The traditional female life course is normative, socialized and supported by the ecology of compulsory marriage and motherhood. (Allen 1989:116) When the above mentioned quotation is studied, it seems that this statement is not valid anymore in the times where we find ourselves in. Unfortunately, singles have been looked upon with curiosity and suspicion. In the beginning of the nineteenth century never-married women were seen as someone with at least some kind of disability or a disastrous engagement to explain the fact that they are not married (Dorsman 1993:14). During modern times it seems that not much has changed with regard to perceptions about never-married women. Although the discourse in the church is that it is God=s will that people (men and women) will find fulfillment in each other in marriage, it does not seem to happen because of the broken reality that we find ourselves in. In this study the focus will be on the stories never-married women tell about themselves as well as stories from literature. It is an effort to address the ignorance and lack of understanding with regard to never-married women. Another aim is to guide never-married women by means of the narrative paradigm to develop their problem-saturated stories of doubt and pain into new stories of hope. These women should see themselves as complete and acceptable in society. The model that was chosen for the journey is the narrative approach within the social-constructionism paradigm. The researcher or therapist accompanies the never-married woman on the journey. She in turn becomes the co-researcher and the co-therapist. The influence and impact of discourses on the identity and worlds of the never-married woman will form part of this study. The research will culminate in the point where the narrative approach as an alternative therapeutic approach will be discussed. The research does not in any way claim to have come to any conclusions or truths as found during the research process. There are no easy answers or guidelines to help solve the problems of never-married women. In this research the never-married women are the partners or companions who have the outcomes of this research in their hands. The therapist is there to listen, to ask questions and to support. These women are seen as people with the inner potential to go about their lives with purpose and meaning. The purpose of the narrative approach is to help people to live (Louw 1993:38). The purpose of this study is not to uplift being never-married as the ultimate way of living, but to show that to be never-married can be a legitimate and positive alternative way of living. / Thesis (PhD (Practical Theology))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Practical Theology / unrestricted

This study explores the role and influence that advisers on international law in foreign ministries have on the diplomacy of modern states. The departure point of the study is the new interdisciplinary scholarship on the relationship between international relations and international law that was triggered by the termination of the Cold War and the bipolar, realist world order. New perceptions of increased interdependence between states resulting from the need for transboundary cooperation to address contemporary international problems also resulted in a renewed focus on the applicability of other theories, besides that of realism, which dominated international relations theory after the Second World War. This interdisciplinary scholarship, conducted by both international relations scholars and international lawyers, has both institutionalist and liberal underpinnings. Within this discourse a renewed focus on the role of advisers to governments on international law has also become evident, but it is generally of a descriptive nature and not directly linked to diplomacy. This study aims to contribute to this discourse by analysing the direct impact that advisers on international law, in most cases employed by foreign ministries, have on diplomatic decisions and the conduct of diplomacy by modern states, with a specific focus on South Africa. In the course of the study a number of propositions are explored. This is done by analysing the available literature and by means of three case studies. Two case studies will assess the role that advisers on international law played during two crises involving the use of armed force. During the Suez crisis of 1956 the realities of the Cold War started to assert themselves in international relations, while the NATO attack on Kosovo of 1999 took place within the post-Cold War paradigm. The third case study will explore the role of the Office of the Chief State Law Adviser (International Law) at the South African Department of Foreign Affairs in the formulation and conduct of South African diplomacy. The propositions advanced by this study relate firstly to a general approach by states to conduct their diplomacy within the limits of international law (or at least to justify it in terms of international law). The second proposition holds that the influence of law advisers is greater with regard to problems with a high legal content, but less profound in cases of crisis decision-making, with regard to issues with a high policy content or where considerations of security are involved. The third proposition explores two approaches towards the role of the law adviser: the first considers him/ her as an objective analyst of legal rules, while the second provides that the law adviser can choose from various interpretations of international law to advance an opinion that will further the state’s interests. Finally, the changes wrought on the international system, international law and diplomacy by the terrorist attacks against the United States of America on 11 September 2001 and their possible relation to the function of the law adviser, will be explored. / Dissertation (M (Diplomatic Studies))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Political Sciences / unrestricted

