes relating to potential bias were identified, namely, language, culture and item characteristics. Guba’s model was employed for assessing the trustworthiness of the qualitative data and for data verification.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
The assessment of factors contributing to the sustainability of poverty relief projects in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Makhalane, Vuyisile
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8218 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1005 , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The current study aimed at assessing the factors contributing to sustainability of Poverty Relief Projects by the Department of Social Development. The study was conducted in the Eastern Cape within Chris Hani District at Sakhizwe Local Municipality. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Purposive sampling procedures have been seen as most suitable for this study and have been utilized to identify participants of the study. The sample consisted of thirty project members from six different projects and also included five Community Development Practitioners from the Department of Social Development. Semi- structured interviews, document review and focus group discussion were used to collect data for the study. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic methods. The study revealed factors that contribute to the sustainability of the projects. These factors include the capacity of the project members and the departmental officials to implement and monitor the projects. Management and organization of the project plays an important role in determining the sustainability. Active participation of the project members in the planning of the project is important. Stakeholder participation and sharing of expertise is another important factor in determining the sustainability of the projects. Lastly, the study shows that monitoring and evaluation of the progress is necessary to ensure that the project achieve the desired outcome. It is recommended that the Department of Social Development should consider these factors and add them in the checklist before the funding of the project is approved. It is also important to determine the duration of the project in order to be able to measure its impact in a given period of time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Makhalane, Vuyisile
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8218 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1005 , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The current study aimed at assessing the factors contributing to sustainability of Poverty Relief Projects by the Department of Social Development. The study was conducted in the Eastern Cape within Chris Hani District at Sakhizwe Local Municipality. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Purposive sampling procedures have been seen as most suitable for this study and have been utilized to identify participants of the study. The sample consisted of thirty project members from six different projects and also included five Community Development Practitioners from the Department of Social Development. Semi- structured interviews, document review and focus group discussion were used to collect data for the study. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic methods. The study revealed factors that contribute to the sustainability of the projects. These factors include the capacity of the project members and the departmental officials to implement and monitor the projects. Management and organization of the project plays an important role in determining the sustainability. Active participation of the project members in the planning of the project is important. Stakeholder participation and sharing of expertise is another important factor in determining the sustainability of the projects. Lastly, the study shows that monitoring and evaluation of the progress is necessary to ensure that the project achieve the desired outcome. It is recommended that the Department of Social Development should consider these factors and add them in the checklist before the funding of the project is approved. It is also important to determine the duration of the project in order to be able to measure its impact in a given period of time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
The attitudes of isiXhosa-speaking students toward various languages of learning and teaching (LOLT) issues at Rhodes University
- Authors: Aziakpono, Philomina
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Rhodes University -- Students -- Attitudes Language and education -- South Africa Xhosa language -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa English language -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa Education, Bilingual -- South Africa Language policy -- South Africa Language planning -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2339 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002621
