The main aim of the study was an examination of the dynamics of family systems on the lives of youth awaiting trial at the Excelsior Place of Safety that functions as a secure care programme. Secure care is a new concept in South Africa and serves as an alternative to the imprisonment of children awaiting trial. The study identifies the family as central in adolescent development and assumes that there are particular dynamics within family systems that may impact on the lives of youth resulting in deviancy and criminality. The study was based on the philosophy of secure care, Erikson's theory of Adolescent Development, Attachment theory, the Ecosystems and Ecological Strengths-Based Approaches. Twenty-five youth awaiting trial were interviewed at Excelsior. The study found that children who offend come from impoverished communities where the household income is less than the Poverty Datum Line (PDL.) High-risk youth come from women-headed households that lack male role models and have little or no source of income. In these instances where the family cannot provide for the youth's needs that the youth is prone to criminality to satisfy them. The study recommended strengthened intervention strategies to be utilised by all service providers in working with youth at risk and their families. It also recommends the strengthening of the secure care programme to address the needs of awaiting trial youth and to divert youth from the prison environment. The study further suggested that secure care centres that have trained personnel in adolescent development, should undertake more community outreach to also target children and youth in communities. / Thesis (M.Dev.Studies)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

In contemporary society, work and home represent the two most significant domains in the life of working individuals. South Africa’s socioeconomic, political, and societal circumstances will influence employees’ experiences of work-life balance differently, compared to that of employees in other countries, suggesting that the construction of work-life balance amongst different race and cultural groups may differ. The present study used in-depth qualitative interviews with ten black women and men employed in a customer care environment, to explore their construction of work-life balance. A grounded theory approach was used to analyse the data and identify themes. This study suggests that work-life balance is a unique experience for individuals, which varies over time and in different situations. The study confirmed that attaining work-life balance is a process of balancing ever-changing experiences over time, and in different life stages. The results of this study are also discussed in relation to the relevant literature. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M. Com. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

Through the use of contextual data, this research study aims to explicate a theory about the experiences of academic women, who are also mothers, employed at a South African University. The research is interpretive in nature as it explores the women's accounts of the conflicts they face in striving to satisfy the demands of both their scholarly work and family responsibilities within multiple intersecting factors related to their personal/familial circumstances, and the strategic processes they engage in to manage the balance between these competing roles. The study followed a constructivist grounded theory design in an attempt to test the hypothesis (emerging from a prior pilot study) that the most significant enabling factors at work in the lives of these women comprise various relational support processes. The findings indicate that balancing academic work and mothering is a delicate activity that is sensitive to a number of facilitating as well as hindering factors. The participants revealed that they experience work-family role-conflict as a result of competing desires to dedicate themselves fully to both of these roles. The relational factors most prominently cited as being critical to enabling a work-family balance include the presence of a supportive partner, a support structure in the home in the form of an employed domestic helper, and the support derived from a 'shared experience' with other working mothers. Non-relational factors emanating from the unique quality of life afforded to mothers by employment within the particular case institution also emerged as being significantly enabling of a work-family balance for this group of academic mothers.

MCur / Department of Advanced Nursing Science / The path of children heading families following the death of both parents takes many twists and turns, and a lot of support to face the challenging environment is needed. The path is not easy as compared to children with parents in terms of support and guidance. The purpose of the study was to determine the experiences of children heading families at Makhado municipality of Limpopo Province, South Africa. The objective of this study is to explore and describe the experiences of children heading families. Qualitative research approach with explorative, descriptive, contextual, interpretative phenomenological designs were used. Population of the study comprised of children heading families following the death of both parents, residing at Makhado municipality in Vhembe district of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select the participants. The sample size of 20 participants was determined by data saturation. Data was transcribed verbatim and translated from Tshivenda to English language. Tesch’s eight steps criteria was used to analyse data. The results of the study revealed that children heading families following the death of both parent’s experience various challenges and ineffective support from different community structures. The researcher ensured trustworthiness and ethical consideration were considered throughout the study. Recommendations were developed based on the findings of the study. Keywords: Child, Child headed families, Experience, Family, Parent / NRF

