Magister Artium - MA / The thesis offers insight into English literature studies as taught at high school level to Grade 12 learners, employing Louise Rosenblatt’s reader response theory to explore and understand their encounter and engagement with prescribed poetry by enquiring as to whether social conditions in their lives allow an identification with these poems. The thesis argues for the validity and implementation of reader response theory in the South African curriculum because when learners engage with their memories, experiences and opinions; identification with the poem is possible. If learners identify with the poems that are being taught, there may be a sense of harmony as they realise that their problems or experiences are not in isolation. The sample population comprises of learners attending two high schools located in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town: a community that presents a myriad of societal challenges. Proper ethical considerations were followed in order to gain access to the research sites and anonymity was promised to all research participants. The research entails the usage of openended questionnaires to elicit data which has been processed qualitatively by means of content analysis whereby various central social environment themes were identified. A background of Mitchells Plain’s social ills is provided in order to understand the challenges facing the research participants. The thesis offers an extensive discussion on the history and current state of education in South Africa, as well as a delineation of the study of the discipline of poetry by highlighting its proposed benefits from humanities and scientific perspectives. Additionally, the thesis provides a background on different reader response theories and published reader response studies with a focus on the social environment of the individual for further elucidation of the theoretical framework. Results of the study reveal that the selected poems by William Blake, W.H. Auden, Gerard Manley Hopkins and Chinua Achebe yield fascinating responses as most research participants can socially identify with the contextual themes and characters. The thesis sheds light on a few shortcomings or limitations which may have impacted the data collection process and provides recommendations on how to improve any future related studies and possibilities of best teaching practice of English literature in South African high schools.

Magister Artium (Social Work) - MA(SW) / Substance abuse has become a serious global problem affecting individuals, families and communities. The effects of substance abuse devastate both the user and their families. This study aimed to describe the adverse effects that substance abuse has on the levels of care giving and well-being of families. The study explored family members perceptions of the ways in which an adolescent’s substance abuse affects family care giving and well-being. The study was conducted within a qualitative approach in order to gather an in depth understanding of the family’s experiences. Furthermore, the study was aligned with Family Systems and Bowens Family Theories, which served as reference points to allow the researcher to discern how substance abuse influences family roles, dynamics and functioning. The researcher used the case study design which focused on an issue of concern (such as adolescent substance abuse) and thus selected one case to elucidate the issue i.e. a single case study. The case would be the family members of substance abusing adolescents in Mitchells Plain. The population of interest were the parents and siblings of adolescents who abused substances. Purposive sampling was used to select families with participants who had the specific qualities and experiences needed for the study. The study sample consisted of 12 participants, seven parents (mothers) and five siblings. The participants were female which corresponds with literature, as females are perceived as more willing to share and speak about their experiences. Individual semi-structured interviews were used for data collection through the use of interview schedules. Data verification methods ensured credibility (member checking), transferability (using thick, rich descriptions), dependability (an inquiry audit), and confirmability (using researcher reflexivity). The data was analysed in the form of qualitative thematic analysis achieving data reduction by seeking themes, sub-themes and categories of data. Four themes emerged from the findings, namely, (1) parents/sibling reactions to discovering the substance abuse, (2) the effects of substance abuse on the parents/siblings living with a substance abuser, (3) effects on family communication, and (4) measures used to assist the substance abuser. Each theme was further delineated into 12 sub-themes and 23 categories which were based on both predefined and emergent codes. Permission to conduct this study was obtained from the university’s Faculty of Community and Health Sciences Ethics Committee by its Humanities and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee (HSSREC); and by the Department of Social Development’s Research Ethics Committee. Ethics compliance was assured through confidentiality and privacy, securing and handling of confidential information, and debriefing opportunities to ensure that emotional harm is minimised together with sensitive interviewing techniques.

Magister Artium (Development Studies) - MA(DVS) / Multiple studies have explored aspects of food choice; however, few have used a gendered approach. Understanding issues relating to food from a gendered perspective has become crucial in terms of combating and preventing diseases and epidemics such as obesity and malnutrition within the 21st century. The notion that men and women have different perspectives in terms of food has become apparent in recent literature.

