Magister Psychologiae - MPsych / Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust is an organisation that trains and supervises a team of women counsellors who provide a counselling service to women rape survivors. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of the counsellors and the counselling co-ordinator regarding their perceptions on whether the training provided by the personal growth and counselling skills course is adequate in dealing with rape and its complexities. / South Africa

Magister Psychologiae - MPsych / Despite the unpleasant living conditions in prison, recidivism seems to be an uncontrollable phenomenon. It is evident that prison life is harsh with inmates having to sleep on the floors due to overpopulation, frequently subjected to physical and sexual abuse, and overpopulation leading to numerous communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections. Prison should therefore, be the least favourable ecosystem in which to be incorporated. However, research indicates that thousands of youth return to prison habitually. This study aimed to explore juvenile inmates perceptions of their return to prison. Although recidivism is often measured in terms of the success of rehabilitation programmes, this study focused on eliciting socio-economic factors influencing recidivism. / South Africa

In this research study the researcher attempted to gain an insight on what constitutes sustainability of poverty alleviating projects. Further, the researcher attempted to explore and gain understanding of the role of social worker in promoting sustainability of poverty alleviating projects. Since the literature on sustainability is limited, it is hoped that this study will provide valuable information for further research on the topic. In the limited literature study undertaken however, it was evident that despite the generic service that they provide, social workers have a role to play in community development. It was found that social workers can no longer afford to restrict their service provision to the traditional methods of social work. The egalitarian nature of their profession demands that they occupy the centre stage in poverty alleviation as they are strategically placed between the poor and the decision-makers in government. Eighteen respondents composed of six social workers, six committee members and six community members from six poverty alleviating projects were interviewed. One project from each of the six districts of Tsomo, Nqamakwe, Butterworth, Centane, Idutywa and Willowvale were used in the research study. The fmdings suggested that social workers, committee members and community members have differing opinions on what promotes or impedes sustainability of poverty alleviating projects, All respondents however agreed that participation as well as empowerment through training were basic requirements towards sustainability of poverty alleviating projects. Again the findings agreed with the literature that social workers have an important role to play in promoting sustainability of poverty alleviating projects.

This dissertation proposes the development of an identification verification model that can be implemented within the context of the Eastern Cape, South Africa in order to ensure that vulnerable children are provided with the requisite care that they deserve from the state. The dissertation provides both a developed and developing world perspective on the identification verification needs of vulnerable children by providing an overview of relevant South African policy with regard to caring for vulnerable children and presenting an international perspective with specific reference to current legislative developments in the United Kingdom and Malaysia. Chapter 1 provides a motivation for a framework to be used for the identification verification of children in developing countries by emphasising that the provision of basic social services to children is an urgent requirement for poverty eradication and is a necessity as documented in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. A background to the needs of vulnerable children in South Africa is given and the scope, limitations and research methodology used in the dissertation is presented. Chapter 2 provides an overview of child related policy in the South African Context both from a National Government and Eastern Cape perspective. Although extensive progress has been made in the development of policies aimed at protecting vulnerable children, the practical implementation of these policies has been hampered by numerous issues including the lack of coordination between key entities. Chapter 3 provides an introduction to several noteworthy international developments with regard to the identity verification of vulnerable children. Lessons learnt from identity verification systems from the United Kingdom and Malaysia are analyzed for applicability to the South African context. In addition to this, the use of biometric technology in identity verification systems and a number of biometric identification methodologies available are discussed. Chapter 4 proposes the development and implementation of a biometric identity verification model in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa based on lessons learnt from the assessment of South African policy and international best practice. The system should be piloted in the Eastern Cape and, if successful, be implemented throughout South Africa with a possible view to future implementation on the African continent. The scope of the system, the technological requirements and a high level implementation plan together with the need to further research certain key aspects e.g. the cost implications are discussed. It is clear that the development of such a model and the implementation of such a system will ensure that vulnerable children are provided with the requisite care that they are constitutionally entitled to. Significant follow up research is required during the development of the model to ensure that all aspects of the model are well documented and during the implementation of the system to ensure that the requirements of the users both within the government and the general public are met.

