published_or_final_version / Education / Master / Master of Education

Drinking and driving has always been a problem amongst university students. As Rocha-Silva (1981:1) states, drinking and driving accidents are one of the biggest problems that many universities internationally and locally have to deal with. The high level of drinking and driving among students in South African universities has prompted many universities to implement strategies to address the problem, such as the "Buddy Bus" campaign. The Department of Transport (DoT) has also implemented strategies such as the Arrive Alive campaign and Asiphephe to try and reduce the problem of drinking and driving in the country at large. However, studies on drinking and driving behaviour according to Nuntsu (2004) still point to an increase in the number of young people who engage in drinking and driving despite the number of diversified initiatives that have been implemented by educational institutions, communities and by various government bodies to counteract it. This has prompted this study in identifying the implementation approaches used by certain universities in South Africa in addressing drinking and driving among university students and the marketing strategies used to promote the drinking and driving policies. These universities included; the University of Johannesburg, Witwatersrand University and the University of Pretoria (Gauteng Province), University of KwaZulu-Natal campuses (Howard College, Westville campus and Pietermaritzburg campus), and the University of Zululand (KwaZulu-Natal province), the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University and the University of Western Cape (Western Cape province). The method used for this study was qualitative method and the data was collected using face to face in-depth interviews. Both purposive and quota sampling was used to select the sample for the study. The findings showed that all the institutions under investigation had anti-drinking and driving programmes and campaigns such as "Buddy Bus" campaign and utilised music concerts with young famous musicians promoting anti-drinking and driving messages to students. However, they did not have formal, codified drinking and driving policies. Both the "top-down and the "bottom-up" approaches to policy implementation were identified in the institutions investigated. The "top-down" approach is implemented by the people at the top level, for example, in universities the management set the rules and the students have to abide by them. The "bottom-down" approaches are managed by students. The students decide on how the policies should be implemented. This approach is more flexible as it allows negotiation between students and management. The "bottom-up" approach appeared to be more "popular" than the "top-down" approach as it was adopted by seventy percent of the institutions. These institutions saw the "bottom-up" approach as appropriate in implementing the drinking and driving programmes as it allowed the student organisations (street-level bureaucrats) to have input on the policy implementation process. Indeed it also allows for negotiation and consensus building. The sociological theories, e.g. social learning theory, used in the study to explain students drinking were also evident in the findings with some universities adopting some of their suggested preventative measures which include the emphasis on negative social consequences of alcohol use and employment of popular peer role models to discourage alcohol use. However, the availability theory appeared to be more relevant in addressing drinking and driving behaviour, because for students to stop drinking and driving, alcohol should not be available to them - the premise of the theory. It was also evident from the findings that although there are programmes/strategies being implemented by the universities and DoT to address students drinking and driving, this deviant behaviour is still rife amongst the students. There is a need for more interventions from the universities, communities and DoT, all working together in developing and implementing drinking and driving strategies. There is also a need for theory-driven research on this "deviant behaviour", especially studies that use sociological theories to explain this "deviant behaviour" and the factors contributing to it. This will assist in providing important information and an understanding of why students engage in drinking and driving and also help to explain this deviant behaviour using sociological theories. The results of this theory-driven research will aid in highlighting important issues that need to be taken into consideration when designing drinking and driving programmes/policies at universities. The findings show that there is a need for approaches that will equip young people with life skills such as decision-making and peer pressure resistance skills which will allow them to resist the temptation of drinking and driving. Future investigations should thus focus on an evaluation of the drinking and driving strategies and the approaches used to implement them so that new and improved strategies can be developed. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, [2008]

The present study investigated the nature of desegregation as observed by the use of space by the diverse racial groups at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Pietermaritzburg). The researcher observed and recorded participants as they used the Hexagon Cafeteria at the University. Observations and systematic recordings were conducted in the first week in term on Monday and Tuesday over four consecutive weeks. Participants were recorded as they sat at a table and when they left the table. Their race, gender, time and table number were captured, forming data for the final analysis. The study revealed that black students were the least represented race group, in number, and were the mostly segregated from the other racial groups. Perhaps this study would have yielded different results if there were a higher proportion of black students throughout the six-day observational period. Indian students were the majority at the Cafeteria in comparison to other racial groups. It seems that the Hexagon Cafeteria is a popular meeting place for most Indian students. It can also be speculated that the Hexagon Cafeteria appears to be an ideal meeting place for most female students as they outnumbered the male students throughout the six-day observational period. Despite persistent racial segregation, points of contact (integration) were observed between the three racial groups. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2004.