In a developing country with extensive social welfare needs such as poverty, HIV / Aids, unemployment, increased population of the elderly, less residential care for the disabled and a high divorce rate, there is a challenge to the social workers and welfare organisations to adapt to the circumstances by creative ways of handling the problems and lack of funding. Terblanche (1999: 387) endorses this statement: “The noble role that non-profit organisations fulfil have not, however protected them from being exposed to the pressures that for profit organisations are confronted with continuously.” However ,even if it is not the main aim of the welfare organisation to make a profit, they must still identify goals and plan strategies to be effective in providing the needs of the community. In every welfare organisation there are sponsors, volunteers and clients who are part of the community being served; social workers are part of the planning of specific marketing strategies to reach marketing goals, on every level especially in the distribution and provision of services and welfare programmes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge of the social workers in the Waterberg district regarding the marketing of services and to draft a guideline to address the problem areas. In this literature study the importance of the marketing mix (product, price, place, promotion, personnel, process and presentation) was accentuated, as well as the strategic marketing process and the influence of external factors on marketing. In the empirical study 21 respondents from welfare organisations in the Waterberg district were involved, 71% of them have a four-year B.A Social Work degree and 60 % of them have been working in the social work field longer than five years. Social workers in the Waterberg district are convinced of the importance of marketing but believe they are not theoretically equipped. The proposed guideline is based on the literature study as well as the empirical finding to increase the theoretical knowledge of the social workers regarding the marketing of services. It is, however, very important to remember that each welfare organisation is unique with its own mission and set of goals; the marketing mix and strategic marketing process will be the same in theory but must accommodate the differences. It is furthermore important to do a SWOT analyses before drafting a strategic marketing plan. The marketing mix must then be managed to be an effective combination for the target group. Kotler&Armstrong (2001: 67) endorse this: “Marketing mix is the set of controllable, tactical marketing tools that the firm blends to produce the response it wants in the target market.” Evaluation must be a continuous process to see to it that the mission of the organisation and its goals are being reached, and if not, the necessary changes to the marketing plan must be done. Thereafter the process of marketing repeats itself. We suggest that a module in the undergraduate studies, workshops, or orientation of new social workers in the workplace, can address the problem of the lack of theoretical knowledge of marketing by social workers. / Dissertation (MSD (Social Work Management))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Social Work / unrestricted

Large numbers of South African mine workers incur noise-induced hearing loss. The prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss is such that its financial implications for the industry are significant. This situation is often further compounded by an exaggeration of their hearing loss by some workers in an attempt to obtain compensation. Questionable cases must be re-assessed, increasing the cost of evaluations and the number of unproductive shifts. The inability to obtain true pure-tone thresholds in unco-operative workers leads to ineffectiveness in and frustration for audiologists and occupational health centres because they are not delivering an accountable service to the mining company and individual workers. The failure to obtain pure-tone thresholds may also lead to deserving workers not receiving compensation, and sudden hearing loss not being diagnosed. Workers unfit for their present occupations can also be further exposed to noise. Current audiological procedures can identify instances of exaggerated hearing loss (pseudohypacusis), but do not quantify the extent of exaggeration. Traditional testing techniques require patient co-operation and, hence, are insufficient to resolve cases where patient co-operation is not forthcoming. As a result this study was undertaken to determine the value of auditory steady state responses (ASSRs) as a means of estimating the pure-tone thresholds of noise-exposed workers. ASSRs need no response from the patient, and the electrical responses to the presented sound are measured by means of a real-time statistical analysis of the samples, using a computer, thereby offering real objectivity. The following research question was addressed: “What is the clinical value of ASSRs in the audiological assessment of pseudohypacusic workers with noise-induced hearing loss?” An experimental study was conducted, where different protocols and types of equipment used in the testing of ASSRs were evaluated in a group of min workers with noise-induced hearing loss (n=81). The influence of sedation on the threshold estimation was also evaluated. The proven best protocol was finally evaluated in a pseudohypacusic group of workers (n=29). The study indicates that ASSRs are a valid and accurate alternative to pure-tone testing in populations with noise-induced hearing loss. The test can serve as a once-off test procedure for an unco-operative client. The mean threshold estimates of ASSRs never differed more than 10 dB from the mean pure-tone thresholds. The test procedure was accurate throughout the severity range of hearing loss, and age did not influence the reliability of the threshold estimates. Single-frequency techniques were found to be the technique of choice in this population and it is recommended that the 40 Hz response is employed as a modulation frequency. Sedation did not have any effect on the length and the sensitivity of the procedure, and is thus not advocated if co-operation can be obtained. The length of the procedure is estimated at 60 minutes. Finally, this study has contributed to the validation of the technique (previous research was limited). As a result of this study, the implementation of this procedure in mines’ audiological centres is advocated since it has been proven to be of clinical value. / Thesis (DPhil (Communication Pathology))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology / Unrestricted