- Description: This study aims at eliciting opinions and beliefs of isiXhosa-speaking students to revealtheir attitudes toward various languages of learning and teaching (LOLT) issues at RhodesUniversity, and to determine the influence of a number of variables (such as age, gender,schooling background, level of study and field of study) on these attitudes. Another aim of the study is to compare the findings of this research to the recent findings on isiXhosaspeaking students’ language attitudes at the University of the Western Cape (Dyers 1999) and the University of Fort Hare (Dalvit 2004). Qualitative and quantitative methods were used: data was gathered using a survey that employed a questionnaire and interviews (individual and focus group). The questionnaire data is analysed through using percentage scores as well as mean values coupled with Chi-square tests, while the interviews are analysed qualitatively to further confirm the results of the quantitative analysis. Results are also compared with other recent surveys at South African universities. The results reveal that respondents had a generally positive attitude toward English as LOLT, based mainly on instrumental motivations. More importantly, there was a positive attitude toward the use of isiXhosa alongside English. The motivations for the use of isiXhosa were both instrumental and integrative in nature. The majority of respondents who supported a bilingual arrangement did not, however, believe that a fully-fledged bilingual policy would be practical, mainly because of the multilingual nature of Rhodes University. They felt, however, that providing English and isiXhosa exam question-papers, bilingual tutor support and isiXhosa definitions of discipline-specific technical terms would facilitate learning. Most of the variables mentioned above had an influence on the relevant language attitudes, often confirming the findings of other studies. For instance, schooling background greatly influenced the language attitudes of respondents. Those from previously advantaged English-only schools showed very positive attitudes toward an English-only policy, while most respondents from formerly disadvantaged DET bilingual schools were favourably disposed toward a bilingual policy of English and isiXhosa at Rhodes University. A comparison of the findings of this study with those of recent findings on isiXhosa students’ language attitudes at other universities reveals that respondents at the University of Fort Hare were most favourable toward a bilingual policy, those at the University of the Western Cape were to some extent favourable toward a bilingual arrangement, while respondents at Rhodes University were least favourable toward a bilingual policy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Aziakpono, Philomina
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Rhodes University -- Students -- Attitudes Language and education -- South Africa Xhosa language -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa English language -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa Education, Bilingual -- South Africa Language policy -- South Africa Language planning -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2339 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002621
- Description: This study aims at eliciting opinions and beliefs of isiXhosa-speaking students to revealtheir attitudes toward various languages of learning and teaching (LOLT) issues at RhodesUniversity, and to determine the influence of a number of variables (such as age, gender,schooling background, level of study and field of study) on these attitudes. Another aim of the study is to compare the findings of this research to the recent findings on isiXhosaspeaking students’ language attitudes at the University of the Western Cape (Dyers 1999) and the University of Fort Hare (Dalvit 2004). Qualitative and quantitative methods were used: data was gathered using a survey that employed a questionnaire and interviews (individual and focus group). The questionnaire data is analysed through using percentage scores as well as mean values coupled with Chi-square tests, while the interviews are analysed qualitatively to further confirm the results of the quantitative analysis. Results are also compared with other recent surveys at South African universities. The results reveal that respondents had a generally positive attitude toward English as LOLT, based mainly on instrumental motivations. More importantly, there was a positive attitude toward the use of isiXhosa alongside English. The motivations for the use of isiXhosa were both instrumental and integrative in nature. The majority of respondents who supported a bilingual arrangement did not, however, believe that a fully-fledged bilingual policy would be practical, mainly because of the multilingual nature of Rhodes University. They felt, however, that providing English and isiXhosa exam question-papers, bilingual tutor support and isiXhosa definitions of discipline-specific technical terms would facilitate learning. Most of the variables mentioned above had an influence on the relevant language attitudes, often confirming the findings of other studies. For instance, schooling background greatly influenced the language attitudes of respondents. Those from previously advantaged English-only schools showed very positive attitudes toward an English-only policy, while most respondents from formerly disadvantaged DET bilingual schools were favourably disposed toward a bilingual policy of English and isiXhosa at Rhodes University. A comparison of the findings of this study with those of recent findings on isiXhosa students’ language attitudes at other universities reveals that respondents at the University of Fort Hare were most favourable toward a bilingual policy, those at the University of the Western Cape were to some extent favourable toward a bilingual arrangement, while respondents at Rhodes University were least favourable toward a bilingual policy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
The career development of low socioeconomic status black South African adolescents: a career systems perspective
- Authors: Geijsendorpher, Clare
