The study focuses on the attitudes of teachers towards inclusive education that is phased in according to White Paper 6 on inclusive education. Since the first democratic elections in South Africa in April 1994, a general feeling of optimism and a common commitment to improving the quality of education has emerged and many changes have taken place. The basis of this change is laid by the constitution of the country and the Bill of Rights that ensures the rights of all civilians including those of learners towards education. Furthermore the rights of all learners towards their education is categorically emphasised in White Paper 6. White Paper 6 is a policy document which upholds inclusive education and is in accordance with international trends whereby all learners including those with barriers to learning have a right to an education of their choice wherever its practicable. White Paper 6 of 2001 makes reference to the need to remove these barriers in favour of effective learning for all learners irrespective of their barriers to learning. In the process of learning, teachers always play an important role. In much local and international literature where inclusion and teachers’ attitudes have been studied it has been found that positive attitudes in teachers towards inclusive education play an important role in the implementation process of inclusive education. It was also clear from the literature that negative attitudes makes teaching in an inclusive educational setting negative. In South Africa inclusive education is in the process of being implemented. Therefore, it is important to determine what the attitudes of teachers are towards inclusive education. Furthermore, the purpose of this study is to gain insight into teachers’ attitudes towards inclusive education. The data gathered will be helpful in training teachers, policy implementation towards facilitation of the development of positive attitudes and process of inclusive education. In achieving this of identifying the attitudes of special school teachers towards inclusive education, one focus group and two individual interviews were conducted at two special schools. From the analysis of data, it was apparently clear that teachers demonstrated negative attitudes towards inclusive education. The transcribed data of the interviews were analysed through the constant data analysis method as a “process whereby data gradually evolves into a core of emerging theory” (Merriam, 1998:191). In the dynamic and complex process of meaning making of data, five themes were eventually identified among the separate sub-themes to establish the main patterns for the data. In an effort to establish more positive attitudes in general towards inclusive education it would probably be advisable for government to take note of these negative attitudes and train teachers towards a more accepting changing of roles. / Prof. J. Pillay

At present, many national and local governmental programmes initiated to promote greater economic growth as well as alleviating poverty and unemployment include, among others, Local Economic Development (LED) poverty alleviation projects. LED poverty alleviation projects which are the focus of this study typically concentrate on empowering vulnerable groups, especially women and the disabled to improve their livelihoods by providing them with rural infrastructure, employment opportunities as well as training. It is evident that the need to address poverty and inequality has been firmly placed at the centre of the nation’s agenda. Several poverty audits have been undertaken, and a range of policy documents and strategies have been developed to address this crucial issue. The LED strategy is a locally driven process by which public, business and the non-governmental sector partners work collectively to create better conditions for economic growth and employment generation in order to sustain livelihood and to improve future economic prospects. This study explored the concept of poverty as understood globally and investigated the perspectives and poverty alleviation approaches in developing countries and in South Africa against the background of certain developing countries’ trends, especially LED. The study also determined the meaning of the concept of LED within the South African context and investigated the historical legislative milieu of LED, the key role players and strategies as well as an investigation on how this relates to the implementation strategy of LED implementation projects in the Thulamela Municipality. This study also assessed whether LED initiatives, and in particular, LED projects are successful toward alleviating poverty in the Thulamela Municipality in the Limpopo province. Specific critical issues addressed in this study include the determination of the socio-economic development benefits derived by the projects’ participants in the Thulamela Municipality towards unemployment and poverty alleviation as well as the sustainability of the projects. / Prof. C. J. Auriacombe

Prof. T.C. Bisschoff

High population growth rates, shrinking budgets, and urban migration are some of the factors that have led to an increase in demand for jobs in South Africa. This demand cannot be met by the formal enterprise sector and many job seekers have to be absorbed in the informal sector. With many people being unemployed it is important that they be helped to regain their self-esteem by being economically active. When people are economically active it leads to their empowerment and they are able to address their needs. Abbey (1999:3) indicates that strategies to combat poverty must concentrate on ensuring empowerment and creating opportunities for the poor. The informal sector consists of a large mass of the excluded such as women, the illiterate, the voiceless and the unrepresented. The people in this sector tend to lack the infrastructure, technical and managerial expertise or knowledge, financial resources, transportation and information that would make them successful. The informal sector plays a very important role in addressing the unemployment crisis and alleviating poverty for the majority of people in South Africa. Support for the informal sector can be through micro-lenders who can help finance the poor when formal lending institutions are not able to assist them (Kirsten, van Zyl and Vink, 1998:13). Women and children are the most vulnerable groups when it comes to poverty. The informal sector could help them become organised small entrepreneurs to enable them to provide a decent living for themselves and their families. But for many women it is difficult to find credit institutions that can help them to start their own businesses. Some of the reasons could be that they do not have a credit record, are unemployed and do not have collateral when they apply for credit. Micro-lenders can be of help as they are at times able to provide credit to groups of people who are not able to obtain credit from formal institutions to start their own businesses (Russell, 1995:33). This study was undertaken because research on the determinants of rural poverty emanates from the increasing concern to understand the reasons for the failure of development strategies in many Third World countries to reduce mass poverty. The living standards of the majority of the rural population in the Third World have failed to improve. In many countries there has been deterioration in their living standards, especially among the lower income groups. This has happened not only in countries where no significant growth in per capita income was achieved, but also in those countries or areas where growth has been rapid (Elkan, 1988:175). Increased poverty has been accompanied by increased under-utilisation of human labour. Development literature, on the whole, does not provide satisfactory explanations for this phenomenon. This has contributed to a failure to design and implement appropriate strategies and policies (Kirsten, van Zyl and Vink, 1998:11). Economists have been working on economic strategies for decades. The main purpose has been to tackle the issue of poverty by addressing the economic evils of the world. But despite all the impressive efforts by economists, politicians and other experts in different disciplines, the majority of the world's population continues to be trapped in absolute poverty: a condition of life characterised by diseases, illiteracy, high infant mortality, squalid surroundings and low life expectancy (Kirsten, van Zyl and Vink, 1998:14). / Prof. C.S. van der Waal