Magister Artium - MA / Die fokuspunt van hierdie studie is die impak van die Lentegeur Hospitaal op die plaaslike inwoners. Omdat daar gewoonlik 'n stigma aan geestesinrigtings kleef, wou daar met hierdie studie vasgestel word wat die inwoners se persepsie van die Lentegeur Hospitaal is. Dieselfde konsepte waarmee Dear (1980) gewerk het, is ook in hierdie studie gebruik, nl. afstandsverval, ruimtelike esternaliteitsveld, intensiteit, impak en eksternaliteitsbron. Vir die doel van hierdie studie is van beide kwalitatiewe (onderhoude) en kwantitatiewe (vraelyste)' navorsingsmetodes gebruik gemaak om die empiriese data te verkry. Deur altwee metodes te gebruik, word die beperkinge van 'n enkele metode ten minste gedeeltelik oorkom. Sodoende kon die persepsies van die plaaslike inwoners ten beste verwoord word. Alhoewel daar ook na ander perspektiewe gekyk word, vorm die politiek-ekonomie die dominante teoretiese raamwerk. Hierdie paradigma dien as 'n verwysingsraamwerk waarbinne die toestande in 'n land soos Suid-Afrika bestudeer kan word; en wat ook verklaringsmoontlikhede bied vir die politieke en ekonomiese ongelykhede in die land. Die belangrikste bevindinge van hierdie ondersoek is soos volg: Die oorheersende persepsie van die inwoners ten opsigte van die hospitaal is positief. Dus is die aanname dat geestesinrigtings noodwendig 'n negatiewe impak moet hê, deur hierdie studie verkeerd bewys. Alhoewel gemeenskapsleiers die noodsaaklikheid van 'n algemene hospitaal gepropageer het, was niemand gekant teen Lentegeur Hospitaal nie. Hierdie positiewe ingesteldheid teenoor die hospitaal kan tot 'n groot mate toegeskryf word aan: die aantreklike struktuur van die inrigting; die fasiliteite van die hospitaal wat aan die inwoners beskikbaar gestel word; die feit dat die hospitaal 'n belangrike werkverskaffer is; en en baie van die inwoners behandeling by die hospitaal ontvang / South Africa

Magister Artium - MA / Cape Town has arguably the most diversified urban agriculture sector across the country. Nevertheless, the desired gains of urban agriculture are barely realized. The organization of urban agriculture, specifically the nature in which urban farmers are organized in relation to supporting actors, is identified as a significant factor in influencing the success of the activity. Surprisingly, the literature on the organization of urban farmers and supporting actors in Cape Town is scanty. It is on this basis that this study aimed to investigate the organization of urban farmers and their relationship with supporting actors in Mitchells Plain. Informed by the social capital theory, a case-study approach was employed where both the qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis were utilized to meet the study objectives. A random sampling technique was used in the selection of the 60 respondents for a questionnaire survey. Purposive sampling was employed to select the key informant respondents which included knowledgeable urban farmers, Non-Governmental Organization officials, a Research official and a Provincial Department of Agriculture official. Secondary data collection was achieved through a systematic review of scholarly literature and policy documents. The statistical software IBM SPSS 25 was employed to process and analyze quantitative data through descriptive and inferential techniques. For qualitative data, thematic analysis was conducted to process the transcribed interviews whilst a hermeneutic approach was used to analyze secondary data. The study findings show that urban farmers are organized into loose and largely fragmented informal networks within Mitchells Plain. Although these forms of networks in their current state are beneficial to household farmers, community farmers require more formal networks to operate optimally and receive resources beyond non-governmental organization assistance. Moreover, the study discovered a lack of meaningful coordination of activities between the supporting actors involved in urban farming initiatives which militate against the success of urban agriculture activities in the community. Consequently, the study recommends that supporting actors need to develop functional partnerships to enhance the impact of urban agriculture activities. Also, community farmers are encouraged to affiliate with formal networks while household farmers simply need to enhance informal networking amongst themselves to improve activity coordination and resource access from supporting actors.

