This study was undertaken with the purpose of analysing the public accountability system of secondary schools in the Johannesburg North District. It also tested the relationship between the accountability system and the effectiveness and efficiency of secondary schools. Over and above principals, learners and parents, the study also utilised numerous published literature to analyse the current accountability system. The findings of the empirical study revealed that there were disparities between the literature review and the current accountability system. Three major findings were made by this study. Firstly, there is a lack of synergy between internal and external accountability systems. Secondly, there are different accountability systems used by different secondary schools in the same District and lastly grade twelve results are used to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of secondary schools in the chosen District. In conclusion, proposals which may assist in improving the current accountability system were made. / Public Administration and Management / M. Tech. (Public Management)

This study investigated coercive and high risk sexual practices in South African adolescent dating relationships. Quantitative and qualitative information was collected from secondary school learners in a community near Johannesburg. Of 928 learners surveyed, 23.5% of females and 53.7% of males ever had sex. Of these, 57.8% of females and 44.2% of males reported sexual victimisation, and 46.8% of females and 50% of males reported perpetrating sexual coercion in a relationship. Significantly more males engaged in risky sex than females. Among females, sexual coercion was significantly linked to risky sexual behaviour. Among males, alcohol and perpetration of sexual coercion were significantly associated with risky sexual behaviour. Focus group data reveal how dominant constructions of gender normalise male coercion and contribute to risky sexual practices. Recommendations for sexual health initiatives include introducing alternative discourses of female sexual desire and male sexual responsibility as a means for building healthier adolescent dating relationships. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

This study investigated coercive and high risk sexual practices in South African adolescent dating relationships. Quantitative and qualitative information was collected from secondary school learners in a community near Johannesburg. Of 928 learners surveyed, 23.5% of females and 53.7% of males ever had sex. Of these, 57.8% of females and 44.2% of males reported sexual victimisation, and 46.8% of females and 50% of males reported perpetrating sexual coercion in a relationship. Significantly more males engaged in risky sex than females. Among females, sexual coercion was significantly linked to risky sexual behaviour. Among males, alcohol and perpetration of sexual coercion were significantly associated with risky sexual behaviour. Focus group data reveal how dominant constructions of gender normalise male coercion and contribute to risky sexual practices. Recommendations for sexual health initiatives include introducing alternative discourses of female sexual desire and male sexual responsibility as a means for building healthier adolescent dating relationships. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

Risk taking behaviours such as drug use, sexual activities and tattooing are prevalent in the correctional institutions, including those in South Africa. Such behaviours pose a serious challenge as regards health care of inmates. In particular, these behaviours contribute to the transmission of HIV/AIDS which results in morbidity and mortality. Harm reduction components are employed as effective measure to curb the spread of the pandemic. These components are lauded owing to their considerable impact. They consist of needle exchange programmes, substitution therapy, condom provision and education. Various developing (Morocco, Brazil and Egypt) and developed (Scotland and Canada) countries make use of such components to address risk taking behaviours in correctional institutions. Although condom provision and education have been implemented by the South African Department of Correctional Services in state institutions, there is an urgent need to enhance the efforts. This study investigates the extent of risk taking behaviours amongst inmates at the Leeuwkop Correctional Centre. It also determines the level of knowledge of inmates and staff regarding HIV/AIDS. The researcher employed a qualitative form of methodology, collecting data by means of a structured questionnaire. The data was coded and analysed by means of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The findings reveal that the risk taking behaviours are prevalent at the Leeuwkop Correctional Centre. Furthermore, the analysis of the knowledge items regarding HIV/AIDS indicates that there are certain deficits that require attention. They are also notable differences in the primary sources of HIV information for inmates and staff. It was found that a dire need exists to enhance and expand current harm reduction initiatives in correctional institutions in order to offer health care services that are compliant with international conventions such as the Dublin Declaration on HIV/AIDS as well as the South African Constitution. Reluctance to do so is tantamount to housing inmates in „de facto‟ death chambers. Hence the augmentation of such initiatives is strongly recommended. / Penology / D. Litt. et Phil. (Penology)

