The aim of the study was to determine the factors that influence adherence to ART among adolescents who contracted HIV through vertical transmission. Qualitative research using descriptive phenomenology was conducted at Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence. Data was collected using in-depth individual semi-structured interviews. Eight (8) adolescents between 14 and 19 years who had been on ART for minimum of 4 years were interviewed. Thematic analysis of data was done and five (5) themes emerged from the participants' description of the experience of taking ART over a long period of time. The themes that emerged indicated the factors that influence adherence to ART, and they included knowledge and positive beliefs about ART, need for support, ART difficult treatment regimen, having a regular doctor and psychosocial emotional needs. The findings suggested that the adolescents who contracted HIV through vertical transmission require support while continuing on a simplified long-term ART regimen after an assessment of their psychological well beings and periodic checks. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

The objective of this thesis is to examine the need for people and communities to develop liquid assets through a savings programme and to work productively with these savings. It had to be taken into consideration that at least some members of the population could be considered non-monetary in their orientation. In order to achieve this objective a participatory and culturally sensitive micro-finance programme was designed through an Action Research methodology. By combining mainly quantitative baseline information, detailed and more qualitative work with some of the participants and routine output from the programme activities, the study aimed to arrive at concrete conclusions concerning the way a micro-finance programme has worked in San communities and make recommendations regarding its future. It was found that the programme has made at least some of the participants more conversant with the handling of cash and also contributed to increased self-respect. Developing liquid assets was most difficult for the poorest participants and the majority of these poorest are women. The San people are the poorest, even among other marginal rural minorities and should receive special assistance. The programme was moderately successful in helping participants to save towards larger needs and to even out income flows. It could not be established whether the programme could make a contribution to the development of long-term assets. Initiatives to establish microenterprises with the capital met with only limited success. The programme was not successful in establishing a savings programme as an alternative to cattle farming and should rather be seen as a complementary strategy for increasing household assets. It was found that the emphasis on savings mobilisation, rather than the creation of debt through credit was valid. Increased incomes will lead to increased indebtedness. A higher influx of cash in a San community is likely to be unevenly spread and is also likely to increase the gap between the wealthier and poorer community members. It was concluded that projects that meet basic and immediate needs such as food, shelter and housing, should be integrated with programmes that address larger needs such as loss of culture and land. A process of empowerment cannot be supported when rural poverty is not addressed. / Public Administration / D. Litt. et Phil. (Development Administration)

This dissertation investigates the role of media in the identity construction of minority language speakers in Botswana, with a focus on the Bakalanga. The study is informed by debates around the degree to which the media can be seen to play a central role in the way the Bakalanga define their own identity. As part of this, it considers how such individuals understand their own sense of identity to be located within processes of nation-building, and in particular in relation to the construction of a national identity. It focuses, more particularly, on the extent to which the absence of particular languages within media can be said to impact on such processes of identity formation. The study responds, at the same time, to the argument that people’s more general lived experiences and their broader social environment have a bearing on how they make sense of the media. As such, it can be seen to critique the assumption that the media necessarily play a central and defining role within processes of socialisation. In order to explore the significance of these debates for a study of the Bakalanga, the dissertation includes a contextual discussion of language policy in Botswana, the impact of colonial history on such policy and the implications that this has had for the linguistic identity of the media. It also reviews theoretical debates that help to make sense of the role that the media plays within the processes through which minority language speakers construct their own identity. Finally, it includes an empirical case study, consisting of qualitative interviews with individuals who identify themselves as Bakalanga. It is argued that, because of the absence of their own language from the media, the respondents do not describe the media as central to their own processes of identity formation. At the same time, the respondents recognise the importance of the media within society, and are preoccupied with their own marginalisation from the media. The study explores the way the respondents make sense of such marginalisation, as demonstrated by their attempts to seek alternative media platforms in which they can find recognition of their own language and social experience. The study thus reaffirms the significance of media in society – even for people who feel that they are not recognised within such media.