Text in English / Early migration across borders predominantly involved movement by males for work. While changing times have seen a considerable increase in the number of female migrants as principal migrants solely for independent employment, women still move as passive participants, who have to play an often obscure supporting role beside men. Through a qualitative, exploratory research design, this thesis explored the lived experiences of accompanying immigrants, particularly women from other African countries, accompanying their immigrant spouses in South Africa. Data collection was conducted through individual face-to-face unstructured in-depth interviews with eight female accompanying spouses. The data were thematically analysed and yielded seven overarching themes, namely: motivation to relocate and power dynamics; effects of migration; how accompanying immigrant status is experienced by the female accompanying spouse; challenges immigrants that hold accompanying spouse status face; meaning-making, adaptation; and strategies deployed to cope. These were discussed in terms of the construction of the ‘accompanying spouse status’ and how this powerful social discourse impacts women’s wellbeing. Participants reported education, socioeconomic factors and related life aspects were amongst the motivations for their relocation to South Africa, in addition to citing both positive and negative effects of their migration. From the study results, accompanying spouses recounted how they encountered various adversities, including how accompanying spouse status fundamentally reduces the holder to a dependent, whose being revolves around the principal migrant spouse. Notwithstanding participants’ struggles, the study results show how the participants have, through it all, learnt to live with their status, deployed methods of coping against all odds, and today still stand. / Psychology / Ph. D.(Psychology)

PhD (Health Sciences) / Department of Advanced Nursing Science / Disability is the most painful experience for the mother and relatives when a child is born. This is because every parent expects a normal child once a woman conceives. For a mother to be able to cope with their children they need to be supported emotionally, psychologically and physically by the family members, community, and health care professionals and other support service providers.The overall purpose of the study was to develop a model to support mothers of children with intellectual disabilities in selected institutions of Limpopo Province.An exploratory sequential mixed method was employed which includes both qualitative and quantitative approaches to guide the study.Population was all mothers of children with intellectual disabilitiesand health care professionals from the selected institutions where the research was conducted. Health care professionals were purposively selected whereas mothers were conveniently selected. The study was carried out in two phases i.e Phase1(a & b) and Phase 2. Qualitative results were used to build a subsequent quantitative phase. In Phase 1a,a qualitative approach was employed using descriptive and exploratory designs. Qualitative data was collected through individual interviews.Data analyses were done utilising Tesch’s open coding method.In Phase 1b was quantitative approach wherein a cross-sectional descriptive design was used.Questionnaireswere developed and data were collected from the health care professionals in the selected study areas.Data analyses were done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 and the level of statistical difference being set at p<0,05.In Phase 2, concept analysis, model development and validation of the model were performed. Themes and sub- themes were identified from the analysed data. Current study revealed that some mothers were fully supported and some were not supported at all by both the family, friends, relatives, community members and health care professionals. Hence continuous support was seen to be very crucial to them.The study recommendations include: open communication, social, psychological and emotional support, combined available support services, access to special schools and formulation of support groups. / NRF