The paediatric HIV/AIDS population is expanding and speech-language therapists are required to treat these individuals in a range of settings for various complications, including oral-motor difficulties. Increased research and knowledge is essential in the treatment of these young children as this may result in improved service provision and facilitation of successful feeding by the speech-language therapist and caregivers in various settings. The nutritional management, - including diagnosis and management of swallowing disorders - of a young child with paediatric HIV/AIDS is of primary importance as malnutrition predisposes affected children to further opportunistic infections and malabsorption of nutrients. The main aim of this study was to describe the feeding behaviour of twelve 6 – 36 month-old children with paediatric HIV/AIDS in care centres in Gauteng. The participants were selected from two care centres that cater for children with HIV/AIDS. An exploratory descriptive research design was selected, where observation and assessment were employed to describe the feeding of these young children. The results of the study indicated that the participants presented with functional feeding skills, with a few individuals presenting with various feeding problems. The results also indicated that the children appear to be functioning well in the care centre environment. In addition, the feeding behaviour of the children was highly individual. Therefore, a number of disciplines should be involved in the intervention in the paediatric HIV/AIDS population, including the speech language therapist in order to provide optimal feeding intervention. / Dissertation (MComm Path)--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology / Unrestricted

The purpose of this research has been to examine the religious function of music in relation to the Baptist tradition. The role and function of music at Pretoria Central Baptist Church was the focus of the investigation. The following is the hypothesis of the study: against the background of a difficult music history the role and function of music used at Pretoria Central is organized to conform with biblical perspectives. Music now forms an important component of worship services and other religious meetings in the Church. The focus of musical activities is to enhance the congregants communion with God as well as to enrich the worshippers appreciation of communal and divine experience in religious activities. This hypothesis has been motivated by biblical and Pretoria Central perspectives. The structure of this study is divided into three parts. In the first division the actuality of the study is discussed. The reasons leading to the choice of subject are stated. The problem is formulated by giving the problem statement and problem solution. Other points that are raised in this part include objectives, research method, hypothesis and chapter divisions and orthographical remarks. In the second part, reflection on the bible is conducted, resulting in a biblical perspective on the function of music in both the Old and New Testaments. The function of music falls into two groups. These are secular and religious. A brief sketch of the Psalms is given. Musical instruments are also examined in a cursory manner. The third section consists of music at Pretoria Central. A short reconstruction of the history of music in the predecessor of the Church is presented. The place of music in the worship service is situated in the order of service. Various types of music that are employed in the worship service and religious meetings are highlighted. Also of importance to the study are the functions of music in the Church. The numerous functions include music addressed to God in exaltation and lament, edification of believers, evangelism, contextualisation, therapeutic uses, weddings, funerals, fellowship meetings and dance. Musical instruments and the ministry of music in the Church are considered. Yet another aspect of music concerns the theology behind music. Resemblances and differences between the biblical perspective and Pretoria Central are alluded to. The study assists in demonstrating the importance of music in worship by discussing the various functions. Music enhances communion with God as well as enriching the worshippers appreciation of communal and divine experience in religious activities. / Dissertation (MA (Biblical and Religious Studies))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Biblical and Religious Studies / unrestricted