The objective of this thesis is to examine the need for people and communities to develop liquid assets through a savings programme and to work productively with these savings. It had to be taken into consideration that at least some members of the population could be considered non-monetary in their orientation. In order to achieve this objective a participatory and culturally sensitive micro-finance programme was designed through an Action Research methodology. By combining mainly quantitative baseline information, detailed and more qualitative work with some of the participants and routine output from the programme activities, the study aimed to arrive at concrete conclusions concerning the way a micro-finance programme has worked in San conununities and make recommendations regarding its future. lt was found that the programme has made at least some of the participants more conversant with the handling of cash and also contributed to increased self-respect. Developing liquid assets was most difficult for the poorest participants and the majority of these poorest are women. The San people are the poorest; even among other marginal rural minorities and should receive special assistance. The programme was moderately successful in helping participants to save towards larger needs and to even out income flows. It could not be established whether the programme could make a contribution to the development of long~term assets. Initiatives to establish microenterprises with the capital met with only limited success. The programme was not successful in establishing a savings programme as an alternative to cattle farming and should rather be seen as a complementary strategy for increasing household assets. It was found that the emphasis on savings mobilisation, rather than the creation of debt through credit was valid. Increased incomes will lead to increased indebtedness. A higher influx of cash in a San community is likely to be unevenly spread and is also likely to increase the gap between the wealthier and poorer community members. It was concluded that projects that meet basic and immediate needs such as food, shelter and housing, should be integrated with programmes that address larger needs such as loss of culture and land. A process of empowerment cannot be supported when rural poverty is not addressed. / Development Studies / D.Litt. et Phil. (Development Administration)

A non-experimental, explorative, descriptive, quantitative study was undertaken. The purpose was to explore and describe the views of preceptors and preceptees regarding the fulfillment of the role of the preceptor in selected clinical nursing practice settings in the Botswana context. The study included 72 preceptors and 200 nursing students/preceptees who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study. A questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of this study indicated that there were numerous constraints that interfered with the preceptor role in accompaniment of the preceptee. These constraints included the lack of desirable characteristics and time to plan learning opportunities, inadequate use of teaching strategies and inadequate knowledge on preceptee evaluation. Recommendations were stated for improvements in the future role of the preceptor in clinical practice settings Limitations of this study were also highlighted. / Health Studies / M.A.(Health studies)

The aim of the study was to determine the factors that influence adherence to ART among adolescents who contracted HIV through vertical transmission. Qualitative research using descriptive phenomenology was conducted at Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence. Data was collected using in-depth individual semi-structured interviews. Eight (8) adolescents between 14 and 19 years who had been on ART for minimum of 4 years were interviewed. Thematic analysis of data was done and five (5) themes emerged from the participants' description of the experience of taking ART over a long period of time. The themes that emerged indicated the factors that influence adherence to ART, and they included knowledge and positive beliefs about ART, need for support, ART difficult treatment regimen, having a regular doctor and psychosocial emotional needs. The findings suggested that the adolescents who contracted HIV through vertical transmission require support while continuing on a simplified long-term ART regimen after an assessment of their psychological well beings and periodic checks. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

This study attempts to understand prostitution from their definition of the situation. It differs in its method from other studies on prostitution in that the investigation was based on the prostitutes' own perspectives as interpreted by the researcher using the interpretative epistemological tradition. A comparative analysis of prostitution in two economically stable African Countries, namely Nigeria and Botswana was made. This study investigated society's perception of prostitutes and how it impacts upon their empowerment and emancipation as vulnerable members of the society and their participation in prevention and control of sexually transmitted infection including HIV/AIDS. Also the role of governments and individuals in creating and sustaining prostitution, an extensive insight to the modus operandi of prostitution and suggestions on how best to address prostitution in society, were discussed. A triangulated methodology of three hundred and twenty five sexworkers (325) that includes a quantitative study of two hundred and five sex workers complimented with a qualitative study of one hundred and twenty sex workers participating in focus group discussion and case studies informed the study. The findings of the research suggest that in the prostitutes' own definition of the situation; prostitutes contribute to the maintenance of societal equilibrium, the society creates and sustains prostitution. Economic need rather than lack of morals creates prostitutes and their situation of vulnerability as women is being reinforced by their status as prostitutes. Violence from partners that includes the police and the inability to reprimand their clients, are some hazards of prostitution and these result in their mobility and creates a challenge in adequately addressing the issue of prostitution in society, including their limited participation in the control of STDs. Respondents in Botswana had a very good knowledge of STI's /HIV/AIDS and had no difficulties in going to hospital in the event of any STD's as compared with Nigerian respondents. The Nigerian respondents' indulged in self-medication with antibiotics and traditional herbs mixed in local gin before and after a sexual act, rather than go to hospitals. The research findings should assist the government and international community's policies and programmes aimed at addressing prostitution and STDs/HIV/AIDS. / Sociology / D.Litt. et Phil.(Sociology)