PhD (Microbiology) / Department of Microbiology / Introduction Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) continues to be a global public health concern, even though Antiretroviral drugs (ARV), especially Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) has significantly reduced morbidity and mortality due to AIDS globally in developed and developing countries. However, there is still a great need to explore every avenue for new therapeutic interventions due to the limitations and side effects of HAART. Potential major breakthroughs for future therapeutic development were the discoveries more than 10 years ago of the role of HIV-1 co-receptors and anti-viral activities of host restriction factors such as APOBEC3G protein, which is a member of the DNA cytosine deaminase family. Entry of HIV in to the host cell is through the attachment of the viral envelope glycoprotein to the CD4 receptor, and subsequent interaction, mainly with either CCR5 or CXCR4 co-receptors. Inhibitors, such as Maraviroc, which binds to CCR5 inhibiting entry of CCR5 utilizing viruses (R5 viruses), is currently reserved for salvage therapy in many countries including South Africa. In the course of HIV infection, CXCR4 utilizing viruses (X4 viruses) may emerge and outgrow R5 viruses, and potentially limit the effectiveness of Maraviroc. Several host cell APOBEC3 genes (A3D, A3F, A3G and A3H) have been shown to restrict HIV, and the HIV viral infectivity factor (Vif) protein serves to antagonize the action of APOBEC3 proteins, promoting viral replication. The CCR5 co-receptor and the HIV Env V3 loop have also been documented as playing roles in HIV-1 disease progression. The interplay between host and viral genes still needs widespread attention, given that disease outcomes of HIV depend on many factors, including host cell genetics. Since the discovery of these genes and their role in HIV replication, many studies have been conducted that show their association with viral polymorphism. The polymorphisms found in host cell genes can have significant effects on viral replication, transmission and fitness and can also contribute to the overall diversity in HIV-1 populations. It is hypothesized that there are significant polymorphisms in HIV-1 and cellular genes that may differ among different populations. Population-based studies have tried to establish a relationship between host factors such as APOBEC3 and CCR5 polymorphism and the rate of disease progression, but most studies have focused on Caucasian populations. In vi contrast, little information is available for the effects of variation in these genes in African populations such as South Africa, where the HIV epidemic has expanded at an alarming rate. Although several population studies have focused on African Americans, these do not give us a complete picture of the potential variation in Africans, though the studies can be a good guide on which to base additional studies. A more comprehensive analysis involving different African populations will likely provide a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying host-pathogen interactions, especially in view of the fact that African Americans are primarily infected with HIV subtype B, which is rarely seen in Africa. Methodology This study characterized the genetic variability of the APOBEC3 D, F, G and H genes as well as the HIV-1 vif, in an ethnically diverse HIV-1 infected South African cohort using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). In addition, polymorphism in CCR5 was analyzed in conjunction with an analysis of the V3 loop sequences in HIV-1 from this cohort. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 192 HIV-1 infected drug-experienced individuals who presented for routine care at the HIV/AIDS Prevention Group Wellness Clinic (HAPG) in Bela-Bela, Donald Fraser Hope Clinic (DFHC) in Vhufhuli and in local clinics in the Vhembe district of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Next generation sequencing custom based (Tn5 tagmentation and amplicon based) protocols to prepare libraries for host and HIV-1 genes were developed and validated with commercially available library preparation kits. The Tn5 tagmentation methods were used for longer DNA fragments and the custom amplicon based methods were used mainly for the shorter DNA fragments. To determine the variability of the APOBEC3 and CCR5 host genes, gene-specific primers were designed to amplify complete 12.16 kb A3D, 13.31 kb A3F, 10.74 kb A3G, 6.8 kb A3H and 1.3 kb CCR5 genes targeting the regions containing the exons. Libraries for the resulting amplicons were prepared using Tn5 transposase tagmentation methods and sequenced on an NGS Illumina MiSeq platforms generating millions of reads with good read coverage for variant calling. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and indels were determined, verified in dbSNPs and compared to SNPs in other populations reported in the 1000 Genome Phase III and HapMap. A Chi-square goodness-of-fit was used to verify if whether observed genotype frequencies were in agreement with the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium. Haplotypes and Linkage disequilibrium were inferred to determine SNP association. vii The HIV-1 vif and env V3 loop genes were also sequenced to determine their degree of variability of these genes and to infer co-receptor usage in the South African population. Gene-specific primers were designed to amplify the 579 bp Vif region and 440 bp containing the 105 bp V3 loop. Sequencing libraries from the resulting amplicons were prepared using either the Tn5 transposase or custom-based library preparation methods and sequenced on either an Illumina MiSeq or a MiniSeq platform generating millions of reads with good read coverage for variant calling. Phylogenetic analysis was done to determine the relatedness of the sequences. Major and minor variants were determined for HIV-1 and env V3 loop quasispecies was analysed for co-receptor usage; in an effort to draw inferences for the subsequent utility of Maraviroc as salvage therapy in South Africa. Results and Discussion Next generation library preparation; Tn5 tagmentation based and custom amplicon based protocols to sequence host and HIV genes were successfully developed and used to sequence and characterize variability in host cell APOBEC3D, F, G H, CCR5 and the HIV-1 vif gene and the V3 loop region of the env gene. The HIV-1 env V3 loop sequences generated (and quasispecies analyzed) were used to infer co-receptor usage in treatment-experienced individuals; in an effort to draw inferences for the subsequent utility of Maraviroc as salvage therapy in South Africa. Quality V3 loop sequences were obtained from 72 patients, with 5 years (range: 0-16) median duration on treatment. Subtypes A1, B and C viruses were identified at frequencies of 4% (3/72), 4% (3/72) and 92% (66/72) respectively. Fifty four percent (39/72) of patients were predicted to exclusively harbor R5 viral quasispecies; and 21% (15/72) to exclusively harbor X4 viral quasispecies. Twenty five percent of patients (18/72) were predicted to harbor a dual/mixture of R5X4 quasispecies. Of these 18 patients, about 28% (5/18) were predicted to harbor the R5+X4, a mixture with a majority R5 and minority X4 viruses, while about 72% (13/18) were predicted to harbor the R5X4+ a mixture with a majority X4 and minority R5 viruses. The proportion of all patients who harboured X4 viruses either exclusively or dual/mixture was 46% (33/72). Thirty-five percent (23/66) of the patients who were of HIV-1 subtype C were predicted to harbor X4 viruses (χ2=3.58; p=0.058), and 57% of these (13/23) were predicted to harbor X4 viruses exclusively. CD4+ cell count less than 350 cell/μl was associated with the presence of X4 viruses (χ2=4.99; p=0.008). The effectiveness of Maraviroc as a component in salvage therapy may be compromised for a significant number of chronically infected patients harboring CXCR4 utilizing viii viruses in the study cohort. Although from the current study a subset of patients harboring CCR5 utilizing viruses may benefit from Maraviroc, characterizing and identifying if variation in CCR5 are located at Maraviroc binding sites was of importance to investigate. The following variants; P35P, S75S, Y89Y, A335V and Y339F and their varying frequencies were detected in the CCR5 gene. The A335V variant was detected at a higher frequency of 17.4% (29/167). The G265S variant is reported for the first time in this study at 0.6% (1/167) frequency. The SNPs detected were in strong LD (D’= 1, R2 = 0.0) with minor deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium. These variants were not located at the binding motif of Maraviroc. The variants A335V and Y339F were detected at a higher frequency in this study than previously reported in South Africa. Variability in APOBEC3 host cell genes was also characterized in our study cohort. The following APOBEC3 variants compared to the GRCh37 consensus sequence were detected: R97C, R248K and T316T in A3D; R48P, A78V, A108S, S118S, R143R, I87L, Q87L, V231I, E245E, S229S, Y307C and S327S in A3F; S60S, H186R, R256H, Q275E and G363R in A3G and N15Δ, G105R, K140E, K121D, E178D in A3H. Minor allele frequency variants (MAF<5%); L221L, T238I, C224Y and C320Y in A3D; I87L, P97L and S229S in A3F; R256H, A109A, F119F and L371L in A3G, which are frequent in the European population, were also detected. In addition, novel R6K, L221R and T238I variants in A3D and I117I in A3F were detected. Most of the SNPs were in strong LD with minor deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium. Four, six, four, and three haplotypes were identified for A3D, A3F, A3G, and A3H respectively. In general, polymorphism in A3D, 3F, 3G and 3H were higher in our South African cohort than previously reported among other African, European and Asian populations. The APOBEC3 antagonist HIV-1 vif gene was also sequenced to determine the level of diversity in a South African population and also correlated with APOBEC3 variation. Functional Vif without frameshift mutation was observed in all samples except in 4 samples. The functional domain and motifs, such as Zn binding motifs, proline-rich domain, human casein kinase, and the N and C-terminal CBF interaction site were highly conserved. APOBEC binding motifs and the nuclear localization signal were less conserved in the South African HIV-1 Vif. APOBEC3 H variation strongly correlates with Vif variation. All the Vif sequences were subtype C, except one sample, which was identified as an A1/C recombinant. The vif gene in a South African population was under purifying selection, with the dS= 0.2581 and dN= 0.0684 and the dN/dS value = 0.265. There is a high genetic diversity in the South African vif gene, which may ix influence the neutralization and restriction of APOBEC genes. Conclusions In conclusion, the protocols developed in this study can be applied to amplify and sequence any host and HIV-1 genes of interest allowing much deeper and more sensitive profiling of host gene and HIV-1 genetic diversity. Our findings show that a highly significant number of chronically HIV-1 subtype C infected patients in Maraviroc-free treatment harbor CXCR4 utilizing viruses. The data is useful in the consideration of whether to include entry antagonists such as Maraviroc in alternative forms of treatment for patients failing second line treatment regimen in the study setting. The determination of co-receptor usage prior to initiation of therapy consisting of Maraviroc is suggested. Variation in the CCR5 coding region were observed at higher frequencies compare to other studies conducted in South African populations at different locations. This data may suggest that different populations in South Africa have different SNP frequencies. All the polymorphisms identified in the study were not located at the Maraviroc binding motif, therefore the subset of patient infected by R5 viruses may benefit from this drug. We have shown that significant APOBEC3 variation exists among an ethnically diverse population of South Africa by providing extensive data for 4 different A3 genes that are known to restrict HIV infection, but have only been sparsely studied in African populations. This study provides a baseline for future studies that would functionally characterize SNPs identified in this population, in order to understand the role of novel and/or low frequency variants observed. Ex vivo and in vivo studies will increase our understanding of how these variants might have cumulatively impacted the epidemic in Northern South Africa. This study also shows that there is a high level of HIV-1 Vif diversity in the study area. This diversity may impact the expression and packaging of Vif proteins, and the infectivity of HIV. In addition, a significant correlation was observed between HIV-1 Vif variation and APOBEC3 H haplotypes. / NRF

