As obligate scavengers Gyps vultures provide an important ecosystem service as the main consumers of ungulate carcasses in African savannas. Throughout the continent, however, multiple threats are causing vulture populations to decline, especially outside protected areas. Although the African white-backed vulture Gyps africanus is the most numerous and widely distributed Gyps species in Africa, its foraging ecology and land use preferences remain poorly understood. Furthermore, while protected areas are known to be important for vultures in East and West Africa, their role in South Africa has not been fully investigated. This study uses GPS-GSM tracking units to investigate the movement and land-use patterns of six immature African white-backed vultures that were caught at Mankwe Wildlife Reserve in the North West Province of South Africa. Immature individuals were chosen because they were expected to travel extensively and be exposed to the full range of threats. The tracking units recorded the GPS location, speed, altitude and direction of travel three times per day. The size and extent of the vultures‟ foraging ranges were estimated using three methods: minimum convex polygons (MCPs), fixed kernel density estimation (KDE) and grid cell range (GCR) estimation. The vultures‟ use of protected areas and areas of different cattle densities (zero, low, medium and high) was assessed to determine whether they were visited more or less than expected based on the area they occupied within the vultures‟ foraging ranges. The distances travelled by the vultures and their flight speeds and altitudes were also calculated, as well as the amount of time that they spent in the vicinity of supplementary feeding sites. The vultures were tracked for between 101 and 313 days and the GPS tracking units acquired 99.44% of expected GPS locations. The vultures ranged extensively and generally travelled in a nomadic manner. While three individuals occupied foraging ranges (mean 95% KDE contour area = 106,282.33 km2) either side of the South African borders between Botswana and Zimbabwe, the other three travelled more extensively through southern Africa, entering six different countries (mean 95% KDE contour area = 563,564.67 km2). The vultures rarely visited protected areas in South Africa but two of the vultures regularly used protected areas in northern Botswana and Zimbabwe. Areas of high cattle density were used less than expected by all vultures, but not at a significant level, while two of the vultures used areas with zero cattle density more than expected due to their regular use of supplementary feeding sites in those areas. Areas of medium cattle density were the most regularly used, containing an average of 30.72% of each vulture‟s stationary GPS locations. The vultures travelled an average of 33 km/day and a maximum of 267 km/day, flying at an average of 50 km/h (maximum = 107 km/h) at 561 m above ground level (maximum = 2,267 m). This study provides the first description of movement and land-use patterns of immature African white-backed vultures tracked continuously from South Africa. Their extensive foraging ranges and limited use of protected areas implies that the vultures could potentially encounter the full range of threats in the region, and it is clear that their future conservation will depend upon conservation strategies that extend across international borders. Copyright / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Paraclinical Sciences / unrestricted

Thesis (MNutr)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Background: Considering the myriad of risk factors causing nutritional deficiency, as well as the prevalence of malnutrition and feeding problems experienced by individuals with intellectual disability (ID), early detection and diagnosis of malnutrition in this population group is essential. Objectives: The main aim and objectives of the study were to determine the degree of malnutrition and body composition in individuals with ID living in a psychiatric hospital (North West Province, South Africa), to determine which degree of ID was more prone to malnutrition, to investigate the different risk factors for malnutrition in this group of individuals, and to use this data to adapt an existing screening tool used to facilitate the easier identification of malnutrition. Methodology: An observational descriptive cross-sectional study, with an analytical component, was conducted. The study consisted of two phases. During the first phase, measurements were taken of individuals with ID to determine body composition and nutritional status. During the second phase, said data, as well as other factors influencing the nutritional status of individuals with ID, were used to adapt an existing screening tool to allow for easier identification of malnutrition in the study population. The adapted screening tool was tested by nursing staff. Results: The anthropometric measurements of 244 individuals with ID were determined. The overall anthropometrical status indicated that half of the study population (52,1%, n=127) had a normal nutritional