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Blacks -- Education -- South Africa , Education and state -- South Africa , Vocational guidance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9920 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/670 , Blacks -- Education -- South Africa , Education and state -- South Africa , Vocational guidance -- South Africa
- Description: The adolescent stage of development entails many overt and covert challenges and influences that have bearing on spheres of later life, including career development. With South African counsellors being largely dependent on Western career theories, the influence of contextual factors such as cultural beliefs and historical background on the career development of South African adolescents has been largely ignored. The recent acknowledgement of the unique and complex interrelationship between individuals and their specific social, environmental and societal context has motivated the development of an overarching theoretical framework of career development, the Systems Theory Framework (STF). The present study has therefore employed the STF and a qualitative career assessment measure, the My System of Career Influences (MSCI), to facilitate in exploring and describing the unique systems of career influence on the career development of a group of South African adolescents. A non-probability, purposive sampling technique was employed to obtain the sample from a co-educational, Xhosa-speaking secondary school situated in a low socioeconomic area. The research approach was exploratory and descriptive in nature, and the MSCI assisted in the collection of qualitative and quantitative data from a sample of 64 Grade 9, 10 and 11 female and male black adolescents from low socioeconomic status environments. The qualitative data was subjected to content analysis to identify themes, while frequency counts/percentages were used for the quantitative data. The results of the study indicate that all influences within the three interrelated career systems have an influence on the career development of black adolescents. Furthermore, the MSCI workbook was shown to assist participants in identifying and evaluating significant systemic influences that have contributed to their career development to date. Participants from both genders and all grade levels were able to successfully complete the MSCI workbook and provide reflective comments on their MSCI personalised diagrams. The applicability of both the STF and the MSCI are acknowledged. Limitations and recommendations for future research based on the present findings are suggested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Geijsendorpher, Clare
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Blacks -- Education -- South Africa , Education and state -- South Africa , Vocational guidance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9920 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/670 , Blacks -- Education -- South Africa , Education and state -- South Africa , Vocational guidance -- South Africa
- Description: The adolescent stage of development entails many overt and covert challenges and influences that have bearing on spheres of later life, including career development. With South African counsellors being largely dependent on Western career theories, the influence of contextual factors such as cultural beliefs and historical background on the career development of South African adolescents has been largely ignored. The recent acknowledgement of the unique and complex interrelationship between individuals and their specific social, environmental and societal context has motivated the development of an overarching theoretical framework of career development, the Systems Theory Framework (STF). The present study has therefore employed the STF and a qualitative career assessment measure, the My System of Career Influences (MSCI), to facilitate in exploring and describing the unique systems of career influence on the career development of a group of South African adolescents. A non-probability, purposive sampling technique was employed to obtain the sample from a co-educational, Xhosa-speaking secondary school situated in a low socioeconomic area. The research approach was exploratory and descriptive in nature, and the MSCI assisted in the collection of qualitative and quantitative data from a sample of 64 Grade 9, 10 and 11 female and male black adolescents from low socioeconomic status environments. The qualitative data was subjected to content analysis to identify themes, while frequency counts/percentages were used for the quantitative data. The results of the study indicate that all influences within the three interrelated career systems have an influence on the career development of black adolescents. Furthermore, the MSCI workbook was shown to assist participants in identifying and evaluating significant systemic influences that have contributed to their career development to date. Participants from both genders and all grade levels were able to successfully complete the MSCI workbook and provide reflective comments on their MSCI personalised diagrams. The applicability of both the STF and the MSCI are acknowledged. Limitations and recommendations for future research based on the present findings are suggested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
The devil in disguise a comparative study of Thomas Mann's "Doktor Faustus" (1947) and Klaus Mann's "Mephisto" (1936), focussing on the role of art as an allegory of the rise and fall of Nazi Germany
- Authors: French, Rebecca S C
