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Magister Artium - MA / This mini-thesis provides empirical evidence on the level of public participation and its correlation with trust, reciprocity, class and power amongst African traditional health practitioners (ATHPs) in the regulation of African traditional medicines (ATMs) in South Africa. Data on public participation of ATHPs was collected and analysed, using a social capital theoretical model created from an adaptation of Putnam’s (2000) concepts of trust and reciprocity as central to social capital theory. The analysis further employed Bourdieu’s (1968) thinking to link power and class to the concept of social capital and borrowed from feminist and historical materialism theories. The thesis sought to test how the analysis of power and class, once politicised, could be used to convert Putnam’s notion of trust and reciprocity into "critical trust” and “critical reciprocity”, based on hyper-reflexive engagement of social agents with their own reality within social networks. ATHPs were requested to rank themselves from a scale of high to low to determine their level of involvement. Public participation (the dependant variable) was tested against acts of reciprocity, trust, power and income or class (the independent variables) to ascertain correlation. Data was analysed using STATA, a computer-based programme for analysing quantitative data. The findings of the study showed that income and power play a significant role in determining public participation. The level of one’s income and power determines whether one is active or passive in participation. The high levels of trust and reciprocity demonstrated by ATHPs towards government had no particular significance in facilitating active participation instead trust, in particular, played a negative role, in that it demobilised ATHPs from active participation since they trusted that government will protect their best interest in the regulation process. The argument in this thesis is that trust and reciprocity has to be converted into ‘critical trust’ and ‘critical reciprocity’ through active questioning and analysis of power and class dynamics for it to activate and invoke conscious active participation. A follow-up study is necessary to test the possibility and success of such a conversion for public participation.

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Thesis (Ph.D. (Psychology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / The training to become a traditional healer has been under scrutiny because of the symptoms that are experienced during ancestral calling. Ancestral calling usually presents itself in the form of a mysterious physical or psychological illness that will not ordinarily respond to western treatment. The Eurocentric perspective interprets the symptoms of ancestral calling and the resultant process to become a traditional health practitioner as a manifestation of some psychological disturbance. The researcher embarked on a journey with traditional health practitioners to understand their lived experiences and explored the psychological meanings of Vhavenda ancestral calling with a view to identifying and documenting the psychological meanings embedded in this culturally entrenched practice. A qualitative research method located within the interpretative paradigm was used. A descriptive phenomenological research design was adopted to explore the lived experiences of traditional health practitioners who have gone through the process of ancestral calling. Both snowball and purposive sampling methods were used to recruit 17 participants until saturation was researched in the findings. The six major themes that emerged are: a) signs of ancestral calling; b) meaning attached to ancestral calling; c) help-seeking pathway following an ancestral call; d) responding to the ancestral call; e) roles of the master healer; and f) post training realities and experiences. The findings of the study revealed that there are several symptoms that are indicative that one has an ancestral calling. These symptoms are often misunderstood and misdiagnosed when interpreted from the Eurocentric perspective. However, accepting the ancestral calling and going through training is linked with identity formation. The findings also revealed that ancestral calling is a life-transforming and therapeutic experience and a journey of self realisation / South African Humanities Deans’ Association and the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences

This mini-thesis provides empirical evidence on the level of public participation and its correlation with trust, reciprocity, class and power amongst African traditional health practitioners (ATHPs) in the regulation of African traditional medicines (ATMs) in South Africa. Data on public participation of ATHPs was collected and analysed, using a social capital theoretical model created from an adaptation of Putnam’s (2000) concepts of trust and reciprocity as central to social capital theory. The analysis further employed Bourdieu’s (1968) thinking to link power and class to the concept of social capital and borrowed from feminist and historical materialism theories. The thesis sought to test how the analysis of power and class, once politicised, could be used to convert Putnam’s notion of trust and reciprocity into "critical trust” and “critical reciprocity”, based on hyper-reflexive engagement of social agents with their own reality within social networks. ATHPs were requested to rank themselves from a scale of high to low to determine their level of involvement. Public participation (the dependant variable) was tested against acts of reciprocity, trust, power and income or class (the independent variables) to ascertain correlation. Data was analysed using STATA, a computer-based programme for analysing quantitative data. The findings of the study showed that income and power play a significant role in determining public participation. The level of one’s income and power determines whether one is active or passive in participation. The high levels of trust and reciprocity demonstrated by ATHPs towards government had no particular significance in facilitating active participation instead trust, in particular, played a negative role, in that it demobilised ATHPs from active participation since they trusted that government will protect their best interest in the regulation process. The argument in this thesis is that trust and reciprocity has to be converted into ‘critical trust’ and ‘critical reciprocity’ through active questioning and analysis of power and class dynamics for it to activate and invoke conscious active participation. A follow-up study is necessary to test the possibility and success of such a conversion for public participation. / Magister Artium - MA