status, that 38,1% (n=93) was undernourished or at risk of becoming undernourished, and that 10,0% (n=24) was either at risk of becoming or was overnourished . Men were more prone to being undernourished or at risk of becoming undernourished (48,0%, n=73), compared to women (21,7%, n=20). Although no significant difference was found in anthropometrical status across the four severities of ID (Pearson Chi-square test (ρ=0,15)), individuals with mild ID were more likely to become obese (19,4%, n=6), and individuals with profound ID were more prone to being underweight (57,1%, n=8). It was found that 41,8% (n=102) of the total study population had a waist circumference (WC) above the normal values. A significant difference was found between increased WC and severity of ID (Pearson Chi-square test (ρ=0,00)). Other risk factors that can influence nutritional status in said population included medical conditions such as hypertension (13,0%, n=32) and epilepsy (EP) (46,0%, n=112), as well as polypharmacy (71,7%, n=175). An existing malnutrition screening tool for the population with ID was adapted by means of the addition of prevalent factors (WC measurements, presence of EP and use of medications), as well as through adaptation of the scoring system. Conclusion: Using anthropometric measurements and indices for body composition, a high prevalence of malnutrition was identified in the study population of individuals with ID. The adapted screening tool was more sensitive than the original tool in identifying individuals who were at risk of malnutrition, or who were already malnourished in this study population. The research undertaken in this respect can help health care professionals to be more aware of the interaction between the severity of ID and malnutrition. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Agtergrond: Wanneer daar gelet word op die magdom faktore wat voedingstekorte veroorsaak en op die voorkoms van wanvoeding en voedingsprobleme onder individue met intellektuele gestremdheid (IG), is dit duidelik dat vroegtydige waarneming en diagnose van wanvoeding noodsaaklik is. Doelwitte: Die hoofdoel en doelwitte van die studie was om die graad van wanvoeding sowel as die liggaamsamestelling van individue met IG te bepaal wat in ’n psigiatriese hospitaal (Noordwes Provinsie, Suid-Afrika) inwoon. Daar is bepaal watter graad van IG individue is meer geneig tot wanvoeding. Verskillende risiko faktore van wanvoeding in hierdie groep individue is ondersoek en die data is gebruik om ’n bestaande siftingshulpmiddel aan te pas om wanvoeding makliker te kan identifiseer. Metodologie: Die studie-ontwerp was ‘n dwarssnitwaarnemingstudie met ‘n analitiese komponent. Die studie het uit twee fases bestaan. Gedurende die eerste fase is antropometriese metings van individue met IG geneem om liggaamsamestelling en voedingstatus te bereken. Gedurende die tweede fase is hierdie data, sowel as ander risiko faktore wat die voedingstatus van individue beïnvloed, gebruik om ’n bestaande siftingshulpmiddel aan te pas wat die identifisering van wanvoeding in hierdie populasie kan vergemaklik. Verpleegpersoneel het die aangepaste siftingshulpmiddel uitgetoets. Resultate: Die antropometriese metings van 244 individue met IG is bepaal. Hulle algemene antropometriese status het aangedui dat die helfte van die studiepopulasie (52,1%, n=127) ’n normale voedingstatus gehad het; 38,1% (n=93) was ondervoed of het ’n risiko gehad vir ondervoeding en 10,0% (n=24) was reeds oorvoed of het ’n risiko gehad vir oorvoeding. Mans (48,0%, n=73) was meer geneig om ondervoed te wees of het ‘n groter risiko tot ondervoeding as vroue (21,7%, n=20). Daar was geen beduidende statistiese verskille in antropometriese status tussen die vier grade van IG nie (Pearson Chi-square-toets, p=0,15), alhoewel individue met matige IG ‘n groter neiging het tot obesiteit (19,35%, n=6), terwyl uitgesproke IG ’n groter neiging tot ondergewig gehad het (57,1%, n=8). Daar is bevind dat 41,8% (n=102) van die totale studiepopulasie ’n verhoogde middelomtrek gehad het. Daar was ʼn beduidende statistiese verskil tussen verhoogde middelomtrek en graad van IG (Pearson Chi-square-toets, p=0,00). Ander risiko faktore wat die voedingstatus van hierdie populasie kan beïnvloed sluit in mediese toestande soos hipertensie (13,0%, n=32) en epilepsie (46,0%, n=112), asook die gebruik van veelvuldige medikasie (71,7%, n=175). ’n Bestaande wanvoedingsiftingshulpmiddel vir die IG populasie is aangepas deur algemene faktore (middelomtrek, voorkoms van epilepsie en gebruik van veelvuldige medikasie) in te sluit en die puntestelsel aan te pas. Gevolgtrekking: Met behulp van antropometriese metings en liggaamsmassa indekse is ’n hoë voorkoms van wanvoeding in die studiepopulasie van individue met IG waargeneem. Die aangepaste siftingshulpmiddel was meer sensitief as die oorspronklike hulpmiddel om individue wat ’n risiko loop vir wanvoeding of wat reeds wangevoed is, te identifiseer in hierdie studie populasie. Hierdie navorsing kan help om gesondheidswerkers meer bewus te maak van die interaksie tussen die graad van IG en wanvoeding.