MA (Sociology) / Department of African Studies / The aim of the study was to investigate the challenges faced by families living with mentally ill relatives in Thulamela municipality in the Vhembe district, Limpopo province. The objectives of the study were to investigate the impact that caring for a mentally ill person had on the family members; to explore the strategies adopted by families to enable them to cope better with the challenges they faced when caring for their mentally ill relatives; and to understand the support services that were provided to families by health care professionals to enable them to cope with such challenges. A Nonprobability sampling, in particular its subtype convenience samplings was used to select five families who participated in the study. A semi-structured interview schedule was used to collect data from the main care givers and a focus group discussion took place to gather more in-depth information from at least three members of each family. Those selected to participate in the study were all family members who were involved in the care giving responsibility. All participants were caring for mentally ill relatives diagnosed with schizophrenia, substance induced psychosis or bipolar affective. The care recipient had to be admitted at Hayani psychiatry hospital. Data extracted from the participants was analysed thematically following the six stages of thematic data analysis.The research findings obtained from family caregivers from Thulamela municipality found in the Vhembe district within the Limpopo province, highlighted that taking care of a family members with mental illness comes with a number of challenges. The impact was experienced by all members of the family irrespective of the age, social or financial status. The impact was experienced emotionally, physically, socially and financially. All participants also reported to be experiencing burnout. They prefer their loved ones to remain living in mental institution as it gives them a chance to live normal lives. / NRF