This study is self-initiated and although the research is primarily motivated by the interest of the researcher, it is relevant in many respects. The rediscovery of the church year is one of the most remarkable aspects of the twentieth-century reform and renewal of Christian worship. This renewed interest has also been noted in the Dutch Reformed Church, especially in two decisions during 1998 and 2002, in connection with the church year and related lectionaries. In many publications it has been shown that the church year provides a frame of reference, not only with regard to the liturgy and preaching, but also to other communicative acts of the congregation in serving the gospel. A study of the available literature showed that a gap exists concerning the practice of the church year in the church, especially with regard to the preaching. Since the researcher is convinced that the church year can play a valuable role in the preaching of the church, the study was done by means of practical theological methodology by which the dynamic interaction between the theory and practice is studied. A scientific look is taken at the praxis regarding the church year in the preaching of the church by combining a literary approach with an approach by means of an empirical research, which leads to an adjusted theory for the praxis regarding the church year in the preaching of the church. The research problem is stated in chapter 1 and an explanation and formulation of the question under research, as well as the basic hypothesis of the study are stated: The partial malfunctioning regarding the practice of the church year in the preaching of preachers in the Dutch Reformed Church necessitates certain adaptations. The purpose and method of the study is given and the field of the study is demarcated. An explanation of the project design of the study is also given. In chapter 2 the scientific, practical theological and homiletical points of departure are stated together with reflection on insights of Pneumatological, practical-theological ecclesiological, anthropo-logical nature. The changing society and the challenges it poses to preaching is also reflected upon as part of creating a frame of reference for the research. In chapter 3 a theological basic theory for the church year in the preaching is developed. This part of the study, which includes a description and explication of the church year, also functions as a conceptual framework for the empirical part of the study. After the emphasis of the first three chapters on the hermeneutical activity of understanding, which was done through the study of available literature on the church year in order to get a grip on the topic and to formulate a theory, empirical research aimed at an adjusted theory for the praxis of the church year in the preaching of the church, was still needed. Thus, in chapter 4, an empirical investigation, conducted quantitatively, was undertaken. The information that was gathered, helped to understand and explain the praxis under investigation and the results confirmed the hypothesis of the study, namely that there are indeed problems with regard to the functioning of the church year in the preaching of the preachers in the Dutch Reformed Church. Areas in which problems exist was explicated. In chapter 5 the method and instruments which was used, is explained. Hermeneutical interaction takes place between the results of the empirical investigation and the results of the literary investigation. In the strategic component of the study, a new theory of praxis concerning the church year in the preaching as a communicative act of the church, is formulated as regulative activity which intends to change the existing praxis. At the end of the study, it is concluded that the church year can be of service and could be utilised in such a way that the service and activities of the church which is under-taken in accord and in interaction therewith, could be stimulated. Within a context of poverty and continuing change, the church year - if it is valued positively and if it is accentuated in the preaching - could lead to the celebration of God, Who He is, what He has done, is doing and are still going to do. / Thesis (PhD (Practical Theology))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Practical Theology / unrestricted