Master of Public Health - MPH / Adherence to prescribed medications is a central feature of good clinical HIV care and a key factor in determining the effectiveness of treatment. This is especially true for HIV-infected patients, on antiretroviral treatment, where adherence is strongly associated with survival. HIV-associated tuberculosis is a major and increasing health problem, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Clinical trials have demonstrated a benefit of isoniazid preventive therapy in preventing TB among HIV-infected persons, and its use among these patients is recommended. Nearly perfect compliance seems to be indispensable to obtain the maximum benefit from highly active antiretroviral treatment and prophylactic medications. Accurately assessing non-adherence is a necessary first step towards improving adherence to active antiretroviral treatment and isoniazid preventive therapy. The introduction of diary cards is being considered as a measure of adherence and as a tool to improve adherence among HIV-infected individuals receiving antiretroviral treatment or isoniazid preventive therapy. This was a preliminary study to evaluate the effectiveness of diary cards as intervention tool for promoting adherence to antiretroviral and prophylactic TB therapy in people living with HIV/AIDS, to evaluate the diary card as a tool to measure adherence and to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of diary cards. / South Africa

M.Sc. (Aquatic Health) / South Africa’s freshwater ecosystems are under threat due to anthropogenic activities. Recent reports have shown that the Hartbeespoort- (HBPD), Klipvoor- (KD) and Bospoort Dam (BD) impoundments situated in the North-West Province are polluted as a result of mining, industrial and agricultural activities. These impoundments are classified as being in a hypertrophic state. The health status of fish in these impoundments is of concern, and needs to be investigated. For this purpose, Clarias gariepinus and Cyprinus carpio were collected for a histology-based fish health assessment. These two species are present in the selected dams and are some of the preferred fish species for human consumption by the local people. The aim of the study was to determine the health status of these fish species in HPBD, KD and BD using a semi-quantitative histopathological assessment on selected target organs and compare the results to fish from a reference site, the Marico-Bosveld Dam (MBD). Gill nets were used for the collection of specimens. Fish were macroscopically examined, weighed and measured for the calculation of the condition factor. Blood samples were collected for haematocrit, leukocrit and total protein determination. Once sacrificed, a necropsy-based health assessment (HAI) was performed to determine any abnormalities within the visceral cavity. The selected target organs were excised and weighed for the calculation of selected biometric indices. Collected tissue samples were processed using standard histological techniques and the prepared slides were stained using Haematoxylin and Eosin. Macroscopically, a number of fish from polluted sites exhibited liver with fatty change and focal discoloration as well as severe parasites within the visceral cavity. As a result, higher HAI values were recorded in polluted sites compared to the reference site. The haematocrit values varied from normal to below and above the normal range. Leukocrit values were within the normal range except for C. gariepinus from HBPD, which was above the normal range. Total protein values were within the normal range for both species for all sites. The condition factor and hepatosomatic index (HSI) values were within the accepted range except for the HSI of C. gariepinus from MBD. The mean organ index for all study sites fell within class 1 with the exception of the liver index from HBPD, KD and BD which was in class 2. Class 1 (index value <10) is indicative of slight histological alterations while class 2 (index value 10-25) translates to moderate histological alterations. Overall, a higher prevalence of histopathological alterations was noted among fish from polluted sites compared to fish from the reference site. Hence, on the basis of the macroscopic and histopathological results, the fish from the polluted sites were more affected in terms of these parameters compared to fish from the reference site. The results therefore provide valuable information for future bio-monitoring studies in the HBPD, KD and BD impoundments.