Thesis (Ph.D. Commerce (Human Resource Management)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / This thesis addresses work-life conflict, a topical phenomenon for the career progression and wellbeing of women. Notwithstanding a lot of interest in the topic, as well as various endeavours after treaties and legislation to support women in the workplace it continues to be a subject of research interest since work-life balance has not been achieved yet. The current study intended to explore what the women managers in the public sector of Limpopo Province understand by work-life conflict, as well as their experiences and to proffer a framework for understanding the work-life conflict of women managers. The study highlights that numerous working women are still inundated with non-work responsibilities, which results in conflict with the expected responsibilities in the work environment. The resultant work-life conflict continues to have career-limiting effects on women. The study employed a mixed-methods design to collect data. The quantitative part of the study used questionnaires to collect data and a total of 68 usable questionnaires were returned. For the qualitative part individual interviews were conducted with a total of 16 women. Given the mixed nature of the data, the research applied two genres of analytical techniques, viz. thematic analysis and non-parametric relational analysis. The findings of the study indicate that most of the women managers in the study understand work-life conflict to mean work-to-life interference. The women managers conceptualise life-to-work interference as a normal phenomenon, which serves as a function of maintaining homeostasis in their social structure. The results further suggested that only the workplace has to be changed for them to attain work-life balance. The women managers in the study also appear to experience physical and psychological health problems due to not coping with work-life conflict. The research results deliver invaluable information that can be employed in strategies that attempt to alleviate the negative experiences of work-life conflict by women managers. This study has developed an integrative framework for understanding the work-life conflict of women managers in the public sector. None of the existing theories has propounded any integrative framework for understanding the work-life conflict of women managers in the public sector. The current findings add to the knowledge on addressing the work-life conflict of women managers by delivering context-specific recommendations of what organisations can do to attain work-life balance. Key words: work-life conflict; coping strategies; public sector; women managers; work-life balance; Integrated work-life conflict framework

This research aimed to reflect upon the experiences of children in middle childhood regarding economically unstable circumstances within the family system. The theoretical underpinnings of this study were the ecological systems theory as proposed by Bronfenbrenner, the family systems theory as well as the field theory within the gestalt paradigm. Exploratory, qualitative research design with instrumental case studies was used during this research and data collection was conducted by means of semi-structured interviews with randomly sampled participants and their parents. The researcher interviewed 16 individual children, consisting of seven male and nine female participants. The focus group consisted of seven parents, consisting of two male and five female participants. The researcher arrived at a conclusion that children are indeed influenced by the world wide economic turmoil. The researcher found that children experience the impact of economic instability in various contexts within their field of existence. They experience the effects of economic instability within the household as changes to daily luxuries are visible, conflict between parents increase and they experience an escalation in peer pressure to keep up with the financial expectations of their peers. The researcher is therefore of the opinion that the extent to which the economic unstable circumstances influence and affect children can easily be overlooked. In the absence of voicing the experiences of children, they cannot be fully understood and the researcher recommends that significant role players, such as parents and teachers should be assisted and guided to understand and support their children in a changing world. / Social Work / M. Diac. (Play Therapy)