M.Ed. (Educational Psychology) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

Thesis (MCur)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: he sexual health clinic at Stellenbosch University is attended by staff members and students. Yet, limited evidence exists regarding the views and expectations of the clients on service delivery at the sexual health clinic. The aim of the study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of clients attending the sexual health services offered at the campus health clinic. The following objectives were set:  To explore the experiences and perceptions of the clients attending the sexual health service on service delivery.  To identify the needs of the clients attending the sexual health service A descriptive qualitative approach was applied utilizing in-depth interviews. A sample of n=15 was drawn through purposive sampling and data saturation was achieved with the sample. Since the researcher is employed as a registered professional nurse at the clinic, data collection was completed by a researcher not affiliated to the university. Data was analyzed utilizing an interpretive approach. All applicable ethical principles such as anonymity, confidentiality and privacy were taken into consideration. The validity of the findings was enhanced through efforts to attain credibility, transferability, dependability and conformability. The findings of the study revealed that accessibility of the clinic is influenced by the geographical location of the clinic and that marketing and awareness of services requires attention. Other themes that emerged were operational hours, waiting period, building relationships, consultations and financial implications. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die seksuele gesondheidskliniek by Universiteit Stellenbosch word deur personeel en studente besoek. Daar is egter min bewyse oor die sieninge en verwagtinge van die kliente aangaande dienslewering by die seksuele gesondheidskliniek. Die doel van die studie was om die ervaringe en sieninge van kliente wat die seksuele gesondheidsdienste bywoon, aangebied deur die seksuele gesondheidskliniek, te ondersoek. Die volgende doelwitte was gestel:  Om die ervaringe en sieninge van kliente aangaande dienslewering by die seksuele gesondheidskliniek te ondersoek.  Om die behoeftes van die kliente wat die seksuele gesondheidsdienste bywoon, te identifiseer. ʼn Beskrywende kwalitatiewe benadering was toegepas deur van in-diepte onderhoude gebruik te maak. ʼn Steekproef van n=15 was deur doelgerigte steekproefneming verkry en data-versadiging was met die steekproef bereik. Siende die navorser as ʼn geregistreerde professionele verpleegster by die kliniek in-diens is, was data-versameling deur ʼn navorser wat nie aan die universiteit verbonde is nie, voltooi. Data was deur ʼn interpreterende benadering geanaliseer. Alle verwante etiese beginsels soos anonimiteit, vertroulikheid en privaatheid was in berekening geneem. Die geldigheid van die bevindinge was versterk deur pogings om geloofwaardigheid, oordraagbaarheid, betroubaarheid en bevestigbaarheid te verkry. Die bevindinge van die studie het getoon dat die toeganklikheid van die kliniek beïnvloed word deur die geografiese ligging van die kliniek en dat bemarking en die bewusmaking van dienste aandag benodig. Ander temas wat na vore gekom het, is operasionele tye, wagperiodes, verhoudinge, konsultasies en finansiële implikasies.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: There is, as yet, no cure for HIV/AIDS, a disease that has affected South African society profoundly. While antiretrovirals (ARVs) are now available and have stemmed the tide of AIDS deaths, medicines alone cannot be seen as a long-term solution. Treatment costs, finite resources, limited health-care capacity, morbidity and the unpleasant side-effects of ARVs, make treatment an untenable solution. The Christian church in South Africa continues to retain a powerful position; it has a significant affiliation; it is present in most geographic areas and inspires trust and confidence. Furthermore, in my view, the church, by its very nature and calling, is mandated not only to demonstrate and provide