In South Africa and other parts of sub-Saharan Africa, market participation of smallholder farmers are rapidly being advocated as a means to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda’s (SDGs): zero hunger and no poverty. Yet little is known about market participation in the sunflower industry. The study therefore, examine market participation of smallholder sunflower farmers in Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, North West Province, South Africa. A quantitative research approach was developed to address the research objectives, and a proportional stratified random sampling technique was used to select 177 sunflower producing households. Respondents information were captured using semi-structured questionnaires, data were then entered and coded using statistical software computer programs (MS Excel, SPSS, and Stata). Socio-economic characteristics, level of market participation, and factors influencing households market participation within the district were analyzed using descriptive statistics, household commercialization index, and probit regression model. Overall, the result indicates that respondents exhibited high level of commercialization (90.1 % market participants). While, the result of the probit regression model shows that eight (8) of the regressors were statistically significant. Variables such as age (Coef = 0.103, p<0.01), gender (Coef = 1.267, p<0.05), market outlet (Coef = 1.351, p<0.01), access to information (Coef = 1.298, p<0.05), and quantity sold in tons (Coef = 0.015, p<0.010) were found to have positive and statistically significant influence, while household size (Coef = -0.409, p<0.01), market distance (Coef = 0.618, p<0.010) and land tenure system (Coef = -1.541, p<0.05) were found to have a negative but statistically significant impact on market participation among respondents. The pseudo R2 of the probit model is 0.5199, indicating that the model matches the dataset and the regressors accurately explains 51.99 % of the variation. The overall goodness of fit measures of the probit model was determined using postestimation test for predictive margin. With a high significant chi-square value of (p<0.0001), the result correctly predicted a 90 % likelihood of respondents to participate in the market. The findings suggests that rural-based initiatives and intervention programs be developed to boost households' access to finance, grants, and diversified markets for effective market competitiveness, while there is a greater need for proper awareness, supports, and partnerships focused on promoting women and youth participation in the sunflower sector across the district. / Agriculture and  Animal Health / M. Sci. (Agriculture)

In response to the HIV epidemics since its onset in 1981, several preventive measures have been applied or employed to combat the epidemics. Up to date, the epidemics have reported limited success and/or increased incidence inspite of various interventions. It is widely known that stigma constitute a major setback to preventive interventions of this disease. This informed, amongst others, information, education and communication (IEC) interventions directed at combating HIV stigma through the enhancement and creation of awareness on HIV knowledge. However, lack of adequate and correct knowledge on HIV and AIDS is believed to be a main pre-cursor to HIV stigma. This cross sectional study therefore investigates and reports findings on the associations between HIV stigma and other relevant variables such as HIV related knowledge, exposure to mass media and some socio-demographic characteristics among representatives of the ethnic groups aged between 18 and 49 in the broader Rustenburg community (N = 351). The study utilized some data collected by the Aurum Institute of Health Research in partnership with the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) and the European Union. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistical methods and presented in figures and tables. Independent sample T-tests and ANOVA were employed to compare means while the Pearson’s product moment was used to find the association between variables. A standard multiple regression analysis was applied to assess the predictors of HIV/AIDS stigma. Findings from the study showed an adequate knowledge of HIV/AIDS as 72.8% scored more than 17 out of the 24 basic questions on HIV/AIDS correctly. The respondents’ overall mean HIV/AIDS knowledge score was 18.22±3.80 out of 24 points. However there was a deficit in knowledge on the preventive role of male circumcision in HIV transmission (27.6%) and the high chance of getting HIV infection from sexual intercourse with a recently HIV infected individual (48.4%). Misconceptions existed among the respondents about the association between ritual cleansing of widows and HIV transmission (43.0%) and the stopping of ART at will due to side effects (54.1%). With respect to knowledge acquisition, the leading source of information is the electronic media (52.9% for radio, 75.8% for TV and 81.4% for cell phone) while newspapers (17.2%) are a minor source. Regarding HIV stigma, the findings revealed that HIV stigma is intertwined with other contextual stigmas of gender and sexual immorality. There was a high prevalence in the attribution of blame on female prostitution and promiscuity for the cause of HIV infection in this study. Furthermore, the findings in this study showed very pronounced negative stigmatising attitudes towards HIV infected women in the community especially in relation to child bearing. Levels of HIV/AIDS knowledge and AIDS stigma were influenced by education, perceived socio-economic status, living standard, media exposure, racial differences and employment status (p<0.05). The study revealed that there was a significant main effect of age group (18-24, 25-35, 36-49), specifically with knowledge regarding HIV transmission and the physiological impact of HIV; social distance towards PLWHA and stigmatising attitude towards HIV infected women.This study underscore the importance of developing and implementing stigma reduction interventions in the community to address attitudinal biases towards PLWHA especially regarding the females by encouraging social cohesion and support, HIV disclosure and involvement of role models, more greater awareness regarding PMTCT. Education on the importance of male circumcision and the long life usage of ART are also of utmost importance. To lend support to the current intervention measures on HIV/AIDS messages via a telephone helpline, there is need of sending text messages as a means of increasing HIV/AIDS knowledge should be encouraged. Finally, there is need for further explorative studies in acceptability, perceptions and barriers to male circumcision; the perceptions of ART and HIV infection and the relevance of ART in HIV stigma as well as AIDS stigma regarding childbearing and HIV infected women. Findings from this study have implications for the reduction of HIV related stigma and prevention. It is hoped that these findings and recommendations will greatly inspire, influence and inform policy makers, communities, stakeholders, empower PLWHA to cope with stigma as well as reduce stigma prevalence in the study area in particular and South Africa. Areas of further research that require urgent attention are also highlighted. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.