This dissertation is an explorative study into the influence of the Internet, as new communication technology, on the cinema industry. The study aimed to show that the nature of the Internet not only serves as the basis of a new distribution platform and marketing tool, but also creates the syntax by which a new form of entertainment has been developed. Paul Leduc called for Salamander cinema as a means of developing a cinema industry against the dinosaurs (Hollywood) through collective action and the application of new technology. The nature of the Internet creates the opportunity of rethinking the cinema format and reinventing it for a new generation of new media content consumers. At the beginning of the 21st century, cinema, like many industries operates on the industrial principles of producing a product (films), distributing it through as many channels (theatre, television, video) to as large an audience as possible to earn maximum profit on minimum investment. The multinational media conglomerates that make up the Hollywood institution is generally acknowledged as the centre of worldwide cinema industry. This study showed that Hollywood’s dominance lies in its control of global film distribution, its powerful marketing and promotion of its high-concept films, its creative assimilation of new technology and the power of the studio system or the (now) world media conglomerates. Non-Hollywood cinema industries, working outside the Hollywood system find it increasingly difficult to exist because of the enormous costs involved in the production, distribution and promotion of film and because the traditional distribution platforms are flooded with popular Hollywood cinema. This has also been the case in South Africa. The 2001 INDABA of the newly found National Film and Video Foundation called for the exploration of new opportunities for film development through new media technologies. This call emphasised the need to analyse the significance of the Internet on the South African cinema industry. This study was mainly conducted through an investigation of literary sources and an extensive investigation into new media entertainment on the Internet. Due to the ever-changing nature of the Internet, information and research examples that was analysed can be invalid or outdated in the near future. The extensive list of web sites at the end of the study serve to facilitate further reading and discovery of the subject. The most prominent findings of the study can be summarised as follows: § The postmodern global forces of the new media landscape, such as globalisation, capitalism, consumerism, cultural imperialism and the entertainment economy have significantly changed the function of cinema to primarily industrial. § Hollywood’s dominance was established through its popular culture and its vertical integration of the cinema industry, whereby it controls the global cinema industry. § Non-Hollywood cinema, namely national and independent cinema creatively altered their distribution and marketing patterns to reach an audience, mainly through the art cinema circuit and film festivals. § New media entertainment provides a new generation of filmmakers and artist from around the world the opportunity to tell their stories in unique ways, create attention, advertise and distribute them on the Internet. § The Internet offers filmmakers the choice to work outside the regulated system of Hollywood. It offers filmmakers the opportunity to produce and distribute their own work. It serves as a developmental tool and a medium of cross collaboration with multiple opportunities. The Internet makes the work of these filmmakers available to a global audience. It offers greater creative freedom than most other present mediums. § South Africa is still faced with, amongst others, problems of connectivity, availability and bandwidth. The Internet, as new media entertainment medium, has not yet been applied to its fullest potential. However filmmakers are already using the principles of the Internet to create structures for the development of a South African cinema industry. / Dissertation (MA (Drama))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Visual Arts / unrestricted

Although there are many myths and stories about Freemasonry it is evident that many of the individuals involved have their roots in Protestant Christianity. In a South African context, the Freemasons Lodges where established by colonial settlers in the nineteenth century. Freemasonry was recognised as an organisation of individuals who cared for the community and in doing so encouraged all groups to be involved in local issues and personal development. According to Anderson (1738) Freemasonry is the central meeting place for all humanity. It is a place for personal understanding and development, with a deep sense of love for The Divine Creator. It is not the intention of Freemasonry to synchronies all sacred writings as this would only be an attempt to eradicate the uniqueness of each individual's faith and deeply held beliefs. Freemasonry encourages diversity, but demands the love and compassion, which, from a Christian perspective is expressed by and through Jesus Christ. Freemasonry in the eighteenth century was clearly a Christian organisation; many of the symbols and prayers were based on Christian beliefs regarding God, who the Freemasons name The Great Architect of the Universe. In the last century this has developed into an all-embracing organisation, which includes all people from all religious and ethnic backgrounds, the only requirement being belief in a Supreme Being. There are many leading Religious and Political leaders who have been associated with Freemasonry and have been leading lights in the development of social systems within their communities. It is the systems within Freemasonry that can help a developing, changing nation such as South Africa, offering a place where all people of divers backgrounds can come and have the freedom to develop within a multi-cultural society. The so-called lost secrets within Freemasonry are based on the care and development of all individuals, who share a common understanding of the needs of humanity. This is not based on an individual's ethnic or religious background, but rather on the willingness of individuals to learn form each other. The systems within Freemasonry offer such a platform for development and with willingness from those within Freemasonry could offer a place of healing and growth. / Dissertation (M A (Theology))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Church History and Church Polity / unrestricted

This paper examines the impact of the internet on organisational culture within the IT industry. The first part of the literature study examines the history of the internet as well as, more specifically, its history and implementation within the organisation. The second part of the literature study analyses organisational culture. This is in order to determine the factors that change it, whether the internet could have played a role in changing the culture and, if so, how this change is managed and the implications of the change. Two case studies support the literature study. The first case study is a quantitative study whereby questionnaires are used to determine how employees at two selected organisations perceive the impact of the internet. The second case study is qualitative and involves interviews with management at the selected organisations. Management’s opinion on the impact of the internet as well as the use of the internet within the organisation is obtained. A comparison is made between the employees’ and management’s responses. Recommendations are made in terms of what organisations should do to overcome the impacts of the internet on their culture. The main focus of the paper is the effect of the implementation of the internet on organisational culture. / Dissertation (MCom (Informatics))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Informatics / unrestricted