This study is a need assessment for the establishment of an HIV and AIDS support group within the South African Police Services (SAPS), Head Office Divisions and the purpose was to explore the extent to which an HIV and AIDS support group was needed for HIV and AIDS-infected and affected personnel within the South African Police Services (SAPS). The SAPS employees as well as HIV and AIDS programme managers participated in the study. A combination of quantitative and qualitative data was used in the study. The former was obtained from a survey of 90 SAPS personnel based at the SAPS Head Office Divisions in Pretoria. The latter, on the other hand, was obtained from in-depth interviews with five SAPS HIV and AIDS programme managers, also based at Head Office Divisions in Pretoria.The overall results showed that an internal workplace HIV and AIDS support group for infected and affected employees was seen as necessary to deal with the psycho-social and emotional needs of the personnel. The study participants were generally of the view that such a support group would go a long way in addressing some of the challenges and obstacles – such as stigma, discrimination, judgement and so forth – faced by HIV and AIDS-infected and faced employees within the SAPS. In general, it was envisaged that a workplace support group would create a warm and caring environment that would enable employees to feel safe and supported by their colleagues – including commanders and managers – in dealing with their HIV and AIDS situations. / Health Studies / M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV and AIDS)

This study is a need assessment for the establishment of an HIV and AIDS support group within the South African Police Services (SAPS), Head Office Divisions and the purpose was to explore the extent to which an HIV and AIDS support group was needed for HIV and AIDS-infected and affected personnel within the South African Police Services (SAPS). The SAPS employees as well as HIV and AIDS programme managers participated in the study. A combination of quantitative and qualitative data was used in the study. The former was obtained from a survey of 90 SAPS personnel based at the SAPS Head Office Divisions in Pretoria. The latter, on the other hand, was obtained from in-depth interviews with five SAPS HIV and AIDS programme managers, also based at Head Office Divisions in Pretoria.The overall results showed that an internal workplace HIV and AIDS support group for infected and affected employees was seen as necessary to deal with the psycho-social and emotional needs of the personnel. The study participants were generally of the view that such a support group would go a long way in addressing some of the challenges and obstacles – such as stigma, discrimination, judgement and so forth – faced by HIV and AIDS-infected and faced employees within the SAPS. In general, it was envisaged that a workplace support group would create a warm and caring environment that would enable employees to feel safe and supported by their colleagues – including commanders and managers – in dealing with their HIV and AIDS situations. / Health Studies / M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV and AIDS)

This dissertation of a limited scope focuses on the Heads of Departments’ perceptions of the Integrated Quality Management System for teachers at selected quintile 5 Primary Schools in the East London Region of the Eastern Cape Province. It reveals the positive and negative aspects of the staff appraisal system, its implementation and purpose, as well as views on its improvement. By means of a qualitative case study and the Cognitive Evaluation Theory as theoretical framework, the researcher has determined that the Performance Measurement component of the appraisal system has a detrimental effect on the intrinsic motivation of teachers and that it should be separated from the Developmental Appraisal. Individual interviews with the Heads of Departments revealed the need for revising the assessment rubric in order for Performance Measurement to be conducted effectively. / Educational Leadership and Management / M. Ed. (Education Management)

High prevalence of mental illness in South African and limited Mental Health Care (MHC) resources call for ways to supplement the overburdened system to meet the rehabilitative and supportive needs of service users as stipulated in the MHC Act no. 17 of 2002. Various psychological, social, and financial difficulties plaguing MHC users require holistic treatment intervention to help them cope with their conditions. This study explored the meaning of a Tshwane District community-based support group for MHC out-patients to help illuminate the value the group had for the members. A Social Constructionist epistemology informed the qualitative research approach. Data were collected by conducting semi-structured interviews and employing a collage-making method. The main themes illuminated by thematic analysis suggest that the group provided the members with a sense of belonging, mental and physical mobilisation and stimulation, a source of support, multiple learning experiences, and contributed to personal transformation and growth. / Psychology / M.A. (Social Science (Research Consultation))

High prevalence of mental illness in South African and limited Mental Health Care (MHC) resources call for ways to supplement the overburdened system to meet the rehabilitative and supportive needs of service users as stipulated in the MHC Act no. 17 of 2002. Various psychological, social, and financial difficulties plaguing MHC users require holistic treatment intervention to help them cope with their conditions. This study explored the meaning of a Tshwane District community-based support group for MHC out-patients to help illuminate the value the group had for the members. A Social Constructionist epistemology informed the qualitative research approach. Data were collected by conducting semi-structured interviews and employing a collage-making method. The main themes illuminated by thematic analysis suggest that the group provided the members with a sense of belonging, mental and physical mobilisation and stimulation, a source of support, multiple learning experiences, and contributed to personal transformation and growth. / Psychology / M.A. (S.S. (Research Consultation))