M.Ed. / One of the greatest challenges facing the youth of South Africa and that of the rest of the world is HIV/AIDS. As the number of infected teachers and pupils increase, it can be expected that quality education will decrease. At present there seems to be no medical solution to the HIV/AIDS threat. Although different stakeholders are providing means of minimising the spread of the pandemic, HIV still remains a threat to the society. Most of the youth engage in sexual activities while they are still young. If the HIV virus is spread through unprotected sex with an infected person, the need to adopt certain strategies that can assist them to stay safe, becomes essential. This project will focus on different strategies that can be employed to fight and win the battle against HIV/AIDS in secondary schools in the Limpopo Province. / Dr. M.C. Van Loggerenberg

D.Cur. / The overall objective of this study was to describe the model and criteria for woman-centered care that will serve as a theoretical framework for implementing the Batho-Pele Principles in order to facilitate mutual participation between mothers and attending midwives during childbirth at one hospital of the Capricorn district in the Limpopo Province. The phases followed in this study were as follows: Phase 1: Concept Identification The concept identification was achieved through the use of a qualitative research approach which was exploratory, descriptive, contextual and inductive. A sample of 24 mothers and 12 attending midwives participated in the study. Different data collection methods were utilized. Data obtained from unstructured in-depth interviews were analyzed according to the protocol by Tesch (1990; cited in Cresswell, 1994:155). Data analysis from participant observation using semistructured observation and VAS were performed quantitatively by using frequency distribution. The results of interviews indicated experiences that foster/promote dependency in midwifery care. Woman-centered care was identified as a core category and as a central approach that would enhance mutual participation during childbirth. To ensure valid results, a model of trustworthiness as proposed by Lincoln and Guba (1985: 301-318) was utilized. Phase 2: Concept Analysis Following the concept identification, the concept analysis of a core category ‘woman-centered care’ was conducted using the framework as described by Walker and Avant (1995). Phase 3: Development of the Model and Criteria This phase dealt with the description of the structure and process of the model. Strategies were proposed, described and recommended to implement the model where there is interaction of a mother (patient) and a midwife (nurse). Evaluation of the model was done by having dialogue with experts and by utilizing Chinn and Kramer’s (1995:134-135) guidelines for evaluating theory. The criteria for womancentered care were formulated. A unique contribution of this study is the concept analysis of woman-centered care, the development and description of the womancentered childbirth model and the formulation of criteria for woman-centered care.

The main objectives of this study are to investigate the feasibility of using Northern Sotho as a language of commerce and industry and to determine the extent to which the environment favours the use of Northern Sotho as a language of marketing, advertising, business and acquiring entrepreneurial skills. The investigation is characterised by a two-pronged approach to data collection: a questionnaire survey and focus group interviews. A wealth of data was produced by these means. The data from the first phase were captured and decoded in categories set out in frequency tables. The categories were reduced to thematic constructs. Data from the second phase were captured and encoded in transcripts that were later decoded and reduced to themes, categories and sub-categories. The identified themes are consolidated as follows: · The exclusive hegemonic use of English or Afrikaans as a communication barrier to non-native speakers of these languages in commerce and industry · Socio-economic background of respondents · Existence of language policies for workers in commerce and industry · Dispositions of mother-tongue speakers of Northern Sotho and other languages towards the prospective development and use of Northern Sotho as a language of commerce and industry · Feasibility of developing Northern Sotho lexicography and terminology for the purposes of commerce and industry. The question here is: How does one determine feasibility? Before this issue could be addressed another important and sensitive matter had to be considered: to determine whether native speakers of Northern Sotho and the other South African languages are favourably disposed towards the prospective development and use of Northern Sotho as a language of commerce and industry. A negligible percentage of respondents expressed negative sentiments in this regard (cf. outcomes of focus group interviews). A distinct majority (64,7%) of respondents who filled in questionnaires was not favourably disposed but a significant minority (35,3%) was positive. However, it should be noted that the questionnaire was not designed to reveal explicit allegiances; hence responses in this regard are somewhat open to interpretation. The first step towards determining the feasibility of developing and using Northern Sotho as a language of commerce and industry was to determine the current situation in this regard. English and Afrikaans were naturally found to be dominant in commerce and industry while Northern Sotho was used among friends and colleagues in informal situations. Only 3% of the respondents to the questionnaire survey indicated that they used Northern Sotho for transactional purposes in commercial and industrial settings, while 46,8% reported using a smattering of Northern Sotho in a variety of situations. The second step was to determine the effects that could be expected on the current hegemonic use of English or Afrikaans as languages of commerce and industry. Most respondents reported that a lack of proficiency in English prevented them from performing well in their jobs in commerce and industry and some reported that it had been a significant impediment to their efforts to secure employment. In most instances they had no option but to use English to interact with potential employers because it was the only language in common use in commercial and industrial settings. The third step was to determine whether the respondents were proficient in Northern Sotho. It transpired that 68% of them had no command of the language while some reported that they were still learning it. This could be the contingent of 17,8% referred to above since 50,2% reported that they never use Northern Sotho for purposes relating to commerce and industry. The fourth step was to look for a model of language acquisition that would suit the communication needs of anyone who wished to acquire a command of Northern Sotho for use in commerce and industry. Models have been discussed and one has been recommended. The researcher also conducted a survey to establish the extent to which language policy documents exist in commerce and industry. The results of the questionnaire survey revealed that 42 of the 201 respondents are familiar with the language policy or language practice of the company at their place of work. This was in contrast to all the respondents (in the focus group interviews) who seemed to be unaware of the existence of such policies at their places of work. The need to develop and extend targeted/dedicated lexicographic and terminological resources for the use of Northern Sotho in commerce and industry was also identified. / Prof. L. C. Posthumus