Many areas of development converge as adolescents confront their major task of establishing an adult identity. However this is a complex task complicated by the difficulties experienced in the South African context. Concerns about health and well-being, coupled with research findings that emphasized adolescents' reluctance to seek help, prompted a review of adolescents needs. The present study explored the problems experienced and the coping styles used by a sample of adolescents living in the South African context. Participants' self-esteem was examined in relation to styles of coping that were employed. Data was gathered from questionnaires distributed to adolescents from three schools in the locality of Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, including one rural school and two urban schools. The final sample consisted of 362 subjects. The data were analysed using frequencies, factor analyses, Pearson's correlation coefficient and regression analyses. The results of the study showed that adolescents experienced problems which included difficulties related to school achievement and maintaining standards; money problems; interpersonal problems regarding relationships with parents and family, friends and partners; intrapersonal problems, dealing with personal problems, depression and not wanting to live; and future related concerns, involving qualifications, careers, and employment. Three coping style described strategies employed by adolescents to manage their concerns: Internal coping, Active coping, and Withdrawal or an Avoidant style of coping. Of the three styles participants used an internal style of coping most frequently overall. However, all styles of coping were used interchangeably in order to solve problems of different types. Coping styles were found to be specific to particular problem domains. Analysis of self-esteem was carried out for participants from one urban school only, as the scale did not meet the criteria for reliability for the remaining two schools. Associations between self esteem and coping styles showed that a negative relationship existed between an avoidant coping strategy and self-esteem, and a positive relationship existed between self-esteem and an active coping style. Findings also showed the greater the degree of avoidance in problem solving the lower the expected level of self-esteem. This study presents findings that show evidence of adolescents' difficulties and stresses, and an emergent need for assistance at a time of change and transformation in South Africa. Where better to address these needs than in the educational environment within the framework of Guidance and Counselling. The results of this study may inform and render assistance in constructing an appropriate Life Orientation and Guidance curriculum for all schools, that will address current needs of adolescents as they confront the chief task of adolescence, that is the formation of an adult identity, a South African identity. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2005.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Purpose of the study The purpose of the study was to find out the effectiveness of Life Orientation (LO) as a life skills programme in the school curriculum in meeting the needs and challenges of the youth. Learners from the ages of 16 to 24 in the Further Education Training (FET) sector that is, from grade 10 to 12 in the Hewu area Secondary School in Queenstown District were used as a case study. Research design A descriptive research design using a quantitative approach was used in the study. Data collection Data was collected from learners through questionnaires and from teachers through a focus group discussion. The learners and LO teachers from Ekuphumleni, Funda, Hewu, Nomphumelelo and Sovuke Sikhanye Secondary Schools were used as a study sample. Findings Almost all the learners, 90 %, found LO effective in meeting their needs and challenges. LO has helped them to resist peer pressure, saying no to negative and risky behaviour, and to cope with difficult situations like the loss of loved ones. The LO teachers as well found the programme helpful and relevant in meeting the needs and challenges of the youth. However, the LO teachers observed that although the programme was helpful and relevant, the expected attitudes and behaviour of learners contradict what the programme was offering. This disparity can be attributed to the social ills in the community, such as substance abuse, domestic violence, incest, unemployment, poverty and the negative influence of the media. Conclusion The finding of the study has shown that although the learners and LO teachers find the programme relevant and useful in addressing the needs and challenges of the learners, there are so many social ills within the community that destruct and derail the learners hence creating a disparity between what is said about the programme versus the behaviour and attitude that is displayed. This disparity calls for a discourse between teachers and parents, as well as with the community leaders, pastors and other stakeholders. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Doel van die studie Die doel van die studie was om die doeltreffendheid van Lewensoriëntering as 'n lewensvaardigheidsprogram in die skoolkurrikulum vir die behoeftes en uitdagings van die jeug, te bepaal. Leerders van die ouderdomme van16 tot 24 in die Verdere Onderwys en Opleiding (VOO) sektor vanaf graad 10 tot 12 in die Hewu area Sekondêre Skool in Queenstown-distrik is gebruik as 'n gevalle studie. Navorsingsontwerp 'n Beskrywende navorsingsontwerp met behulp van ’n kwantitatiewe benadering is gebruik in die studie. Data-insameling Data van leerders is deur middel van vraelyste ingesamel en van onderwysers deur middel van 'n fokusgroepbespreking. Die leerders en die LO-onderwysers van Ekuphumleni, Funda, Hewu, Nomphumelelo en Sovuke Sikhanye hoër skole is gebruik as 'n steekproefbevolking. Resultate Byna al die leerders, 90 % vind LOeffektief om aan hulle behoeftes en uitdagings te voldoen. LOhet gehelp om hulle groepsdruk te weerstaan, nee te sê vir negatiewe en gewaagde gedrag, en om moeilike situasies soos die verlies van geliefdes te hanteer. Die LO-onderwysers vind ook die program nuttig en relevant deurdat dit voldoen aan die behoeftes en uitdagings van die jeug. Die LO-onderwysers het egter opgemerk dat alhoewel die program nuttig en relevant is, die verwagte houdings en gedrag van leerders in teenstelling hiermee is. Hierdie teenstrydigheid kan toegeskryf word aan die maatskaplike euwels in die gemeenskap, soos dwelmmisbruik, gesinsgeweld, bloedskande, werkloosheid, armoede en die negatiewe invloed van die media. Gevolgtrekking Die bevinding van die studie het getoon dat alhoewel die leerders en LO-onderwysers die program relevant en nuttig vind in die aanspreek van die behoeftes en uitdagings van die leerders, daar so baie sosiale euwels in die gemeenskap is wat die leerders vernietig en laat ontspoor, datdat daar 'n wanverhouding tussen wat gesê is oor die program versus die gedrag en houding wat vertoon word, bestaan. Vanweë hierdie teenstrydigheid word 'n beroep gedoen vir 'n diskoers tussen onderwysers en ouers, sowel as die gemeenskapleiers, pastore en ander belanghebbendes.