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Mann, Thomas, 1875-1955 Doktor Faustus Mann, Klaus, 1906-1949 Mephisto Arts, German -- 20th Century Art, Germany -- 20th Century National socialism in art National socialism in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3582 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002157
- Description: This thesis compares the novels Doktor Faustus: das Leben des deutschen Tonsetzers Adrian Leverkühn, erzählt von einem Freunde (Thomas Mann) and Mephisto: Roman einer Karriere (Klaus Mann), insofar as they are portrayals of the situation in Germany during the Third Reich. Essentially a comparative study, I explore similarities and differences – thematic and conceptual – by situating both novels in their socio-historical moment (Chapter 1), exploring their conceptions of German national identity (Chapter 2), tracing intertextual connections to other works (Chapter 3), and, finally, examining their understanding of and reliance on art as insofar as it provides the allegorical framework for their respective portrayals of Nazi Germany (Chapter 4).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: French, Rebecca S C
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Mann, Thomas, 1875-1955 Doktor Faustus Mann, Klaus, 1906-1949 Mephisto Arts, German -- 20th Century Art, Germany -- 20th Century National socialism in art National socialism in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3582 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002157
- Description: This thesis compares the novels Doktor Faustus: das Leben des deutschen Tonsetzers Adrian Leverkühn, erzählt von einem Freunde (Thomas Mann) and Mephisto: Roman einer Karriere (Klaus Mann), insofar as they are portrayals of the situation in Germany during the Third Reich. Essentially a comparative study, I explore similarities and differences – thematic and conceptual – by situating both novels in their socio-historical moment (Chapter 1), exploring their conceptions of German national identity (Chapter 2), tracing intertextual connections to other works (Chapter 3), and, finally, examining their understanding of and reliance on art as insofar as it provides the allegorical framework for their respective portrayals of Nazi Germany (Chapter 4).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
The difficulty of living well: effort and failure in the good life
- Authors: Moore, Jesse Alexander
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Conduct of life Ethics Happiness Values Failure (Psychology) Success Struggle
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2715 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002845
- Description: We all want to live good lives, but due to the difficulty involved, few of us ever succeed. We usually either fail in our attempts to live well or remain with our safer, and less worthwhile, options. In spite of this, there has been little, if any, investigation of the role that difficulty plays in our attempts to live well, and thus in our conceptions of the good life. Within the field of the good life, philosophers tend to acknowledge the fact that good lives are difficult to live, and leave it at that. Since we must all face the difficulty of living well, the lack of analysis of the implications of difficulty seems a glaring oversight. In order to redress this, I explore the role that difficulty plays in two requirements for living well, namely achievement and reflection. Firstly, I examine the relationship between effort and achievement. I argue that difficulty just is the requirement of effort, and that it is required in order for our achievements to be meaningful and for us to value them. Secondly, I look at the relationship between failure and reflection. I argue that reflection on our failures can lead us to knowledge that helps us to live well and that we would not usually come to if we did not fail. Finally, I look at the roles of effort and failure in some accounts of the good life and I draw on psychological research and theory to provide support for my conclusions about the positive effects of effort. I conclude by examining the implications of reducing difficulty for the future of humankind.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Moore, Jesse Alexander
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Conduct of life Ethics Happiness Values Failure (Psychology) Success Struggle
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2715 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002845
- Description: We all want to live good lives, but due to the difficulty involved, few of us ever succeed. We usually either fail in our attempts to live well or remain with our safer, and less worthwhile, options. In spite of this, there has been little, if any, investigation of the role that difficulty plays in our attempts to live well, and thus in our conceptions of the good life. Within the field of the good life, philosophers tend to acknowledge the fact that good lives are difficult to live, and leave it at that. Since we must all face the difficulty of living well, the lack of analysis of the implications of difficulty seems a glaring oversight. In order to redress this, I explore the role that difficulty plays in two requirements for living well, namely achievement and reflection. Firstly, I examine the relationship between effort and achievement. I argue that difficulty just is the requirement of effort, and that it is required in order for our achievements to be meaningful and for us to value them. Secondly, I look at the relationship between failure and reflection. I argue that reflection on our failures can lead us to knowledge that helps us to live well and that we would not usually come to if we did not fail. Finally, I look at the roles of effort and failure in some accounts of the good life and I draw on psychological research and theory to provide support for my conclusions about the positive effects of effort. I conclude by examining the implications of reducing difficulty for the future of humankind.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
