Text in English / There is general consensus about the importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) security in South Africa. This consensus is evident from initiatives related to the formulation of legislation and policies like the Electronic Communications and Transactions (ECT) Act and the National Cyber Security Policy. A number of South African academic institutions have also come on board with initiatives aimed at enhancing ICT security awareness all over the country. In fact, ICT security awareness has been classified as an important component of South Africa’s national security. Many countries use ICT to improve and enhance the standard of their education systems. A number of scholars in South Africa have conducted studies with the aim of proving that ICT can play a major role in improving the quality of education in the country. The research in hand investigates the lack of integration of ICT security awareness into the South African education system. The literature review that was conducted reveals that there is a huge problem especially when it comes to the integration of ICT security awareness into the South African schooling system. The advancement of technology has come with a number of advantages and disadvantages. The easy access to information via the internet, coupled by unsupervised access to instant messaging applications (Skype, MXiT) and social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter and many more), hugely increases the vulnerability of school learners to ICT security attacks and ICT-related crime. The current research therefore investigates the vulnerability caused by the lack of ICT security awareness among school learners as one of the main disadvantages of the advancement of information technology. An analysis of existing models and frameworks in the two spheres of ICT, namely education and ICT security was conducted. The aim was to determine any similarities or overlap between these spheres and to determine whether the existing ICT models and frameworks are relevant to South Africa. The analysis showed a significant disparity and inconsistency between the two spheres and proved that there is a definite need for a framework (relevant to South Africa) that can be used for the integration of ICT security awareness into South African education. Hence, the researcher proposed a more integrated approach in the form of a framework that is directed at South African school learners, based on an in-depth literature review of past scholarly work, models and frameworks. Having reviewed a number of existing models and frameworks, and identifying the potential gaps, the researcher proposed a framework to address the lack of integration of ICT security awareness into the South African education system. The proposed framework, called the South African ICT Security Awareness Framework for Education (SAISAFE), was reviewed for its potential applicability in the South African context, and the results of the literature review analysis are reported to support the analysis of models and frameworks. / School of Computing / M. A. (Computing)

<p style="text-align: justify / " class="Default">In developing economies and specifically Sub-Saharan Africa physical inactivity has been identified as a risk factor along with tobacco use, poor nutrition and poor diet as this has increasingly formed part of today&rsquo / s lifestyle. Physical activity declines with age this decline is more marked during the adolescent period. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of physical inactivity and factors associated with it among adolescents in <st1:place><st1:city>Nairobi</st1:city>, <st1:country-region>Kenya</st1:country-region></st1:place>. The overall aim of the study is to determine the factors influencing their levels of physical activity in relation to their socio-economic characteristics. <o:p></o:p></p>

This study describes the HIV/AIDS knowledge of Form 1 secondary school learners in Harare. Structured interviews were conducted with 75 learners from four schools representing a low density, a high density, a rural and a private school. Most learners had obtained their HIVAIDS knowledge from schools and a few did so from their parents. None of the learners had reportedly yet engaged in sexual activities and all had heard about HIV, but not all knew what HIV was, and even fewer could define AIDS. Generally the learners’ HIV/AIDS knowledge levels were high but some misconceptions persisted. Future programmes should emphasise that there is no cure for HIV/AIDS, and that condoms should be used at every sexual encounter. Radio, television and school programmes should emphasise that every person can become infected with HIV/AIDS, if preventive measures are disregarded. / Public Health / M.A. (Public Health)

Underachievement is a perennial problem in many secondary schools in South Africa. One of the reasons for this state of affairs, is the inhibitive learning climate in such schools. This study attempts to determine the extent and causes of the problem and to develop guidelines for parents, teachers, learners and school management teams to resolve some of the issues that cause the problem. This is a qualitative study using focus group and individual interviews. The main findings contributing to underachievement among learners, include lack of parental guidance and supervision, negative attitudes of teachers towards learners, inflexible teaching methods, overcrowded classrooms, lack of resources and facilities in schools, lukewarm attitude of learners towards their work and the absence of positive role models in communities. The findings highlight important factors, which contribute to underachievement among learners in an inhibitive learning climate. The recommendations are an attempt towards solving this important issue. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Special Needs Education)

This dissertation is focused on the possibilities of using the Internet, especially Internet servers that are focused on English learning, teaching and also practice for lower secondary school learners. One of the aims was to find such servers, to compare and assess them, not only from the didactic point of view. Other aspects have been studied - functionality, orientation in the structure of the internet servers. The text and content of the web pages were also taken into consideration. Another criterion is the utilization of these internet servers by teachers and learners. The aim of this dissertation is to give advice to teachers and learners which servers are appropriate to English teching and learning. The practical part includes a survey based on questionnaires among lower secondary school learners. Its aim is to find out whether they already know and use such servers.

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.