There are many challenges that face children in residential care. Among those challenges is the little or no interaction between the children in residential care and their biological family. This study investigated if biological family involvement in the lives of children in residential care had any effect on the children's development while they were in care. The study was a comparison between children with biological family involvement and children without any biological family involvement. The comparison focused on two main variables, namely, academic performance and behaviour characteristics. This was qualitative, multiple case study research where triangulation was used as a tool for collecting information. Ten children participated in this study i.e. five children with biological family involvement and five children without any biological family involvement. Data used in this study was collected from children, their housemothers and from children's files. Findings from this research indicated that there was a difference between children with biological family involvement and children without such family involvement in terms of academic performance and behaviour characteristics. Children with biological family involvement performed better academically and displayed fewer negative behaviour characteristic than children without biological family involvement. Findings also suggested there was a need for further research on this topic in order to find ways to assist children in residential care to develop optimally. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2009.

Aim: The purpose of this study is to establish midwives’ perception of ethical and professional malpractices in labour units and to enhance the awareness of ethical behaviour and professional practice by midwives. Design: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and cross sectional design was followed to explore the midwives understanding of and experiences of ethical practice and professional malpractices in Labour Units of Tshwane, Gauteng Province. A non-probability purposive sampling was used to draw a sample from midwives with two or more years of experience working in Labour Units. Data collection: Individual in-depth interviews using open ended questions were used to collect data. Interviews were recorded using an audio tape recorder, which was later transcribed verbatim. Data collection was continuous until saturation was reached with the eight (n=8) participant. Findings: the results of the study revealed that midwives do understand the ethical code of conduct. However, due to challenges such as shortage of staff; shortage of material resources; non-compliance of midwives to policies and guidelines; fear of decision-making; and lack of management support, all this makes ethical conduct more challenging. It is hoped that the findings of this research will make contributions to midwifery training and practice. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