Thesis (MNutr)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Introduction: The study investigated the development of a simple, cost effective method to monitor food and nutritional intake of mineworkers residing in a Single Accommodation Village (SAV) by using food inventory data. Objectives: The aim of the study was to calculate average food and nutrient intake per mineworker using household data, assess actual food intake (individual data), determine food wastage and to compare food and nutritional intake between group and individual data. Methodology: The study design was a cross-sectional, observational study with an analytical component. The study population consisted of male mineworkers residing in a SAV on a platinum mine in the North West Province and included mineworkers performing mainly underground tasks. A census sampling method was used to select mineworkers participating in the study, and a pilot study was done to test the proposed study process. The study was conducted over five days, which included one weekend day. Food inventory data was recorded by capturing all food quantities (weight measured in kilogram) used for food preparation on the study days. The yield of the prepared food and expected meal participation was used to calculate an average intake per mineworker according to the household record method. An observational study was done to establish the food record data. Meal as well as food item participation was recorded. Food wastage was determined by weighing the production as well as the plate wastage and this data was used to ascertain average food intake per mineworker. Results: Approximately 700 mineworkers participated in the study. The study recorded a 96% meal participation measured against the planned participation figures during the main meal with 74% participating in all menu items. The values for breakfast and dinner were 95% meal participation for both meals with 87% menu item participation during breakfast and 82% during dinner. By using the t-distribution test it was recorded that limited values measured between the food inventory data and the food record data fell within the 95% confidence intervals even after correction for food wastage. However, when the planned participation used to calculate the household data was incorporated into an equation using actual participation data, the values fell within the 95% confidence interval demonstrating that with 95% certainty the planned values (when calculated according to the suggested equation) were within those values observed during the study. Conclusion: Household data can be used as a tool to monitor average individual food and nutritional intake of mineworkers; however both planned and actual menu item participation figures should be considered, together with the total wastage per food item. This tool can be adapted to be used in industrial catering units to monitor food and nutritional intake, which will enable identification of food or nutrient deficiencies and timeous implementation of intervention strategies. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Inleiding: Die studie het ondersoek ingestel na die ontwikkeling van ‘n koste-effektiewe metode om die inname van voedsel en voedingstowwe van mynwerkers wat in enkel-akkommodasiebehuising (EAB) woon met behulp van voedselinventaris data te moniteer. Doelwitte: Die doel van die studie was om die gemiddelde voedsel en voedingstofinname per mynwerker met behulp van huishoudelike data te bereken, die werklike voedselinname (individuele data) te evalueer, voedselkwisting vas te stel en om voedsel- en voedingstofinname tussen groep en individuele data te vergelyk. Metode: Die studie-ontwerp was ‘n dwarssnitwaarnemingstudie met ‘n analitiese komponent. Die populasie van die studie het bestaan uit manlike mynwerkers woonagtig in ‘n EAB van ‘n platinum myn in die Noordwes Provinsie en het mynwerkers wat hoofsaaklik ondergronds werksaam is ingesluit. ‘n Sensussteekproefmetode is gebruik om deelnemende mynwerkers te selekteer en ‘n loods studie is gedoen om die voorgestelde studie model te toets. Die studie is oor vyf dae gedoen, wat een naweekdag ingesluit het. Voedselinventarisdata is versamel deur alle voedselhoeveelhede (in kilogram gemeet) wat gebruik was vir die voedsel voorbereiding op die studiedae in ag te neem. Die opbrengs van die voorbereide voedsel is gebruik om die gemiddelde inname per mynwerker volgens die huishoudelike rekord metode te bereken. ‘n Waarnemingstudie is gedoen om die voedselrekorddata vas te stel. Die voedselkwisting is bereken deur die produksie- asook bordkwisting te weeg en dan hierdie data te gebruik om die gemiddelde voedselinname per mynwerker te bereken. Resulate: Ongeveer 700 mynwerkers het aan die studie deelgeneem. Die studie het ‘n 96% maaltyddeelname opgeteken, gemeet teen die beplande deelnamesyfers tydens die hoofmaaltyd, met 74% deelname aan alle spyskaartitems. Die waardes vir ontbyt en aandete was 95% maaltyd bywoning vir beide etes, met 87% spyskaartitemdeelname tydens ontbyt en 82% tydens aandete. Die studie het beperkte waardes binne die 95% vertrouensinval tussen die voedselinventarisdata en voedselrekorddata opgeteken, selfs nadat die voedselkwistingsyfers in ag geneem is. Wanneer die beplande deelname wat gebruik