The discursive management of homework practices in three primary schools in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Felix, Nadine
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Homework -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8464 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/782 , Homework -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: This treatise examines the discursive management of homework practices in three primary schools in Nelson Mandela Bay. Grade four is focused on as it is hoped that at this stage of their schooling, the learners are receiving homework and are familiar with the concept. The three schools are from differing social, historical, political and economic backgrounds. The schools chosen are a former model C school, a ‘Coloured’ school and a ‘Township’ school. These three diverse schools have been selected to identify the dominant Discourses that inform the homework practices. The eventual effect of these Discourses on the learners is also included. The material and personal effects on the learners is discussed. The prevalent Discourses on homework in the model C school, work to produce disciplined subjects who are able to ‘self govern’ and thereby succeed in society. At school’s B and C the dominant Discourses are of a deficit nature. These discursively position the learners as victims and subjects who are unable to manage their academic and private selves, as a result of their circumstance. While the staffs at schools B and C appear to be well intentioned, this abovementioned deficit model is perpetuated by their talk. These principals and teachers need to become aware of the power that their discursive formations contain and the impact thereof. A qualitative methodology is adopted in this study. Three different methods of data collection are employed in order to promote triangulation and thereby increase the validity of the findings. Discourse and Critical Discourse analysis provide the tools with which to analyse and draw conclusions from the gathered data.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Felix, Nadine
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Homework -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8464 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/782 , Homework -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: This treatise examines the discursive management of homework practices in three primary schools in Nelson Mandela Bay. Grade four is focused on as it is hoped that at this stage of their schooling, the learners are receiving homework and are familiar with the concept. The three schools are from differing social, historical, political and economic backgrounds. The schools chosen are a former model C school, a ‘Coloured’ school and a ‘Township’ school. These three diverse schools have been selected to identify the dominant Discourses that inform the homework practices. The eventual effect of these Discourses on the learners is also included. The material and personal effects on the learners is discussed. The prevalent Discourses on homework in the model C school, work to produce disciplined subjects who are able to ‘self govern’ and thereby succeed in society. At school’s B and C the dominant Discourses are of a deficit nature. These discursively position the learners as victims and subjects who are unable to manage their academic and private selves, as a result of their circumstance. While the staffs at schools B and C appear to be well intentioned, this abovementioned deficit model is perpetuated by their talk. These principals and teachers need to become aware of the power that their discursive formations contain and the impact thereof. A qualitative methodology is adopted in this study. Three different methods of data collection are employed in order to promote triangulation and thereby increase the validity of the findings. Discourse and Critical Discourse analysis provide the tools with which to analyse and draw conclusions from the gathered data.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
The effect of a HIV/AIDS life skills programme on the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of grade nine learners
- Authors: Alma, Erica
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Life skills -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9916 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/739 , Life skills -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Description: The first cases of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) were reported in 1981 and in 1983 the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was identified. Today, over 40 million individuals globally are living with HIV/AIDS. As there is currently no cure for the disease, it is projected to reach pandemic proportions in the 21st century. In South Africa at the end of 2006, over 5.3 million individuals were living with HIV/AIDS, with affluent and educated South Africans showing the highest HIVprevalence growth rate. The HIV prevalence amongst 15 to 24 year old South Africans is 10.4 percent. It has become vital that youth receive education about HIV/AIDS as early as possible, to ensure that they do not contract the virus. Psycho-education seeks to teach psychological knowledge and skills to