This research project explores the role of the school governing body in the formulation and implementation of a code of conduct for learners. The study was conducted in Durban, in KwaZulu-Natal, where two schools were purposefully selected as research sites. Democratic school governance is still new in South Africa, therefore confusion and misinterpretation are bound to manifest. This study therefore aims to examine whether school governing bodies participate in the formulation and implementation of the code of conduct for learners, as well as how and why they participate. This qualitative study, which is located within an interpretive paradigm, is underpinned by democratic theories. International and national scholarly literature was interrogated to glean further insight into the research topic. Ethical issues were observed prior to data generation. To ensure the trustworthiness of the findings, data were obtained using semi-structured interviews, observation and document review. The data collected during interviews were transcribed, evaluated and analysed in accordance with the phenomenological stages of an analytical framework, as set out in Marshall and Rossman’s (1999) six stages. The findings emanating from this study indicate that while members of school governing bodies do participate in the formulation and implementation of a code of conduct for learners, their participation is limited. Learner and parent stakeholders were found not to exercise the participative roles afforded to them under the South African Schools Act (1996).A variety of factors were found to infringe on the democratic participation of these stakeholders, including a lack of training for members to be able to perform their duties, a neglect of the code of conduct, unequal power relations, and limited time to attend meetings. The researcher’s findings, and the conclusions drawn in this study, have informed specific recommendations aimed at translating the status quo of our schools and ensuring a good understanding of democratic school governance, so that members of school governing bodies can be transformed from mere passive participants to active participants who contribute meaningfully towards the smooth running of their school. / Educational Leadership and Management / M. Ed. (Education Leadership and Management)

Text in Afrikaans / The utilization value of the paradoxical theory of change in Gestalt Play Therapy with adolescents Adolescents undergo significant changes on physical, emotional, and cognitive levels during this development stage. These changes have a great influence on their self-awareness. Most adolescents experience great problems with who they are and who they should be according to the expectations of others. This causes a never-ending process of efforts to change. Change can only take place if the adolescent is who he is, but not if he tries to be what he is not. The consequence hereof is that change cannot take place in the adolescent, because he should first become aware of who he is. The awareness of who he is leads to change. The paradoxical theory of change is all about being who one is and not about trying to be what others expect one to be. The adolescent should be accompanied to become aware of who he is, by utilization of the paradoxical theory, in order to be able grow and change. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the utilization value of the paradoxical theory of change in Gestalt Play Therapy with adolescents. In order to achieve this goal, the research process was directed by qualitative research, and triangulation was utilized as a technique for gathering information. Out of the processing and integration of conclusions drawn during the empirical investigation, data could contribute to exploration and description of the assessment of the paradoxical theory of change in Gestalt play therapy with adolescents. The aim of the investigation was therefore achieved, namely the exploration and description of the utilization value of the paradoxical theory of change in Gestalt Play Therapy with adolescents. / Play thearapy / M.Diac.

The aim of this investigation was threefold : to determine origins and perceptions of the street child problem nationally and internationally ; to explore the way in which children experience life in the streets ; and to devise strategies to enable these children to develop optimally. Literature indicates that the street child phenomenon is a global issue that presents many challenges. It is a socio-educational problem precipitated by multi-factorial events in the home, community and by children's personality attributes. Street children experience rejection, suffering, shame and anxiety. Deprivation of an environment conducive to positive development leads to maladjustment, anti-social behaviour and marginalisation. The empirical research was undertaken by means of semi-structured interviews conducted among fourteen children of the Khayalethu shelter and by administering questionnaires in the community of Port Shepstone. The findings culminate in recommendations for suitable assistance programmes and strategies to handle the problem in South Africa. / Educational Studies / M.Ed.(Socio-Education)