is om die huishoudelike data te bereken egter in ‘n vergelyking wat werklike deelnamedata gebruik, inkorporeer word, het die waardes binne die 95% vertrouensinval geval. Dit is ‘n aanduiding dat daar met 95% sekerheid aangeneem kan word dat die beplande waardes (bereken volgens die voorgestelde vergelyking) vergelyk kan word met die waardes waargeneem tydens die studie. Gevolgtrekking: Huishoudelike data kan as ‘n meetinstrument dien om die gemiddelde individuele voedsel- en voedingstofinname van mynwerkers te moniteer. Beide beplande en werklike spyskaartitemdeelnamesyfers moet egter in ag geneem word, tesame met totale voedselkwisting per voedselitem. Hierdie instrument kan aangepas word vir gebruik in industriële voedseldienseenhede om voedsel- en voedingstofinname te moniteer, wat die identifisering van voedingstoftekorte en vroegtydige implementering van intervensie strategieë moontlik sal maak.

The Black Economic Empowerment Act of 2003 is a tool used to redress the injustice of the past and ensure full economic participation of groups that where disadvantaged in the past. The main stream economy includes the fast–track of employment equity, ownership, skills development, preferential procurement, enterprise development, and socio–economic development. BEE is an inclusive and logical political process that is based on the national transformation programme of the country, for an example, the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP). Its purpose was to modify and change the inequalities of the past with transference of management, ownership and the control of economic and financial resources of South Africa to the majority of its citizens. The RDP sought to bring about full economic participation by the historically disadvantaged to accomplish prosperity and development that is sustainable. Public sector procurement is used by government as a mechanism to achieve certain broader policy objectives such as BEE, local economic development of small and medium sized business, skills transfer and job creation. The BEE programme was implemented in 2003. However, there are problems with the implementation of the programme. The theory (legislation) includes the Code of Good Practice, Sector Scorecards, and Public Sector Procurement Guidelines which span effective implementation of the BEE programme. According to the respondents, the major problem with the successful implementation of BEE, are the corrupt public officials who interfere with the process. The government officials responsible for the implementation of BEE practice nepotism and bribery on an extremely large scale. Moreover, political interference plays a major role in the lack/poor implementation of BEE. BEE compliance in the District of Dr Kenneth Kaunda Department of Education is extremely corrupt with many of the essential supply of goods and services being compromised. In this study to tackle the research topic both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used thus termed mixed method research. With mixed method research the researcher was able to use semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. / M Development and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The Black Economic Empowerment Act of 2003 is a tool used to redress the injustice of the past and ensure full economic participation of groups that where disadvantaged in the past. The main stream economy includes the fast–track of employment equity, ownership, skills development, preferential procurement, enterprise development, and socio–economic development. BEE is an inclusive and logical political process that is based on the national transformation programme of the country, for an example, the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP). Its purpose was to modify and change the inequalities of the past with transference of management, ownership and the control of economic and financial resources of South Africa to the majority of its citizens. The RDP sought to bring about full economic participation by the historically disadvantaged to accomplish prosperity and development that is sustainable. Public sector procurement is used by government as a mechanism to achieve certain broader policy objectives such as BEE, local economic development of small and medium sized business, skills transfer and job creation. The BEE programme was implemented in 2003. However, there are problems with the implementation of the programme. The theory (legislation) includes the Code of Good Practice, Sector Scorecards, and Public Sector Procurement Guidelines which span effective implementation of the BEE programme. According to the respondents, the major problem with the successful implementation of BEE, are the corrupt public officials who interfere with the process. The government officials responsible for the implementation of BEE practice nepotism and bribery on an extremely large scale. Moreover, political interference plays a major role in the lack/poor implementation of BEE. BEE compliance in the District of Dr Kenneth Kaunda Department of Education is extremely corrupt with many of the essential supply of goods and services being compromised. In this study to tackle the research topic both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used thus termed mixed method research. With mixed method research the researcher was able to use semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. / M Development and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