individuals. This is also known as life skills teaching. The National Departments of Health and Education have developed a life skills programme for schools. This programme aims to, amongst others; educate young people about HIV/AIDS. The effectiveness of this programme will be assessed in two schools in the Port Elizabeth area. In this exploratory descriptive, triangulation research study, a quasiexperimental, one group pre- and post-test design was used to assess the effectiveness of the life skills programme amongst 211 Grade nine middle to upper socio-economic group learners. Four focus groups were conducted after the programme to explore the learners attitudes and perceptions of HIV/AIDS and their experiences of the programme. Teschs model of content analysis and Gubas model of trustworthiness were used to analyse the data obtained from the focus groups.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Alma, Erica
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Life skills -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9916 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/739 , Life skills -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Description: The first cases of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) were reported in 1981 and in 1983 the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was identified. Today, over 40 million individuals globally are living with HIV/AIDS. As there is currently no cure for the disease, it is projected to reach pandemic proportions in the 21st century. In South Africa at the end of 2006, over 5.3 million individuals were living with HIV/AIDS, with affluent and educated South Africans showing the highest HIVprevalence growth rate. The HIV prevalence amongst 15 to 24 year old South Africans is 10.4 percent. It has become vital that youth receive education about HIV/AIDS as early as possible, to ensure that they do not contract the virus. Psycho-education seeks to teach psychological knowledge and skills to individuals. This is also known as life skills teaching. The National Departments of Health and Education have developed a life skills programme for schools. This programme aims to, amongst others; educate young people about HIV/AIDS. The effectiveness of this programme will be assessed in two schools in the Port Elizabeth area. In this exploratory descriptive, triangulation research study, a quasiexperimental, one group pre- and post-test design was used to assess the effectiveness of the life skills programme amongst 211 Grade nine middle to upper socio-economic group learners. Four focus groups were conducted after the programme to explore the learners attitudes and perceptions of HIV/AIDS and their experiences of the programme. Teschs model of content analysis and Gubas model of trustworthiness were used to analyse the data obtained from the focus groups.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
The effect of varied instructions on prison guard role behaviour expectations
- Authors: Githaiga, Sandra J N
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Prison psychology -- Experiments , Role expectations , Imprisonment -- Experiments
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9908 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/961 , Prison psychology -- Experiments , Role expectations , Imprisonment -- Experiments
- Description: The Stanford Prison Experiment (SPE) was conducted to determine the psychological and behavioural effects of adopting the roles of prisoners or prison guards. In various published research articles Zimbardo reported that he instructed the prison guards to maintain law and order (Haney, Banks, & Zimbardo, 1973). However, in the Quiet Rage video (Zimbardo, 1989), Zimbardo gave the prison guards additional detailed instructions. To examine the effects of these different instructions on expected prison guard role behaviour, first year Psychology students were requested to predict expected prison guard role behaviour under two different conditions. In the order condition, participants received the instructions used in published research articles. While in the fear condition, participants received the instructions from the Quiet Rage video (Zimbardo, 1989). Participants estimated the likelihood of 50 guard behaviours. Participants in the order condition predicted more pleasant behaviour, while participants in the fear condition predicted more unpleasant behaviours. This indicates that the different instructions influenced their intent to perform the different behaviours. There was no significant difference between the fear and order conditions, and the control behaviours. Participants in both the fear and order conditions rated the control items as expected prison guard role behaviour. Participants in both conditions indicated that they would behave in this manner. Gender had no significant influence on expected prison guard role behavior.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Githaiga, Sandra J N
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Prison psychology -- Experiments , Role expectations , Imprisonment -- Experiments
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9908 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/961 , Prison psychology -- Experiments , Role expectations , Imprisonment -- Experiments