Correct and consistent condom use is an effective strategy for the reduction of adolescent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. The purpose of this study was to describe the factors that contribute to unsafe sex practices among adolescents and to compare male and female sexual practices. Quantitative, descriptive research, namely a survey was conducted to determine these practices. Convenience sampling was used to select a sample (n=324) of respondents who were willing to participate in the study. Data were collected by using a self-administered structured questionnaire. The findings of the study revealed that adolescents indulged in unsafe sex practices for various reasons including the desire for self-satisfaction and the non-availability of condoms at the time. Based on the identified reasons, it is clear that strategies had to be developed to curb unsafe sex and its consequences. Formulating these strategies requires the concerted effort of all policy makers and stakeholders. / Health Studies / (M.A. (Public Health))

Study project (MBA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The objective of this research was to determine how to strategically position Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) in the market. The idea was born out of the writer's view that the Corporation was losing its market share at the expense of its competitors. The study found that although Botswana is an ideal investment location for foreign direct investment, it is the unfortunate political developments in the region which scare investors away, hence detrimental to the BDC business. It was also discovered that in the financial services industry, in which the Corporation participates, cut-throat competition prevails. Companies in this sector are using quality, efficiencies and competences to competitively position themselves. Those companies which are doing well in these perspectives will attract a larger share of the market. Various models were discovered and recommended for BDC to employ in order to match its strategies and resources to remain competitive in the market. Recommendations which cover a broad spectrum of operations were suggested. These recommendations were brought up with the belief that they will create synergies in the Corporation. The research field merits continuous scrutiny and can also be extended to BDC subsidiaries. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: geen opsomming