care, but also to inspire care-giving. In the light of HIV/AIDS, what does care mean? Can it only mean rendering care that is welfarist in nature? Or does the church have the mandate to look beyond immediate suffering, to examine and address those issues that lie at the core of suffering? Research has demonstrated that issues such as poverty, injustice, stigma, discrimination, gender inequality and patriarchy fuel the pandemic. Ultimately, it is the “othering” of people; the failure not to recognise God in another person and our common humanity, that lie at the heart of the problem. These then, I suggest, are the very reasons why the church must address these areas. But that is not all: if HIV/AIDS care is to be rendered in a developmental way, then there must be a thorough understanding of the disease: how is the virus transmitted, how can it be prevented and treated? It is also important to understand that there is not a single global epidemic but many local epidemics; the determinants and risk-factors of these need to be recognised, as must the cultural, economic, political and social contexts that fuel the spread of the disease. The changing nature of society, the effects of globalisation, the evolving nature of care owing to biomedical advances and even the “privatisation” of sex all need to be comprehended. Furthermore, any meaningful rendering of care requires the churches to examine why they should be giving it and the values that underpin such care-giving. I make the case that the churches are required to do nothing less than drive social change in situations of suffering, injustice and abuse. An examination of the history of HIV/AIDS in South Africa illustrates that the churches have often failed to meet up to this calling. An empirical study was conducted as to how the churches render care at a more micro, grassroots level, using a framework propounded by David Korten, who suggests that authentic development must be people-centred, rather than growthcentred. Essentially, development must seek to increase personal and institutional capacities, guided by principles of justice, sustainability and inclusiveness. In these respects, I argue, it accords very strongly with the Christian message. Korten suggests that there are four orientations (or generations) of rendering help but it is only the fourth generation that is truly developmental. Through the use of case study methodology, I sought to examine the manner in which the churches render care, in a region of the Western Cape, outside Cape Town, known as the Helderberg Basin. The area is representative of many peri-urban areas in the Cape: it is predominantly Christian, with a mix of different denominations and racial and socio-economic groupings. It allowed for an assessment of care initiatives afforded by mainline, charismatic and African Independent Churches and in particular, sought to answer the question of whether churches engage with HIV/AIDS in a way that Korten would identify as developmental. From the research, it is clear that the church is hampered by its inability to talk of sex and sexuality; its knowledge of the issues surrounding HIV/AIDS is limited; it has not done a sufficient amount to conscientise its followers; the church has yet to learn to utilise its networks; it lacks technical know-how and is unwilling to engage in the political sphere. Social change is only possible if the church embraces a new vision of how to create a better world. Additionally, I recommend that the church looks to the emerging church movement to achieve radical transformation. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: MIV/VIGS is ‘n siekte wat Suid-Afrika onmeetbaar beїnvloed en waarvoor daar tot op hede geen genesing is nie. Antiretrovirale middels (ARVs) is weliswaar beskikbaar en het die gety van VIGS sterftes gestuit maar medisyne kan nie alleen as die langtermyn oplossing gesien word nie. Behandelingskoste, beperkte hulpbronne en vermoë om gesondheidsorg te lewer, morbiditeit en die negatiewe newe-effekte van ARVs bring mee dat slegs mediese behandeling ‘n onhoudbare oplossing is. Die Christelike kerk in Suid-Afrika behou steeds ‘n magsposisie; dit het ‘n beduidende lidmaatskap asook ‘n teenwoordigheid in meeste dele van die land en boesem vertroue en sekerheid in. Dié kerk is na my mening gemandateer deur haar besondere aard en roeping om nie alleen sorg te bewys en te voorsien nie maar ook om versorging aan te moedig. Maar wat beteken sorg, gegewe die aard van MIV/VIGS? Kan dit slegs die lewering van welsyngerigte sorg beteken? Of sou die kerk die mandaat hê om verder as onmiddellike lyding te kyk en ondersoekend die kwessies wat aan die wortel van lyding lê, aan te spreek? Navorsing het aangetoon dat kwessies soos armoede, onreg, stigma, diskriminasie, geslagsongelykheid en patriargie die epidemie aanvuur. Uiteindelik is dit die objektivering (“othering”) van mense - dit is die onvermoë om God nie in ‘n ander persoon en ons gemeenskaplike mensheid te herken nie - wat die hart van die probleem is. Ek betoog dat hierdie die redes is waarom die kerk hierdie kwessies moet aanspreek. Om ondersoek in te stel of en tot watter mate die kerk sorg verskaf in verband met MIV/VIGS het ek die raamwerk van David Korten gebruik. Dié raamwerk stel voor dat outentieke ontwikkeling mensgesentreerd eerder as groeigesentreed sal wees. Ontwikkeling moet essensieel streef na ‘n toename van persoonlike en institusionele vermoë, gerig deur beginsels van geregtigheid, volhoubaarheid en inklusiwiteit. Ek toon aan dat hierdie beginsels baie sterk ooreenkom met die Christelike boodskap. Korten stel vier hulplewerende oriëntasies (ook genoem generasies) voor maar dit is eintlik slegs die vierde generasie van hulp wat werklik ontwikkelingsgerig is. Maar dit is nie al nie. Indien MIV/VIGS versorging ontwikkelingsgerig gaan wees, moet dit gegrond wees op ‘n diepgaande verstaan en kennis van die siekte soos onder andere, hoe die virus versprei word en hoe die siekte voorkóm en behandel kan word? Dit is ook belangrik om te verstaan dat daar nie slegs ‘n enkele globale epidemie is nie maar verskeie lokale epidemies. Die veroorsakende en risiko faktore van hierdie epidemies moet daarom geїdentifiseer word en so ook die kulturele, ekonomiese, politieke en sosiale konteks wat die verspreiding van hierdie siekte aanhelp. Die veranderende aard van gemeenskappe, die effek van globalisering, die ontwikkelende aard van gesondheidsorg vanweë die vooruitgang in die mediese wetenskap en die “privatisering” van seks moet alles in ag geneem word. Betekenisvolle versorging vereis dat kerke ondersoek instel na waarom die versorging aangebied word en die waardes onderliggend daaraan. Ek stel die saak dat daar van kerke verwag word om sosiale verandering te stuur waar mense swaarkry, onregverdig behandel en misbruik word. ‘n Ondersoek na die geskiedenis van MIV/VIGS in Suid-Afrika illustreer dat kerke dikwels misluk het om aan hierdie roeping gehoor te gee. In opvolging van die bostaande argumente het ek navorsing uitgevoer oor hoe kerke sorg op ‘n mikro of voetsool-vlak aanbied. Hiervoor het ek die genoemde mensgesentreerde ontwikkelingsraamwerk van David Korten gebruik. ‘n Gevalstudie benadering is gevolg in die Helderbergkom wat geleë is in ‘n streek van Wes- Kaapland buite Kaapstad. Hierdie gebied is verteenwoordigend van baie buitestedelike gebiede van die Kaap: dit is oorwegend Christelik en sluit ‘n verskeidenheid van denominasies, rasse en sosio-ekonomiese groeperings in. Die gebied maak ‘n oorsig moontlik van die sorg-inisiatiewe van hoofstroom, charismatiese en Afrika onafhanklike Kerke, en in die besonder van ‘n identifikasie daarvan of kerke betrokke by MIV/VIGS dit doen op ‘n wyse wat Korten sou tipeer as ontwikkelingsgerig. Uit hierdie navorsing het dit duidelik geword dat die kerk gekniehalter word deur ‘n onvermoë om oor seks en seksualiteit te praat; die kerk se kennis beperk is wanneer dit kom by kwessies wat handel oor MIV/VIGS; dit nie genoeg doen om lidmate bewus te maak van VIGS kwessies nie; dit nog veel te leer het oor hoe om netwerke aan te wend; dit tegniese kennis kort en onwillig is om met sake van politieke belang om te gaan. Sosiale verandering is alleen moontlik indien die kerk ‘n nuwe visie voorhou oor hoe om ‘n beter wêreld te skep. Ek beveel ten slotte aan dat die kerk let op die ontluikende kerkbeweging om radikale transformasie te verwesenlik.