- Description: The Stanford Prison Experiment (SPE) was conducted to determine the psychological and behavioural effects of adopting the roles of prisoners or prison guards. In various published research articles Zimbardo reported that he instructed the prison guards to maintain law and order (Haney, Banks, & Zimbardo, 1973). However, in the Quiet Rage video (Zimbardo, 1989), Zimbardo gave the prison guards additional detailed instructions. To examine the effects of these different instructions on expected prison guard role behaviour, first year Psychology students were requested to predict expected prison guard role behaviour under two different conditions. In the order condition, participants received the instructions used in published research articles. While in the fear condition, participants received the instructions from the Quiet Rage video (Zimbardo, 1989). Participants estimated the likelihood of 50 guard behaviours. Participants in the order condition predicted more pleasant behaviour, while participants in the fear condition predicted more unpleasant behaviours. This indicates that the different instructions influenced their intent to perform the different behaviours. There was no significant difference between the fear and order conditions, and the control behaviours. Participants in both the fear and order conditions rated the control items as expected prison guard role behaviour. Participants in both conditions indicated that they would behave in this manner. Gender had no significant influence on expected prison guard role behavior.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
The impact of the broadcast legislative reforms on the newsroom staff's perceptions of the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC)'s editorial operations and news content
- Authors: Hamasaka, Clayson
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation Public broadcasting -- Zambia Mass media -- Management -- Zambia Broadcasting -- Law and legislation -- Zambia Broadcasting -- Political aspects -- Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3432 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002886
- Description: The 1980s and 1990s saw major changes in the political landscape of the media in many countries that were either reverting or emerging from repressive nondemocratic regimes. Among the notable changes in media industry was the opening up of the national airwaves, which had been a state monopoly, to private sector and community participation. The democratic dispensation also put state broadcasters in the spot-light regarding their editorial content which was previously ‘institutionalised’ as belonging to the ruling regimes. This study set out to investigate the extent to which broadcasting reform legislation meant to address the unfair coverage of contending voices on Zambia’s public broadcaster has had an impact in reversing the situation in the newsroom. Using qualitative methods of investigation, the study established that while the ZNBC staff understand aspects of their role in their newsroom in relation to the principles of public service broadcasting and in line with the enacted legislation, they perceive that, in practice, they have to ensure that the news content still remains a reserve of a few voices in favour of the ruling regime. This was evidenced by testimonies from the news staff’s complaints of continued editorial interference in their work by government leaders and government appointed gatekeepers, as well as selfcensorship. The study recommends, among other things, the full implementation of the recently enacted laws on the operations of ZNBC in order to achieve some minimum levels of being a public broadcaster. It further recommends a serious re-orientation of the ZNBC newsroom and management staff to the current legislative requirements so as to shift their mindset away from their traditionally-held views of thinking that news at that station is only for the ruling regime.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Hamasaka, Clayson
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation Public broadcasting -- Zambia Mass media -- Management -- Zambia Broadcasting -- Law and legislation -- Zambia Broadcasting -- Political aspects -- Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3432 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002886
- Description: The 1980s and 1990s saw major changes in the political landscape of the media in many countries that were either reverting or emerging from repressive nondemocratic regimes. Among the notable changes in media industry was the opening up of the national airwaves, which had been a state monopoly, to private sector and community participation. The democratic dispensation also put state broadcasters in the spot-light regarding their editorial content which was previously ‘institutionalised’ as belonging to the ruling regimes. This study set out to investigate the extent to which broadcasting reform legislation meant to address the unfair coverage of contending voices on Zambia’s public broadcaster has had an impact in reversing the situation in the newsroom. Using qualitative methods of investigation, the study established that while the ZNBC staff understand aspects of their role in their newsroom in relation to the principles of public service broadcasting and in line with the enacted legislation, they perceive that, in practice, they have to ensure that the news content still remains a reserve of a few voices in favour of the ruling regime. This was evidenced by testimonies from the news staff’s complaints of continued editorial interference in their work by government leaders and government appointed gatekeepers, as well as selfcensorship. The study recommends, among other things, the full implementation of the recently enacted laws on the operations of ZNBC in order to achieve some minimum levels of being a public broadcaster. It further recommends a serious re-orientation of the ZNBC newsroom and management staff to the current legislative requirements so as to shift their mindset away from their traditionally-held views of thinking that news at that station is only for the ruling regime.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