Master of Public Health - MPH / Background: Obesity in South Africa is a critical public health issue. Previously considered a problem of the affluent, obesity is now reported among all populations in South Africa regardless of age, race, gender or geographical location. Although a body of literature suggests that sociocultural, environmental and behavioural factors are likely to explain the increasing levels of obesity in South Africa, few studies have examined the relationship between socioeconomic status and obesity. As such, there is dearth of evidence showing how socioeconomic status influences obesity in the country. Given the multiplicity of challenges associated with controlling obesity, understanding the link between socioeconomic status and obesity is critical for informing and developing effective prevention programmes. This study therefore examines the nexus between socioeconomic status and obesity by using Khayelitsha as a case study area. Goal and objectives: Guided by the conceptual framework of the Theory of Planned Behaviour, the overall goal of this study is to determine how education status and income level influence dietary and weight control behaviours in relation to obesity. The objectives are to 1) examine the role of social factors on food consumption behaviour; 2) investigate the influence of income levels on food consumption; 3) explore the relationship between education levels and food choices and 4) provide recommendations for policy review. Methods: This research is embedded within a larger study conducted by researchers from the Institute for Social Development on factors that influence food choices and eating habits of residents in Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain. The epistemological position forming the basis of this research was guided by the concepts of positivist and interpretivist paradigms, as both perspectives were deemed relevant for achieving the study objectives. Moreover, the study combined both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to analyze the gathered data. Results: The study identified cereals, bread, pasta, milk products, processed meat, fried chicken, fish and oil fat, soft drinks, fruit and vegetables as the main kinds of food consumed by residents in Khayelitsha. However, among these food groups, fruit and vegetables consumption was found to be low. In general, cost was identified as the main barrier for the frequent consumption of fruit and vegetables. The study also discovered a positive relationship between education and eating habits, with most educated individuals’ demonstrating high intentions to consume healthy foods compared to people with lower education. However, in contrast to the hypothesis of this study, the impact of education on dietary behaviour was found to be insignificant. Similarly, the impact of education on weight control behaviour was found to be insignificant although the relationship between these two variables was equally found to be positive. With regards to the association between income and food choices the study discovered an overall positive relationship between the two variables. However, the general effect of income on food choice was not statistically significant. Cost of food and low family income were found to be key barriers to the purchase and consumption of healthy foods. Conclusion and recommendations: This study has demonstrated that education and income status correlate positively with dietary lifestyle as well as weight management practices. However, contrary to the hypotheses outlined in this study, neither education nor income status was found to significantly impact on dietary and weight control behaviours. In general, other factors such as culture, price of foods, television advertisement and perception of weight status were found to also contribute to respondent’s dietary lifestyle and weight management practices. Given these findings, a multidisciplinary approach involving the promotion of proper dietary patterns as well as physical activity are recommended. Specifically, the strategies should focus on 1) the development of policy measures that regulate the high cost of healthy foods, 2) the roll-out of food voucher interventions that promote frequent consumption of fruit and vegetables and 3) the promotion of physical exercises in religious and health centers.

Magister Public Health - MPH / Adolescent pregnancy holds numerous health and social risks for mother and child. Adolescent access to maternal health services is of vital importance to ensure that pregnant adolescents receive timely and effective health care. Evidence suggests that adolescents tend to seek medical care late in their pregnancies and attend fewer than the recommended four antenatal visits. This results in missed opportunities to improve maternal and newborn health due to untreated sexually transmitted diseases and uninhibited mother-to-child HIV transmission, resulting in low birth weight among other poor pregnancy outcomes. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rate of adolescent births worldwide, in keeping with evidence that low-to-middle income countries have the highest rates of adolescent pregnancy. Adolescent pregnancy in South Africa remains a public health concern, and the Mitchells Plain sub-district has a particularly high rate of adolescent pregnancy. The aim of this study was thus to explore the barriers to access for maternal health care services amongst pregnant adolescents in the Mitchells Plain sub-district.