Thesis (MSocialWork)--Stellenbosch University, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The research originated from the researcher's interest in the effect of high-risk pregnancy, premature birth and infancy on the emotional well-being of parents. The research undertaken particularly focused on exploring the psychosocial experiences of parents with a premature infant. The study aimed at investigating various social work intervention strategies that can be applied to address the problematic factors parents with a premature infant are confronted with. The purpose of this research is to provide a theoretical knowledge basis, in order to set guidelines for social work intervention, to ensure effective service rendering to parents with premature infants. The research report includes a review of the literature discussing premature labour and birth, the premature infant and the psychosocial experiences of parents. Social work in health care, kangaroo care, crisis intervention, family therapy and grief counselling are also discussed to create a theoretical knowledge basis in order to serve as a guideline for social workers, to ensure effective and efficient social work service rendering to parents with a premature infant. The empirical research involved the use of both qualitative and quantitative methods to explore the psychosocial experiences of parents and the effectiveness of social work intervention. The population admitted in the Military hospital during the period 2001 to 2003 consisted of +- 60 cases. To enable the researcher to conduct the research study 50% of the overall population was used which resulted in a sample of 20 respondents consulted in the period 2002 to 2003. The respondents were invited to a group meeting where questionnaires, which included open-ended and closed questions, were used to collect the data. The results obtained were analyzed and compared to relevant literature in order to assess the reliability of the research. Conclusions were drawn and recommendations were offered from the findings of the study. The fmdings of this study serve as a guideline for professionals, specifically social workers in the medical setting, to be able to render an effective service to parents with a premature infant. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die oorsprong van hierdie navorsing het ontstaan na aanleiding van die navorser se belangstelling rakende die effek wat hoë-risiko swangerskap, premature kraam en die premature baba op die emosionele welstand van die ouer het. Die navorsingsondersoek fokus spesifiek daarop om die psigo-sosiale ondervindinge van ouers te verken. Die studie poog ook daarin om verskeie maatskaplike intervensiestrategieë te ondersoek wat aangewend kan word om die problematiese faktore waarmee ouers gekonfronteer word aan te spreek. Die doel van die navorsing is om 'n teoretiese kennisbasis daar te stel wat as riglyne benut kan word vir die implementering van maatskaplikewerk-intervensie ten einde 'n effektiewe diens aan ouers met premature babas te kan lewer. Die navorsingsverslag bied 'n oorsig van die literatuur waarin premature kraam, die premature baba en die psigo-sosiale ondervindinge van ouers in diepte bespreek word. Verskeie maatskaplike intervensiestrategieë word ook bespreek met verwysing na maatskaplike werk in die gesondheidsektor, kangaroosorg, krisisingryping, gesinsterapie en rouberading. Die empiriese studie sluit in die benutting van beide die kwalitatiewe en kwantitatiewe metodes ten einde die psigososiale ondervindings van ouers met premature babas te verken asook die effektiwiteit van maatskaplikewerk-intervensie te ondersoek. Die totaal ouers met premature babas opgeneem in die Militêre hospitaal vir die tydperk 2001 tot 2003 het +- 60 gevalle beloop. Ten einde dit dus vir die navorser moontlik te maak om die navorsingstudie te kan onderneem is 50% van die populasie betrek in die navorsingstudie waaruit 'n steekproef van 20 respondente saamgestel is met wie gekonsulteer is in die periode 2002 tot 2003. Die respondente is genooi na 'n groepvergadering waartydens vraelyste uitgedeel is om data te bekom. Oop en geslote vrae is ingesluit in die vraelyste. Die resultate en bevindinge verkry is geanaliseer en vergelyk met die literatuur om die betroubaarheid van die navorsing te toets. Gevolgtrekkinge is gemaak en aanbevelings daarop gebaseer is na aanleiding van die bevindinge van die studie aangebied. Die bevindinge van hierdie studie kan aangewend word as 'n riglyn vir professionele persone met spesifieke verwysing na maatskaplike werkers in die gesondheid sektor, om 'n effektiewe diens te kan lewer aan ouers met premature babas.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The HIV/AIDS pandemic is destroying young adults in the prime of their lives. Children not only become orphans, but also gain instant “adult” status – becoming heads of households, breadwinners and customers. Children who fill such roles must be recognised as important stakeholders with regard to business. As limited available estimations suggest that South Africa is home to 800 000 orphans, corporations must realise that it will make good business sense to invest in the country’s AIDS orphans1 today, as these children will constitute both their future clients and employees. This study examines trends in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of five major corporations in the South African motor manufacturing sector. AIDS orphans were also involved in the study through participation in three focus group discussions. The evidence reveals that corporations do not recognise AIDS orphans as important stakeholders to business, nor do they see it as their responsibility to carry the burden of care for such children. Orphans felt that corporations in this business sector do not care about their needs and well-being. They regarded companies who were involved in CSR projects in their communities as “caring” and this resulted in the children hosting positive feelings towards involved companies. They even expressed the desire to purchase their brand of motor vehicle, as opposed to competitor’s brands that were not involved (through CSR) in their community, in future. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die MIV/VIGS pandemie is besig om die lewens van jongmense te verwoes. Kinders word nie alleenlik wees gelaat nie, maar word ook oornag volwassenes. Hulle word die hoof van huishoudings, broodwinners en kliënte vir besighede. Kinders wat hierdie rolle vervul moet daarom as belangrike aandeelhouers in die besigheidswêreld erken word. Beperkte skattings veronderstel dat Suid-Afrika tans ongeveer 800 000 weeskinders huisves. Besighede moet, in die lig hiervan, besef dat dit goeie besigheidssin maak om in VIGSWeeskinders1 te belê, aangesien hierdie kinders hul toekomstige kliënte en werknemers is. Hierdie studie ondersoek tendense in besighede se sosiale verwantwoordelikheidsinitiatiewe (“Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives”), binne die motorvervaardigingsbedryf van Suid- Afrika. VIGS-Weeskinders was ook nouliks by die studie betrokke, deur middel van deelname aan drie fokusgroepbesprekings. Die studie het bewys dat besighede nie VIGSWeeskinders as belangrike aandeelhouers erken nie, en dat dit ook nie as hul plig gesien word om na weeskinders om te sien nie. Weeskinders, daarenteen, was van die opinie dat besighede in dié bepaalde bedryf nie omsien na hul welstand, of probeer om in hul behoeftes te voorsien nie. Kinders het wel besighede wat betrokke is by sosiale verwantwoordelikheidsinitiatiewe in hul gemeenskappe, beskryf as “liefdevol”, en dit het daartoe gelei dat kinders positiewe houdings jeens sulke besighede gehuldig het. Kinders het selfs die behoefte uitgespreek om, eendag eerder handelsmerke se voertuie te koop wat wel sosiale verwantwoordelikheidsinitiatiewe in hul gemeenskappe bedryf, as dié wat niks doen om hul lot te verlig nie.

South Africa is one of the countries hardest hit with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic. In response to the epidemic, the South African government adopted the Comprehensive HIV & AIDS Care, Management and Treatment programme strategic plan (CCMT) in 2000 (1) and developed the Operational Plan for CCMT for antiretroviral therapy rollout in 2003 (2). In order to monitor the progress of the implementation of CCMT, the National Department of Health (NDOH) adopted the Monitoring and Evaluation (M & E) framework in 2004 (3). The aim of this study was to assess the HIV & AIDS programme in Grahamstown‘s public sector health care system by using the national M & E indicators of the HIV & AIDS programme. The national M & E framework was used as the data collection tool and available information was collected from various sources such as the District Health Office (DHO), Primary Health Care (PHC) office, accredited antiretroviral sites and the provincial pharmaceutical depot. Group interviews were conducted with key stakeholder health care professionals at the District Health Office, Primary Health Care office, Settlers Hospital and the provincial Department of Health personnel. A one-on-one interview was conducted with the Deputy Director of HIV & AIDS Directorate, monitoring and evaluation in the National Department of Health. Available indicators such as budget and expenditure including antiretroviral procurement; human resources; nutrition-related indicators; prevention care and treatment indicators were collected. A group interview was conducted to document current practices, or where there was a lack of documentation, for indicators such as traditional medicines and pharmacovigilance. Most of the national M & E indicators are not required to be collected or collated by the district because the reporting format designed by the provincial Department of Health is different. Facilities, districts and provinces in South Africa are at different levels of implementation of the antiretroviral programme and hence a common format of the M & E indicators is not used by all provinces. Uniform data collection is not achieved due to human resources‘ constraints and other challenges such as continued use of manual reporting systems by the clinics. Districts are expected to report according to the formats drawn up by the provincial Department of Health (DOH) and there is a lack of awareness regarding the national M & E document amongst the Grahamstown Health Care Professionals. There is a need for training on the use of the M & E national framework so that the HCPs at the primary and secondary levels of the health care system are proficient with the process of M & E, and can provide inputs as well as take ownership of the process. The establishment of an M & E unit in Grahamstown is essential so that data collection and submission of the HIV & AIDS programme in the public sector according to the National M & E framework is addressed. However, despite all constraints and challenges in the public sector health care system in Grahamstown, available human and financial resources are being used effectively to maintain the HIV & AIDS programme.