The intermediary function of NGOs in HIV/AIDS responses : a case study of the Lady Frere district of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mayekiso, Andile
- Date: 2008 , 2013-07-11
- Subjects: HIV infections -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3354 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007584
- Description: The HIV/AIDS epidemic has serious effects on society. It has been described as the biggest threat to the development of South Africa, with severe economic, social and human impact. In the Lady Frere District in the Eastern Cape Province, like in many other areas that are greatly affected by the epidemic in this country, young people are considered by the local Department of Health to be a particularly vulnerable group due to various predisposing biological, social, cultural, and economical factors. Despite the efforts that have been made to educate and encourage prevention, especially by the local Masibambane Non-governmental Organisation (MNGO) to inform these communities about the dangers of the epidemic, people's behaviour have been slow to change and the disease continues to spread. This research is conducted against the escalating HIV / AIDS pandemic in the Lady Frere District. The fundamental aim of this project is to examine the intermediary function of the MNGO in HIV/AIDS responses. The study seeks to evaluate the way in which this local NGO operates on the ground in contributing to a community's response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. In other words, the thesis tries to indicate how this local NGO, in dealing with the HIV/AIDS issue, interfaces with the community and related stakeholders. It examines how young people in the Lady Frere District perceive HIV/AIDS. A literature review demonstrates that the specific aims and objectives of this project represent a fairly new area of research in South Africa. I propose in the thesis that a simple act of joining and being regularly involved in a community organisation such as the MNGO will have significant impact on individuals' health and well-being. The thesis is crying for a need to restore the notion of "ubuntu" (meaning humanity) which is fundamentally based on social capital to assist these communities to rebuild trust which is essential in people living with HIV/AIDS. Based on my assessment it seems that intermediary NGOs, like the traditional NGOs and the private sector, will have little impact in terms of changing the conditions of the poor and the marginalised people. This is because in practice, like the conventional NGOs, intermediary NGOs serve the interests of donors and national governments or those who give them financial support to continue existing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Mayekiso, Andile
- Date: 2008 , 2013-07-11
- Subjects: HIV infections -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3354 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007584
- Description: The HIV/AIDS epidemic has serious effects on society. It has been described as the biggest threat to the development of South Africa, with severe economic, social and human impact. In the Lady Frere District in the Eastern Cape Province, like in many other areas that are greatly affected by the epidemic in this country, young people are considered by the local Department of Health to be a particularly vulnerable group due to various predisposing biological, social, cultural, and economical factors. Despite the efforts that have been made to educate and encourage prevention, especially by the local Masibambane Non-governmental Organisation (MNGO) to inform these communities about the dangers of the epidemic, people's behaviour have been slow to change and the disease continues to spread. This research is conducted against the escalating HIV / AIDS pandemic in the Lady Frere District. The fundamental aim of this project is to examine the intermediary function of the MNGO in HIV/AIDS responses. The study seeks to evaluate the way in which this local NGO operates on the ground in contributing to a community's response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. In other words, the thesis tries to indicate how this local NGO, in dealing with the HIV/AIDS issue, interfaces with the community and related stakeholders. It examines how young people in the Lady Frere District perceive HIV/AIDS. A literature review demonstrates that the specific aims and objectives of this project represent a fairly new area of research in South Africa. I propose in the thesis that a simple act of joining and being regularly involved in a community organisation such as the MNGO will have significant impact on individuals' health and well-being. The thesis is crying for a need to restore the notion of "ubuntu" (meaning humanity) which is fundamentally based on social capital to assist these communities to rebuild trust which is essential in people living with HIV/AIDS. Based on my assessment it seems that intermediary NGOs, like the traditional NGOs and the private sector, will have little impact in terms of changing the conditions of the poor and the marginalised people. This is because in practice, like the conventional NGOs, intermediary NGOs serve the interests of donors and national governments or those who give them financial support to continue existing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008