Magister Educationis - MEd / This thesis constitutes an investigation into the effects of literacy in a community which is severly disadvantaged. The thesis explored various ways in which the concept of literacy could be examined and the political assuments implied in each literacy orientation. In order to explore the effects of literacy following conventional research procedures a pilot study was conducted. During the pilot the data revealed that statistical analysis could not capture the political and 'liberational'nuances generated by literacy. In the light of this, it became necessary to adopt a mode of analysis which could capture the effects of the literacy. This study therefore constitutes a description of the, advantages and disadvantages of radically switching to a different paradigm in the life of a single project.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / The increase in overweight and obesity worldwide is described as a global health epidemic. A great proportion of this epidemic is now found in low- and middle-income countries with higher levels of prevalence, particularly in emerging economies. In sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa ranks high in the prevalence of obesity at all levels. Since the inception of democracy in 1994, the government is yet to overcome the burden of poverty and inequality routed in its apartheid past. Apartheid systematically and unjustly disintegrated and segregated black Africans and people of Colour, denying them access to economic opportunity, thus leaving them on a dependency status. Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain are the relics of apartheid policies. Obesity and associated diseases are highly correlated with gender dynamics, economic conditions, nutritional status, poverty, and urbanisation. It is increasingly evident that poor urban dwellers, especially women and children are at risk of obesity-related factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart diseases. The increasing incidence of obesity especially amongst children is concerning. The prevalence of child poverty is in South Africa is a cause for concern. Over 18.5million children are in South Africa, 64% of which are dependent on CSG. With poverty and inequality affecting millions of households, access to food and quality food has reached crises level. Yet, it is a basic human right that has received little empirical response amongst policymaker in South Africa. The South African food system is complex, poverty is endemic and poor households are most vulnerable to unhealthy eating habits. This research critically analysis the link between food choices, overweight and obesity in adults and children living in urban peripheral communities in Cape Town. The study was designed to interrogate the kinds of food eaten by urban peripheral dwellers, their socioeconomic status and how the policy of the BIC addresses the problem of child obesity in South Africa. This research aimed to empirically explore the relationship between BMI and food choices of adults and children living in urban peripheries in Cape Town. The study also aimed at evaluating the BIC in urban townships in Cape Town in the context of child obesity, to understand the views of the children and to understand how poor households are ensuring the BIC in relation food access, food availability and child protection from obesity. The study further aimed at comparing the and contrasting the socioeconomic dynamics of the two population to understand the progress and gaps in their economic and health status. Empirical data were collected from households in Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain using a two-stage sampling technic to identify clusters and households. A sample of about 4300 individuals in 1052 households was sampled. A 24H dietary recall was used to capture food types of the population. The World Health Organisation guidelines for BMI adults and children were applied through the study. A BIC Index was developed to assess the right to food from the views of the child. First, the study found significant differences in the socioeconomic and demographic profiles of the population. Poverty and the risk of falling into poverty were higher in Khayelitsha than in Mitchells Plain. Two-third of the population (65%) of adults we found to be overweight and obese. Overweight and obesity amongst children was 29% and 68% of children reported that they buy food at school or on their way to school. Over 83% children stated that their parents give them money to take to school. There was a significant association between children buying food and parents giving money at X2 91.4643, P<= 0.000. Carbohydrate represents 40% and sugar 35% of food types children eat away from home. In terms of the BIC, 43% of the children

Magister Public Health - MPH / Promoting positive and healthy decision-making practices and encouraging the utilization of health care facilities amongst adolescents is an important public health priority given that the period of adolescence is characterized by experimentation and risk taking behaviour. In the Tafelsig area of Mitchell‟s Plain, a poor socio-economic community within the Cape Town metropole, adolescents are exposed to a range of social problems (such as alcohol and substance abuse) that can potentially be harmful to their health. Given this context there was some concern raised by the sub-district health management team that adolescents are not making sufficient use of the local health facilities. The purpose of this study was to gain a greater understanding of the factors that contribute to, or hinder, the utilization by adolescents of the public health facilities in the Tafelsig area and in turn provide the Department of Health with information on adolescents‟ preferences concerning access to and use of the local primary-level health services in Mitchells Plain.An exploratory descriptive study was conducted to explore the topic using qualitative research methods. Permission to conduct the research was obtained from the Higher Degrees Committee of the University of the Western Cape and the School Principal. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight Grade 9 and seven Grade 10 male and female learners from the local secondary school - all of whom were randomly selected from a list of learners who indicated their willingness to participate in the study and who had obtained the written consent from their parents or guardian to do so. Interviews with the learners explored the positive and negative experiences, perceptions and opinions they have of using – or contemplating the use of – the local health facilities. The data from these interviews were analyzed using thematic content analysis.The study demonstrated that even when public health services are available, adolescents are often not in a position themselves to choose for themselves: their parents or guardians invariably make the choice for them. At times they are also reluctant to use public health facilities for fear of being judged by health personnel for being sexually active. The idea of waiting for long periods of time to see a health professional, or being observed at the health facility by other members of their community, are also considered to be disincentives.Many of the learners interviewed expressed a need for more information about sexual and reproductive health issues and matters that affect their health. The findings of this study also suggest that there is an urgent need for youth-friendly health services to be made available in the Mitchells Plain community. It is thus recommended that the Department of Health strategically assess whether an existing public health facility can be re-orientated to cater for the specific health needs of adolescents in Mitchells Plain.