On t.p.: Master of Arts (Welfare Programme Management) / Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The study of case management of sexually abused children by social workers was conducted in the Moses Kotane District Municipality, because of the following reasons: firstly, there is an escalation of reported cases that are referred from various service organizations to the Department of Social Services; secondly the statutory policies alone cannot be the absolute protection for children against sexual abuse; thirdly, as communities seem to ignore their roles in protecting children against this problem. The social workers end up carrying the ultimate responsibility to protect children. An exploratory study was therefore undertaken to investigate how social workers in the Moses Kotane District Municipality intervene in these cases. It is crucial for professionals to have the necessary knowledge, skills and correct attitude when they intervene in child sexual abuse cases. The study explored the various dynamics that motivate this problem as well as the circumstances that can expose children to the risk of child sexual abuse. Motivation to abuse children in the Moses Kotane District Municipality emanated from the family circumstances, characteristics of the abusive father(s) as well as a lack of community child care resources The social workers need to have insight in various risk factors of this problem. These may include the circumstances surrounding the child, community factors, societal factors, family factors and the attributes of professionals dealing with child sexual abuse cases. The knowledge of the dynamics and risk factors assists social workers to assess whether the child has been abused and to do risk assessment as well as need assessment of the victims and their families. Such information can assist the social workers to make a safety plan of action regarding the child victims. It is therefore vital that the social workers identify the nature of case management style through which they render services to sexually abused children. Direct service delivery, which is preferred by most social workers in the agency, and indirect service delivery are the two types of case management styles that social workers can employ, depending on whether they work in a generic social work setting or private child welfare agency. Although social workers may have the expertise and skill to intervene effectively in child sexual abuse cases, their interventions may be affected by various challenges and result in ineffective service delivery to the victims and perpetrators of child sexual abuse. These challenges may include working conditions that are adverse, community trials of cases of child sexual abuse and unresponsive agency management. Other challenges may include resistance from clients, lack of supervision, lack of training in child sexual abuse work as well as the demanding nature of child sexual abuse work. Throughout the process of case management the social workers need to liaise and cooperate with the multi-professional team comprising of the police (CPU), medical personnel, the prosecutor(s), a psychologist as well as the family members. The team may vary from one agency to the other, however, the social worker, police and medical personnel need to be available at all the team meetings. None of these professionals is supposed to assess victims alone, because the assessment should be focused on the social, medical, psychological, legal, physical and material needs of sexually abused children. It is imperative that social workers are aware of how their attitudes, beliefs, emotions, perceptions and feelings affect the effectiveness of service delivery to these children. The professionals therefore need to be skilled to react responsively and professionally to the victims. Social skills are important for creating worthy client - worker relationships and to enhance accountability in role relationships between the clients and the professionals. By applying interactional skills, the social workers can create a child-friendly atmosphere during intervention, as the social worker can be able to listen empathetically and deal with feelings that surface during the interviews. By applying cognitive skills, the professionals can be in a position to "read" subtle emotions and feelings of the clients and assess the level of their cognitive functioning. The application of theory in practice is vital during intervention as decisions; judgement and interventions should be professional and not haphazard. The social worker thus needs to have knowledge of the perspectives, theories and models of social work. This study has provided such a framework to guide social workers in managing cases of child sexual abuse. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die studie oor hoe maatskaplike werkers gevallebestuur van seksueel gemolesteerde kinders doen, is in die Moses Kotane Munisipale Distrik onderneem om die volgende redes. Eerstens is daar 'n toename in die gerapporteerde gevalle van seksuele molestering wat deur verskeie diensorganisasies verwys word na die maatskaplike werkers in diens van Departement van Welsyn. Tweedens bied die statutêre beleid op sigself nie aan kinders algehele beskerming teen seksuele molestering nie. Derdens blyk dit dat van maatskaplike werkers verwag word om algehele verantwoordelikheid vir die beskerming van kinders te aanvaar omdat dit skyn asof gemeenskappe hulle rol om kinders teen seksuele molestering te beskerm, ignoreer. Derhalwe is 'n verkennende studie onderneem om vas te stel hoe maatskaplike werkers in die Moses Kotane Munisipale Distrik dienste lewer aan hierdie kinders. Dit is essensieel dat professionele persone oor die nodige kennis, vaardighede en regte houding sal beskik wanneer gevalle van seksuele molestering van kinders hanteer word. Met die studie is die faktore wat aanleiding gee tot seksuele molestering, sowel as die omstandighede wat kinders blootstel aan die risiko van seksuele molestering, ondersoek. Daar is vasgestel dat die motivering vir seksuele molestering van kinders in die Moses Kotane Munisipale Distrik gespruit het uit hulle gesinsomstandighede, kenmerke van die molesterende vader(s), sowel die gebrek aan bronne vir kinderbeskerming in die gemeenskap. Maatskaplike werkers behoort insig te hê in die faktore wat kinders 'n risiko van seksuele molestering kan maak. Hierdie faktore kan verband hou met die omstandighede van die kind, gemeenskapsfaktore, samelewingsfaktore, gesinsfaktore en die kenmerke van die professionele persone wat die gevalle van kinders wat seksueel molesteer is, hanteer. Kennis van die dinamika van seksuele molestering en die risiko faktore van seksuele molestering van kinders, sal maatskaplike werkers in staat stelom te assesseer of kinders gemolesteer is en om risiko-assesserings, sowel as behoeftebepalings van die slagoffers en hulle gesinne te doen. Sodanige inligting sal die maatskaplike werker help om 'n veiligheidsplan van aksie vir kinderslagoffers op te stel. Dit is derhalwe noodsaaklik dat maatskaplike werkers die aard van hulle gevallebestuur styl deur middel waarvan dienste aan seksueel gemolesteerde kinders gelewer word, sal kan identifiseer. Direkte dienslewering, wat deur die meeste maatskaplike werkers in die ondersoek groep verkies is en indirekte dienslewering is die twee soorte gevalle bestuurstyle wat maatskaplike werkers kan gebruik. Die keuse tussen die twee sal afhang van of maatskaplike werkers in 'n generiese of gespesialiseerde opset praktiseer. Alhoewel maatskaplike werkers oor die kundigheid en vaardigheid mag beskik om gevalle van seksuele molestering effektief te hanteer, mag hulle intervensies beïnvloed word deur verskeie struikelblokke wat kan veroorsaak dat oneffektiewe diens aan die slagoffers en oortreders van seksuele molestering van kinders gelewer kan word. Struikelblokke wat deur die respondente ervaar IS, is byvoorbeeld onproduktiewe werksomstandighede, gemeenskapsverhore van oortreders van seksuele molestering van kinders en onresponsiewe besture van organisasies. Ander struikelblokke kan die weerstand van kliënte, gebrek aan supervisie, gebrek aan opleiding in die hantering van seksuele molestering van kinders, sowel as die veeleisende aard van die hantering van kinders wat seksuele gemolesteer is, insluit. Tydens die proses van gevallebestuur behoort die maatskaplike werker deurlopend te skakel en saam te werk met 'n multi-professionele span, bestaande uit die polisie (KBE), mediese personeel, die staatsaanklaer, 'n sielkundige, sowel as die gesinslede van die gemolesteerde kind. Alhoewel die span van organisasie tot organisasie kan verskil, behoort die maatskaplike werker, polisie en die mediese personeel beskikbaar te wees vir alle spanvergaderings. Nie een van hierdie professionele persone is veronderstel om slagoffers alleen te assesseer nie, want die assessering behoort toe fokus op die sosiale, mediese, sielkundige, regs, fisiese en materiële behoeftes van seksueel gemolesteerde kinders. Dit is verder noodsaaklik dat maatskaplike werkers bewus sal wees van hoe hulle houdings, oortuigings, emosies, persepsies en gevoelens die effektiwiteit van hulle dienslewering aan hierdie kinders kan beïnvloed. Professionele persone behoort derhalwe oor die vaardigheid te beskik om met die nodige empatie en professionaliteit te reageer teenoor slagoffers. Met behulp van toepaslike professionele vaardighede kan die maatskaplike werker tydens intervensie 'n kindervriendelike omgewing tydens skep Dit sal die maatskaplike werker in staat stelom empaties te luister en gevoelens wat tydens onderhoude na vore kom te hanteer. Die toepassing van kognitiewe vaardighede sal die professionele persoon ontvanklik maak vir subtiele emosies en gevoelens van die kliënt en instaat stelom die vlak van hulle kognitiewe funksionering te assesseer. Die toepassing van teorie in die praktyk tydens intervensie is noodsaaklike omdat besluite en beoordelings tydens intervensie professioneel moet wees. Die maatskaplike werker benodig dus kennis van relevante perspektiewe, teorieë en modelle van maatskaplike werk wat vir die doel benut kan word. Die studie bied sodanige raamwerk aan wat as riglyne vir maatskaplike werkers kan dien en gebruik kan word om gevalle van seksuele molestering van kinders te bestuur.