Thesis (MPH.) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / Background: Substances abuse is affecting many young people in rural communities of Limpopo Province. There are no effective measures to combat substance abuse. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen substance abuse prevention and treatment services through the integration of indigenous health care practices. The Indigenous Health Practitioners Act No.22 of 2007 permits IHPs to provide prevention and treatment services to combat substance abuse. However, there is a lack of literature on the roles of IHPs in combating substance abuse. This paucity of literature necessitates the need to explore the perceived roles of IHPs in combating substance abuse. Objectives: The study aimed at exploring the perceived roles of IHPs in combating substance abuse at Mohodi Ga-Manthata in Limpopo Province. Method: A qualitative research approach using a case study design was conducted among IHPs of RDHA at Mohodi Ga-Manthata in Molemole Local Municipality of Limpopo Province. The purposive sampling technique was used in order to select IHPs that serve the aims of the study best to ensure that data saturation was reached. Data was collected through semi-structured one-to-one interviews with selected IHPs. Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework for doing a thematic analysis was used to analyse data. An independent coder confirmed the findings. Results: The study findings revealed that IHPs perform demand reduction activities such as conducting awareness campaigns and involving young people in sporting and behavioural sessions for prevention of substance abuse. Furthermore, the findings show that IHPs perform harm reduction activities such as assessment and diagnosis, in-patient rehabilitation, counselling, diet therapy and prescription of indigenous medicines for treatment of substance abuse. Conclusion: The Indigenous Health Practitioners Act No.22 of 2007 permits IHPs to provide prevention and treatment services to combat substance abuse. The current study shows that IHPs have a significant role in demand reduction, harm reduction and supply reduction of substance abuse in rural communities. Therefore, there is a need for the Departments of Health and Department of Social Development to develop strategies to effectively train and integrate IHPs into the health system to ensure the provision of quality substance abuse continuum of care services and the strengthening of the health system.

The lack of a scope of practice for social workers in South Africa, and with that their right to do mental health diagnoses or even work with mental health clients, has led to conflict. There is not yet a clear agreement between the role players within South Africa, such as the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) and South African Association of Social Workers in Private Practice (SAASWIPP). From the initial investigation, it became clear however that social workers in South Africa are often using the DSM system without training. One of the main concepts, namely ‘clinical social work’, is well defined in international literature. However, very little literature could be found within the South African context pertaining to who is qualified to be a clinical social worker or a social worker with the right to diagnose. This has caused some conflict on a practical level among social workers and ‘clinical’ social workers when operating in the field of mental health since the perception exists that some social workers overstep their boundaries or scope of practice. The research problem was formulated, based on social workers admitting that they are using the DSM system, regardless of their training or lack of training in the DSM system. Social workers do not receive sufficient training in mental health diagnostic systems in undergraduate training. The purpose of this study was to develop, implement and pilot test a programme to train social workers in the utilization of an accredited diagnostic system, namely the DSM system, when dealing with individuals who present with a specific disorder. The hypothesis that directed this research indicated that social workers, who receive formal training in the utilization of the DSM system, would be equipped with knowledge and insight with regard to the mental health of their clients. This could enhance the profession, since social workers would be able to participate in the multi-professional team with insight with regard to mental health terminology and pathology. A combined quantitative/qualitative research approach was followed, more specifically applied intervention research since the aim of the study was to contribute towards addressing a practical issue. The research objectives were to complete a literature study regarding social workers’ assessment in the context of the DSM system; to explore social workers’ knowledge, attitude, and utilization of the DSM system; to develop a training programme and train social workers in the utilization of the DSM; to implement the developed training programme for social workers in the utilization of the DSM; to pilot test the effectiveness and content of the training programme; and to draw conclusions and make recommendations with regard to the benefit for the social work profession as well as to multi-professional teamwork, should social workers receive training programme in the DSM system. The researcher collected data while the respondents attended a two-day training programme in the DSM system. Respondents completed a pre-test questionnaire as well as a post-test questionnaire on completion of the training programme. This data analysis was based on a quasi-experimental design, namely the ‘one-group pre-test-post-test design’. Conclusions and recommendations were made relating to social work training, social work in mental health and the DSM utilization in social work practice. The limitations of this study were the lack of literature, the need for training over a longer period, and especially the uncertainties regarding a nationally accepted scope of practice for social workers. The need for in-depth evaluation and advanced development of the programme is identified as both a limitation and a recommendation for future research. / Thesis (DPhil)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted

Thesis (Ph.D. (Psychology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2023 / With the realisation that both the traditional and western health care systems are consulted in South Africa, the Traditional Health Practitioners Act, No 22 of 2007 was promulgated. In addition to the Act, there was a growing body of literature proposing the integration of the two health systems to improve the overall South African health system. This study explored the possibility for such collaboration by investigating case formulation by western-trained clinical psychologists and traditional health practitioners regarding selected cases of mental disorders. A qualitative research design, specifically a case study method was used in the present study. Six clinical psychologists and six traditional health practitioners were selected through purposive sampling and were requested to participate in the study. The researcher further sampled two vignettes of Major Depressive Disorder and Schizophrenia for data collection purposes. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and vignettes and analysed through Braun and Clarke‟s thematic content analysis steps. Six main themes that related to case formulations by clinical psychologists emerged. These themes were: a). Collateral information as a major determinant in the assessment and treatment of mental illness; b). Classifications of mental illness; c). The symptomatology of mental illness; d). Causes of mental illness; e). The multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of mental illness; and f). Views regarding the collaboration of Clinicians and Traditional Health Practitioners. On the other hand, eight themes that related to the case formulations by traditional health practitioners were identified. These themes were: a) Divination as the main process of enquiry, b) Descriptive names of mental illnesses, c) Conceptualisations of stress related and depressive disorders by Traditional Health Practitioners, d) Views on causes of mental illness, e) The effectiveness of the Western approach in the treatment of some forms of mental illness, f) The relationship between religion and African traditional practices; g) A calling as symbolised by symptoms of mental illness, and, h) Traditional health practitioners‟ views on the collaboration between themselves and western health practitioners. The study has further revealed that there are some similarities as well as differences in the way clinical psychologists and traditional health practitioners formulate cases. The convergences in their formulations were revealed in the following themes; a). The conceptualisation of stress and related conditions; b). The western system is the most appropriate in the management of stress-related and depressive disorders and c). The benefits of the collaboration between western and African healing systems. The following divergences were further identified from the way clinical psychologists and traditional health practitioners formulate their cases: a). The conceptualisation of the presenting symptoms from the two cases; b). The causal factors of mental health conditions; c). The initial methods of enquiry; and d). The management of mental health conditions. The study has further revealed that both traditional health practitioners and clinical psychologists have positive views regarding the collaboration of western and African traditional health systems, especially in the management of mental disorders. The study has further uncovered the convergences and divergences in the conceptualisation of mental health conditions between traditional health practitioners and clinical psychologists.

Officiellement généralisée par la loi du 11 octobre 1946, la médecine du travail s’impose aujourd’hui à tous les secteurs d’activité. Pour veiller sur la santé et la sécurité des travailleurs, la loi a confié aux médecins du travail une mission de prévention consistant à « éviter toute altération de la santé des travailleurs du fait de leur travail, notamment en surveillant leurs conditions d'hygiène au travail, les risques de contagion et leur état de santé, ainsi que tout risque manifeste d'atteinte à la sécurité des tiers évoluant dans l'environnement immédiat de travail» (Code du travail –article L.4622-3). Bien que tous les médecins du travail remplissent des fonctions identiques, les règles qui leur sont applicables varient en fonction de leurs secteurs d’activités. En conséquence, on constate une grande hétérogénéité des statuts. Cette étude présente le statut des médecins du travail des services de santé au travail non agricole et le statut des médecins du travail des fonctions publiques. A travers un état des lieux, la thèse apporte un éclairage précis sur l’hétérogénéité de leur statut et conduit à s’interroger sur la mise en place des règles plus homogènes. / Officially extended by the law of October 11th, 1946, occupational health has nowadays become part of all business sectors. To ensure the workers’ health and safety, the law entrusted the occupational health practitioners with a risk prevention with the aim ‘to avoid any deterioration of the workers’ health due to their work, including looking after their work hygiene conditions, the contagion risks and their state of health. It also covers all clear risks linked to third party safety working in the immediate work environment (labour law – article L.4622-3).Although all occupational health practitioners have similar duties, the rules that they apply can vary according the business sectors. Therefore we notice a wide variety of status. This study deals with the status of the occupational health practitioners in the occupational health department of the non-farm and public service. By analyzing the current situation, this thesis gives a precise perspective on the heterogeneousness of their status and leads to questioning setting up more homogenous rules.

MRDV / Institute for Rural Development / Traditional medicine still plays a bigger role in people dealing with health and disease. Research shows that in some Asian and African countries, traditional medicine forms the primary mode of health care for 80% of the population. This is actively promoted in South Africa and is used by at least 70% of the country’s population. This study investigated the contributory factors leading mental health care users to use a combination of traditional and modern medicine in rural areas. The study was conducted using qualitative research methods. The population of this study were MHCUs, Mental health practitioners and traditional healers. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. Data was analyzed through a computer programme called Atlas TI. The results revealed the following as contributory factors leading mental health care users to use modern and traditional medicine in rural areas : cultural factor , belief in witch craft , influence by significant others (family members and friends), poor PHC intervention and treatment method. Recommendations to the health care practitioners and policy makers around the use of traditional and modern medicine was made based on the findings.