Risk taking behaviours such as drug use, sexual activities and tattooing are prevalent in the correctional institutions, including those in South Africa. Such behaviours pose a serious challenge as regards health care of inmates. In particular, these behaviours contribute to the transmission of HIV/AIDS which results in morbidity and mortality. Harm reduction components are employed as effective measure to curb the spread of the pandemic. These components are lauded owing to their considerable impact. They consist of needle exchange programmes, substitution therapy, condom provision and education. Various developing (Morocco, Brazil and Egypt) and developed (Scotland and Canada) countries make use of such components to address risk taking behaviours in correctional institutions. Although condom provision and education have been implemented by the South African Department of Correctional Services in state institutions, there is an urgent need to enhance the efforts. This study investigates the extent of risk taking behaviours amongst inmates at the Leeuwkop Correctional Centre. It also determines the level of knowledge of inmates and staff regarding HIV/AIDS. The researcher employed a qualitative form of methodology, collecting data by means of a structured questionnaire. The data was coded and analysed by means of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The findings reveal that the risk taking behaviours are prevalent at the Leeuwkop Correctional Centre. Furthermore, the analysis of the knowledge items regarding HIV/AIDS indicates that there are certain deficits that require attention. They are also notable differences in the primary sources of HIV information for inmates and staff. It was found that a dire need exists to enhance and expand current harm reduction initiatives in correctional institutions in order to offer health care services that are compliant with international conventions such as the Dublin Declaration on HIV/AIDS as well as the South African Constitution. Reluctance to do so is tantamount to housing inmates in „de facto‟ death chambers. Hence the augmentation of such initiatives is strongly recommended. / Penology / D. Litt. et Phil. (Penology)

The research project investigated whether victims of housebreaking experienced motivational, cognitive and emotional deficits central to the Learned Helplessness phenomenon. In keeping with the Reformulated Learned Helplessness theory the attributional style of victims, were also assessed. The State-Trait Inventory developed by Spielberger, Gorsuch, Lushene, Vagg and Jacobs was administered to measure the anxiety levels of victims. Sub-goals served as illustration for the learned helplessness phenomenon. Three- hundred victims, using probability sampling techniques, were interviewed by means of an interview schedule. Support was found for cognitive and some motivational deficits and a common range of emotions experienced by victims. The majority of victims exhibited a global attnbutional style. Burglary victims did not show appreciably higher trait and state scores means, except for females in the 19-39 age group, when compared to a psychological norm. Environmental factors did play a role in rendering homes vulnerable. Recommendations addressing the fear of housebreaking were made at a therapeutic and practical level. / Sociology / M.A. (Criminology)

This study addresses the effectiveness of communication between the team (doctors, sisters and social workers) and patients at the Breast Cancer Clinic of the Johannesburg Hospital. Tue needs of patients were highlighted, as well as the role of care-giver, both as a group and in their separate disciplines, in attempting to meet these needs. Tue empirical survey was carried out through the use of questionnaires as well as interview schedules. Patients, doctors, nurses and social workers were used as respondents. Results indicated that the majority of patients' needs for information and support were met by the team in general; however, a need for further social work intervention seemed to be apparent. In addition, several barriers were found to inhibit both team-patient and inter-team communication. Tue researcher used the information gathered in this study to make recommendations that will facilitate improved communication in the clinic, with specific reference to the role of the social worker. / Social Work / M.A.(Social Science: Mental Health)

The study deals with the professional development of educators as a key factor in the promotion of the culture of learning in Johannesburg South District. The aim was to determine the impact of professional development workshops in Johannesburg South district schools. A literature review was used to establish what other scholars say about the concept of professional development. Thereafter, a qualitative study was conducted. Data was gathered during interviews, based on pre-planned interview questions. Ten experienced participants were selected by using purposive sampling and asked about their perceptions and experience of professional development in the Johannesburg South District. The recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed to explore educators’ insights about professional development in the district. Findings indicate that educators wish to be rewarded with certificates of attendance or monetary incentives after attending professional development workshops presented by knowledgeable facilitators, and they also wish to collaborate with teachers from other districts. / Educational Management and Leadership / M. Ed. (Education Management)

The disclosure of headline earnings is one of the JSE Limited (JSE)’s listing requirements. All listed entities are required to comply with this disclosure requirement. Guidance in the form of The Circular on headline earnings is issued by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), and is updated every time when there are changes to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The Circular adopts a rules-based approach and specifies what is included and excluded in the calculation of headline earnings. The rules consist of general rules, which apply to all entities other than those industry groups with special provisions such as the life insurance entities. This study questions whether a rules-based headline earnings approach or a principles-based approach is more appropriate for the calculation of headline earnings of listed property entities on the JSE, for economic decision-making purposes. The research method consisted of questionnaires that were sent out to stakeholders. The responses from the CFOs and investment analysts show that principles-based headline earnings guidance is preferred over rules-based headline earnings guidance. / Business Management / M. Phil (Accounting Sciences)

Background: The South Africa’s reproductive health policy put more emphasis on dual methods in preventing unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) transmission. Regardless of such policies, the uptake of voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services remains a personal choice. Aim: The purpose of the study was to determine the accessibility, acceptance and utilisation of VCT services by women on hormonal contraceptives. Methods: About 134 women obtaining hormonal contraceptives were interviewed in a cross-sectional study. Descriptive and logistic regression analysis was applied to analyse the study data. Results: Respondents displayed positive attitudes towards Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing. Unavailability and poor access to in-house VCT services was found to be a barrier for use of these services. Conclusion: There’s a need for provider initiated counselling and testing (PICT) strengthening and integration of VCT services into family planning. / Health Studies / M (Public Health) / 362.104256