M.Ed. / The advent of computers and information technology in society has generally contributed to the rethinking of a range of the practices in the education system. Today’s students live in an increasingly complex technological world, and there has been an increase of the importance of technology in the world. The importance of computers in business and the society cannot be overemphasized and there is much need to incorporate them into the school curriculum to assist learners with expected skills. The effect of the global economy has influenced the importance of Information Technology in education. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the integration of computers in a selected rural South African secondary school in the Limpopo Province, situated in the Mopani District, one of the six in the province. Qualitative research approach is used in this study and the research method is a case study method. Data collection techniques for this study were done by means of interviews, observations, conversations and questionnaires. The research findings in this study indicated that learners and educators alike at the selected school are aware of the benefits of computers in education in general. Learners are aware that possessing computer skills might assist them one way or another when they search for employment after they finish their school. However it emerged that they are not provided with adequate opportunities to be able to acquire the necessary skills. Among the factors that emerged as obstacles to computer integration at the selected school were lack of teacher development, lack of government support, shortage of funds and skilled staff. Teacher training emerged as the most important aspect to be addressed because teachers play an important role in the education of learners. Continuous educator development should be a priority of the department of education. It is further recommended that there should be a way to look at the feasibility of policy frameworks.

The topic of the study is The Impact of HIV/AIDS and STIs in Secondary Schools in the Limpopo Province. The impact of HIV/AIDS and STDs on educators and learners in secondary schools is problematic. These epidemics are associated with an increase in absenteeism, requests for time off, emotional problems, changes in attitudes, overload on the side of teachers, unexpected deaths, increasing demands being made on medical aid schemes, as well as disability and malfunctioning of people and structures. The standard of education is deteriorating because of these diseases. Similarly, there is the need for managing the effects of these epidemics. This study employs participatory action research. The quantitative method is utilized in the study. The questionnaire is used as an instrument of measurement. The most important findings are as follows: • There is an increase in absenteeism for both learners and educators. • Learners’ performance is deteriorating. • Participation of learners in sport and extra-mural activities is decreasing. • Teachers’ productivity is deteriorating. • Depression is taking its toll both among learners and educators. • There is a high rate of dropouts. / Dr. M.C. van Loggerenberg

The Republic of South Africa emerged as 'a product of a historical moment' and also as a reaction against imperialism, colonialism, racial discrimination and domination over the majority of black South Africans by the white minority. The democratic dispensation came into being also for the first time in its life in memorial for a long turbulent history followed by the general democratic elections held on 27th April 1994. The 1994 first general election liberated South Africa from the apartheid system and its subsequent primary objective was “… to transform South Africa into a non-racial and democratic society”. The new democratic government now looks politically different from the racist regime because the current government since 1994 has been, and to date still is, a truly and broadly representative of the South African citizens and also a transparent one, whereas the defunct apartheid government was characterized primarily by, among other things, the violation of human rights, denying black South Africans of any rights of basic services, no rights of owning property or land, no freedom of association and speeches and firmly practised discrimination which was detrimental to the majority of the black population groups in this country. According to the then President Nelson Mandela whilst addressing the ANC masses that were commemorating the eighty-third (83rd) anniversary of the African National Congress on the 8th January 1995, democracy entails “… a thorough-going process of transformation, of overcoming the political, social and economic legacy of apartheid colonialism, of racism, sexism and class oppression.” The government is still grappling with the challenge of ensuringa better life for all the citizens of this country (http://www.anc.org.za/show.php?doc=ancdocs/history/jan8-95html:1).