M.Ed. / Orphans living in child-headed households within underprivileged communities are amongst the most vulnerable children, and protection of their rights deserves to be the main focus of all individuals, governments and agencies dealing with such children. There is a need to stimulate broad-based discussion, heightened awareness of, and sensitivity to their plight, special needs and ... rights.

M. Tech. Architecture (Professional) / The proposal attempts the design of a permaculture hub and community support centre within the Sokhulumi rural area, situated next to the R25, between Bronkhorstspruit and Groblersdal, Mpumalanga. The aim is to investigate a proposed model for a sustainable rural settlement, based on the principles of permaculture. This project proposes an exploratory model that could replace the current unsustainable livelihoods in rural areas, with a more holistic approach, which would possibly create a sustainable rural settlement. This proposal aims to include social, economic and environmentally sustainable solutions.

Farm workers in South Africa have limited access to health care and health-related information. In this qualitative study, the implementation of a workplace HIV/AIDS policy was evaluated using data gathered through interviews and observation. It was found that, although the farm workers were knowledgeable about HIV and AIDS, this knowledge was insufficient. It was found that the lives of farm workers are deeply affected by HIV and AIDS. It is also suggested that the agricultural sector is not yet able to deal effectively with HIV and AIDS and that, in this regard, urgent planning is needed in respect of HIV and AIDS policies and interventions / Social Work / M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)

Farm workers in South Africa have limited access to health care and health-related information. In this qualitative study, the implementation of a workplace HIV/AIDS policy was evaluated using data gathered through interviews and observation. It was found that, although the farm workers were knowledgeable about HIV and AIDS, this knowledge was insufficient. It was found that the lives of farm workers are deeply affected by HIV and AIDS. It is also suggested that the agricultural sector is not yet able to deal effectively with HIV and AIDS and that, in this regard, urgent planning is needed in respect of HIV and AIDS policies and interventions / Social Work / M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)

M.Ed. / Early pregnancy and unplanned childbirth may have far-reaching physical, psychological and social consequences for the adolescent girl and her offspring and are therefore public health issues of concern. This study initially proposed to provide guidelines and support to help pregnant adolescents cope with their mental health. Ten pregnant adolescents were interviewed. All ten of them were black. Instead of dropping out of school, they were all staying in. The data were collected by means of observation and phenomenological interviews. The researcher followed a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual method. In the second chapter the researcher describes the research design and method of the research. The approach to data collection, analysis and report writing to achieve the goal of this research study are also indicated. The third chapter focuses mainly with the phenomenological interviews that were conducted and the central themes that have been identified and categorised. The fourth chapter indicates guidelines to help and support pregnant adolescents to cope with the situation they are experiencing and also to cope with their mental health. The research ensured trustworthiness to the participants during the research process. The researcher gained confidence of the participants by spending time with them informally. The researcher ensured credibility of the research study by audio-taping the interviews conducted with the participants. The independent coder was given the transcribed interviews. Thereafter a consensus discussion was held with the independent coder. The researcher ensured that the research study was credible, transferable, dependable and confirmable. The participants were also informed about the advantages and disadvantages of participating in the research. The researcher received informed consent from the parents of the participants. Consent was also obtained from the participants. All participants were informed about their privacy, benefits, withdrawal and the procedure to be followed. Ethical measures were also applied throughout the research. The research ensured that the participants would not be harmed, either physical or emotionally. The researcher ensured the participants of their anonymity. This was done by giving the participants pseudonyms and also made sure that the setting was not identifiable. The researcher’s results revealed that special attention should therefore be paid to adolescent sexual and reproductive health service needs. These should include contraceptive counselling in order to prevent pregnancy at a young age and also to improve their sexual and reproductive health status. / Prof. C.P.H. Myburgh

A vegetation survey, based on plant communities, was conducted on the Ezemvelo Nature Reserve. The aim of the study was to identify, describe and classify plant communities of Ezemvelo Nature Reserve, and interpret them ecologically. The information derived from this study can then be used in the management of the Reserve. The floristic composition and habitat information were recorded in 210 sample plots. The data was captured in the TURBOVEG database and classified using the TWINSPAN numerical classification algorithm. The resulting phytosociological tables were compiled and organised using the MEGATAB computerised table management programme according to Braun-Blaunquet procedures. The data was also subjected to a Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DECORANA), processed by the PCOrd numerical ordination programme, to confirm the results of the classification. The ordination also illustrates any environmental gradients controlling the existence and distribution patterns of the different plant communities. Twenty-two major plant communities and 4 sub-communities were identified, described, and ecologically interpreted. The localities of the plant communities are indicated on map, compiled by using GIS. The plant communities on the Reserve are distributed in a mosaic of woodlands, grasslands and wetlands, based on the heterogeneous habitats created by the variations in topography, which is typical of Bankenveld vegetation. / Dissertation (MSc (Botany))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Plant Science / MSc / unrestricted