Thesis (MPA)--Stellenbosch Univeristy, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Decentralisation is a growing phenomenon worldwide. However, the detail of its implementation determines whether desired objectives are achieved or not. The thesis extensively interrogates this concept from economic, philosophical and political theoretical perspectives, with emphasis on the economic rationale. An international perspective has also been utilised for informing the investigation. Reference is made, in this regard, to both federal and unitary states of the developed and developing world. Botswana, a unitary and developing African country, has been found to be facing more or less the same challenges that undermine the desired benefits of fiscal decentralisation in all developing countries. However, political maturity (which is a prerequisite for decentralisation reforms) - a predictably stable commodity in Botswana -sets it apart from most other developing, if not all, African countries. With regards to decentralisation, a number of considerations framed the analysis. Firstly, the established consecutive approach to Botswana 's centralised economic planning and management has been found to be counter-productive to the financial decentralisation process. This has resulted in an over-regulated local public sector that is not conducive for taking stock of local initiative and being innovative in local affairs, mainly due to an ambiguous institutional framework. Secondly, an ad hoc financial transfer mechanism, that is neither stable nor predictable, clearly undermines integrated financial management and strategic fiscal planning at municipal level. Thirdly, a one-size-fits-all approach to the assignment of expenditure responsibilities to all municipalities, small and large, as well as urban and rural, serves as another constraint. Finally, a lack of stable and buoyant sources of own revenues, as well as inadequate capacity to utilise fully the already existing internal revenues, has created grant economies that survive on a principle of beggar-thyneighbour to actualise their mandates. This? in turn undermines their? significance for the electorates at local level who turn to the national government even for minor local issues that should be addressed within the areas of local jurisdiction.The thesis concludes with recommendations regarding a redesign of the institutional framework, intergovernmental financial transfers, expenditure assignments and generation of internal revenue. It is critically important that the Government of Botswana should develop a strong policy framework, build a strong consensus within the political and bureaucratic circles and coordinate and integrate these reforms through strong capacity-building mechanisms at local governments. Finally, the capacity of the national government to monitor the process cannot be overemphasised. That is, the decentralisation process should initially be centralised with gradual decentralisation processes to allow for flexibility well aware of the fact that decentralisation structures are always in transition. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Desentralisasie is wel 'n wereldwye verskynsel, maar suksesvolle implementering vereis aandag aan detail. Die desentralisasiekonsep word in hierdie tesis grondig ondersoek vanuit 'n ekonomiese, filosofiese, sowel as politieke perspektief. Die rol van ekonomiese beginsels in die desentralisasieproses geniet spesiale verwysing. Om die ondersoek so omvattend moontlik te maak is internasionale bronne geraadpleeg, afkomstig vanuit sowel federale as unitere state asook uit ontwikkelde en ontwikkelende lande. Botswana, 'n ontwikkelende Afrika land met 'n unitere staatsvorm, ondervind uitdagings wat, soos in enige ander ontwikkelende land, die voordele van fiskale desentralisasie ondermyn. Politieke volwassenheid en stabiliteit is van die voorvereistes waaraan 'n staatsbestel moet voldoen om desentralisasie suksesvol toe te pas. Gelukkig skiet Botswana in die opsig geensins tekort nie, inteendeel, dit is juis hierdie eienskap wat hom van die meeste - indien nie alle ander - Afrikalande onderskei. Heelwat oorweging is geskenk aan die bepalende faktore rondom desentralisasie. Botswana se gevestigde gesentraliseerde ekonomiese beplanning- en bestuurstelsel is gei'dentifiseer as die belangrikste teenproduktiewe struikelblok wat die finansiele desentralisasieproses ontspoor. Kenmerkend van 'n sentralistiese institusionele raamwerk is 'n oorgereguleerde plaaslike openbare sektor wat nie die skep van eie inisiatief en ondernemende bestuur bevorder of ag op die belangrikheid daarvan slaan nie. Tweede in belangrikheid is 'n onstabiele, ad hoc finansiele oordragmeganisme waarop daar nie peil getrek kan word nie en wat pogings om gei'ntegreerde finansiele bestuurspraktyke en strategiese fiskale beplanning op munisipale vlak te vestig, belemmer. Die derde hindernis is die owerhede se onwilligheid om te besef dat daar geen pasklare benadering bestaan wat by al die uiteenlopende tipes (in terme van grootte en ligging, plattelands tot stedelik) plaaslike besture verantwoordelik bestedingspraktyke sal vestig nie. Laastens is 'n wydlopende gebrek aan stabiele en lewenskragtige, eie inkomstebronne, sowel as onvoldoende kapasiteit om reeds beskikbare, interne belastinginkomste doeltreffend aan te wend, nadelig vir plaaslike regering. Pogings om te verseker dat 'n eie plaaslike raad so 'n groot as moontlike toekenning uit die staatskas ontvang, veroorsaak dat aanliggende rade dan nie hulle regmatige deel ontvang nie. Plaaslike rade se oormatige afhanklikheid van die sentrale regering vir finansiele oorlewing, ondermyn die legitimiteit van plaaslike politici. Laasgenoemde soek gewoon te maklik die oplossing vir 'n plaaslike probleem by die sentrale regering, eerder as om dit self aan te durf Die tesis sluit met aanbevelings oor 'n herontwerpte institusionele raamwerk wat kan lei tot sinvoller finansiele tussenregeringsoordragte, taakgedrewe uitgawes en die skepping van eie, interne belastingbron. Dit is van kritieke belang dat die regering van Botswana 'n stewige beleidsraamwerk ontwikkel en dan konsensus daaroor verkry tussen die politici en burokrasie. Die integrasie en ko-ordinasie van hierdie hervormings kan slegs geskied indien dit gepaard gaan met lewenskragtige kapasiteitsontwikkeling op plaaslike bestuursvlak. Die sentrale regering sal egter eweneens eie kundigheid moet ontwikkel om die proses te monitor, want die desentralisasieproses sal aanvanklik vanaf die middelpunt geskied en geleidelik uitkring. Dit sal buigsaamheid en begrip verg omdat desentralisasie in wese voortdurende oorgang impliseer.