The phenomenon of social isolation among school children in most instances goes unnoticed by both teachers and parents and this oversight could have serious negative restraints on the socially isolated child's cognitive, affective, moral, personality and social development. Social isolation can be caused either through being rejected or neglected by the peer group. This study was carried out among primary and secondary school learners to detei:,mine the extent to which these children are socially isolated; and to identify factors contributing to learners' social isolation. The aim of the study is to provide teachers and parents with a foundation and rationale for effective intervention. A literature study was done to identify the factors influencing social isolation. Some of the factors identified were: social competence, self-esteem, psychological well-being, intelligence, academic achievement, moral values, physical disability, sports participation, self-perceived physical attractiveness, self-perceived physical disability, marital status of parents, parental supervision, parental acceptance, parental autonomy granting and parental conflict. All aspects of development (namely, physical, cognitive, affective, personality, moral and social) were studied in relation to the phenomenon of social isolation. By means of an empirical investigation, it was found after a regression analysis that self-esteem, obedience and social competence accounted for most of the variance in social isolation for primary school learners and in the case of secondary school learners, social competence, family supervision and self-esteem. The two most common factors were social competence and selfesteem. From the empirical findings it was also noted that learners' home language and grade were also associated with social isolation. The educational implications of the findings of the literature and the empirical study are discussed and guidelines given to assist teachers and parents to identify and eliminate the factors contributing to the development of isolation among school learners. If both parents and teachers take cognisance of these recommendations and try to implement them, it should help children in their self-actualisation and facilitate their attainment of adulthood with the least developmental restraints. / Psychology of Education / D. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

The phenomenon of social isolation among school children in most instances goes unnoticed by both teachers and parents and this oversight could have serious negative restraints on the socially isolated child's cognitive, affective, moral, personality and social development. Social isolation can be caused either through being rejected or neglected by the peer group. This study was carried out among primary and secondary school learners to detei:,mine the extent to which these children are socially isolated; and to identify factors contributing to learners' social isolation. The aim of the study is to provide teachers and parents with a foundation and rationale for effective intervention. A literature study was done to identify the factors influencing social isolation. Some of the factors identified were: social competence, self-esteem, psychological well-being, intelligence, academic achievement, moral values, physical disability, sports participation, self-perceived physical attractiveness, self-perceived physical disability, marital status of parents, parental supervision, parental acceptance, parental autonomy granting and parental conflict. All aspects of development (namely, physical, cognitive, affective, personality, moral and social) were studied in relation to the phenomenon of social isolation. By means of an empirical investigation, it was found after a regression analysis that self-esteem, obedience and social competence accounted for most of the variance in social isolation for primary school learners and in the case of secondary school learners, social competence, family supervision and self-esteem. The two most common factors were social competence and selfesteem. From the empirical findings it was also noted that learners' home language and grade were also associated with social isolation. The educational implications of the findings of the literature and the empirical study are discussed and guidelines given to assist teachers and parents to identify and eliminate the factors contributing to the development of isolation among school learners. If both parents and teachers take cognisance of these recommendations and try to implement them, it should help children in their self-actualisation and facilitate their attainment of adulthood with the least developmental restraints. / Psychology of Education / D. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

This study explored knowledge, perceptions and attitudes regarding contraception and contraceptive practices among secondary school learners in the Limpopo Province. Self-administered questionnaires were completed by 612 Grade 8 and 332 Grade 12 learners from 24 randomly selected secondary schools. The study found that permissive attitudes prevailed towards sex, characterised by casual sexual activities commencing at 12 years of age. The availability of contraceptive and termination of pregnancy (TOP) services did not enable learners to utilise them, because of social, cultural, financial and service barriers. Most learners were sexually active without being knowledgeable about contraceptives, emergency contraceptives and TOP services. Two workshops conducted with learners produced similar results to those obtained from the completed questionnaires. Semi-structured interviews conducted with nurses, providing contraceptive and TOP services in the Limpopo Province, also substantiated the findings from the questionnaires. Secondary school learners in the Limpopo Province require more knowledge about and ready access to contraceptives to enable them to delay child bearing until they are emotionally, financially and physically ready for these responsibilities. Nurses and teachers in this province can enhance the learners' contraceptive knowledge and utilisation to help learners make better informed decisions about their own and their future children's lives. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

Inclusive education is a fundamental part of South African Education with policies and initiatives being designed to provide support for learners with barriers to learning. With autism as a growing global phenomenon, South Africa has the additional challenge of providing learning support for learners with autism. This dissertation focuses on how one specialised preschool provides inclusive opportunities for preschool learners with autism through learning support. This setting is unique as it shares the same physical location as a mainstream preschool. The study focuses upon how the preschool teachers support their learners with autism so that they can be included within the adjoining inclusive environment. The research was conducted through participant observation and supporting interviews over a period of six months. All observations were recorded through field notes and reflections. The research produced a number of key findings. The shared physical environment enabled teachers and learners from both preschool settings to work together on a daily basis. This had a positive effect upon peer acceptance, staff and learner relationships and opportunities for staff to communicate and work collaboratively on a daily basis. The specialised preschool teachers provided learning support through the adaptation of learning environment, curriculum, multi sensory learning and language and communicative means. The main conclusions drawn from this research were the importance of a close working relationship between staff members and learners from both settings; the importance of adapting communication, environment and learning expectations; and lastly, the importance of focusing upon each individual when providing inclusive opportunities. The research recommends having a specialist setting physically close to an inclusive environment as this enables learners with high needs such as autism to build up the skills needed to benefit from being included. In addition, the research recommends staff in mainstream and specialist settings to have regular opportunity to work together collaboratively when developing learning strategies. Finally, the research recommends the publication of a guideline, outlining the nature of autism and recommended strategies to use within the classroom, which would serve as a flexible document for teachers to adapt to support their individual learners. / Inclusive Education / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)